Meeting our Niece

Last weekend, Ryan and I headed to Nashville. Ryan's mom was also able to fly in from Texas. It was our first time to meet our niece, Isabel, and though we weren't there too long, we were also able to be at Aby's third birthday party, which was fun. It's amazing how quickly kids grow up. We saw Joshua and Aby 3 months ago, but they both seemed so much bigger!

One morning, we headed to the Pancake Pantry, which is one of our favorite breakfast places. Joshua and Aby both got chocolate chip pancakes and made such a mess. They were so cute covered in chocolate!

Later that day, we were able to enjoy the wonderful weather as we played outside. Ryan and Brandon played basketball, and the kids played on their toy cars. Joshua tried to get Wally to ride on his motorized jeep, but Wally wasn't having it. He was able to wiggle out of Joshua's arms before I could even snap a second picture.

Isabel was so tiny and sweet. Babies are such a gift from the Lord! We're eager to get to spend more time with her soon.

Chi-Town

Ryan and I recently made a trip to Chicago with our friends Tory, Kedra, Abigail and Nathan. I had to do some continuing education, so we all decided to make a weekend of it.

We weren't sure if we were going to be able to make it to Chicago due to bad weather, but we were able to get out of town before it hit. After we left, Louisville got one foot of snow! I can't believe we missed it! The city pretty much shut down the next day. I haven't seen that much snow since I was a small child living in Denver. Unfortunately, by the time we got back, most of it had melted.

Chicago was a blast. Getting there and back was an adventure in and of itself. I never knew Indianapolis could be such a confusing city. I think we spent 3 hours there on the way to Chicago. If you're unsure of how that's possible, just ask Tory. :)

The weather in Chicago was very cold, and it was snowing, but nothing like it was in Louisville. We had fun walking the Magnificent Mile, though we weren't able to tolerate the freezing cold too long so we ducked into shops and restaurants. Luckily, we got a fantastic deal on the Intercontinental Hotel, which is right in the middle of everything, so we didn't have to walk too far. Our hotel, by the way, was beautiful! I had to take pictures.

We also took the scenic route on the way home. We were all exhausted, but I think that those were some of the funniest moments of the trip. Praise the Lord for the gift of laughter (something we experienced a whole lot of) and precious friends!

No Mas

Glasses and contacts, that is. (At least for the next 10-15 years until we need reading glasses.)

Ryan's surgery went well--he's already 20/20 in each eye. We couldn't be more excited about both of our results. We are reminded, though, that the degradation of our vision is a result of the Fall. God created the world good. However, Adam's (and our) sin corrupted the world and our bodies and our souls. So our eyes and our lungs and our hearts fail. Yet all is made right by Jesus' obedience, death on the cross, resurrection from the dead, and ascension into Heaven. And while we're thrilled for the restoration of our vision, we most eagerly await Christ's return, when we (with all who love Him) will realize the final, full, and lasting re-creation of not only our bodies but also the whole world!

Last night, I decided to get together all of our old glasses and unused boxes of contacts. It will be fun to be rid of these, not only because of all the drawer space all of it has occupied, but to know that we can wake up each morning and see without the need of these things. It is difficult to break the habit of reaching for your glasses as soon as you wake up, or not worrying that you need to take out your contacts before you go to sleep.

Before









During









After


(By the way, Ryan was instructed to wear these sunglasses to protect his eyes until he could get home and put on the fun safety goggles.)

One Down, One to Go

LASIK, that is. It's been a little more than a month since I had LASIK, and let me tell you, I couldn't be more pleased with the results--20/15 in each eye, which is better than 20/20.

Well, tomorrow afternoon, Ryan is scheduled to have LASIK as well. Those of you with great vision probably can't appreciate this, but after wearing glasses/contacts for most of your life, it's a pretty incredible thing to be able to see without them.

We'll keep you posted about the results, but tomorrow morning will be the last time Ryan will have to wear glasses. He can't wait!

Isabel Katie Bishop

Our niece, Isabel, was born Tuesday, February 26 at 8:39 in the morning. Isabel was 7lb 10oz and 19.5in long. Both Isabel and Jill are doing well, and we're really looking forward to meeting Isabel soon! Isn't she adorable!?