An event so big, it warrants a t-shirt

Family Vacations...whew, where do we start?

We recently returned from the Hoglund variety of family vacation, one that came complete with matching t-shirts (designed by Melissa, zealously support by Grandpa Dave, rebelliously protested by April, and nonetheless worn by all). We spent half the time in Yosemite, and the other half in Lancaster, CA. Despite feeling right at home in Lancaster, needless to say, Yosemite gets the nod.

The round up of the trip includes some high-highs, and some low-lows. Back-to-back birdies on the golf course one day, a 24 hour flu bug that rampages through the family the next. Enjoying a good read on the couch while the baby is sleeping one moment, flooding the kitchen due to putting the wrong kind of dish soap in the dishwasher the next. Throw in some great times at the pool and beach, being electrocuted while trying to get a free game on pinball, lots of games, and some epic thrift store shopping...well, it's hard to ask for more.

Seeing family that we don't see nearly enough was, by far, the highlight. Jon, Andrea, and Joy being back from Ukraine, Sarah returning from her recent trip to Japan and China, seeing April right before she heads to Tunisia...with a family running around the world like that, it's a rare treat to all get together. We enjoyed it almost as much as Joel enjoyed the below fruit smoothie.



Looking forward to next time.

-the Nickerson's

Catching, throwing, surgery, serving...and oh yes, a first birthday!

Well, we can't brag about our 'post something every 4-6 months' blog, so instead, we'll brag about Joel showing off his catching and throwing skills in the video below.


And don't mind that big-nasty boot Dustin is wearing. His anti-arthritic ankle surgery on May 21st went well, and he's thrilled to be done with the hard part of the recovery. And despite all the pain and nausea, he wouldn't have traded places with Melissa for a second, who faithfully took care of a very needy baby and an even needier husband. Praise Jesus for her!

And oh yes, on May 13th, Joel turned one!

Yes, it was over a year ago (on Mother's Day) that God gave us little Joel. It's been such a joy to watch and grow, and of course, be stretched and grown alongside him.

We had some friends and family over, and Joel participated in what seems to be an unofficial American tradition. That is, mom throws down a piece of cake on the tray of the high chair, and 1-year old dives head first into a sugary bliss. How much of the cake ends up in their stomachs? Not much, at least compared to the amount on their face. Fun for all involved, and what a photo-op.

Dreaming of a green Christmas...

...that is, green because we're doing a Christmas blog as opposed to sending out Christmas cards. You paper-wasting mongrels...Merry Christmas to you all!

Here are some pictures for you to enjoy. The first of Joel in his Christmas sweater (that's a little too big, but we only get a couple more weeks out of it), and the other a shot of us at the Mars Hill Staff Christmas Party at Hotel 1000 downtown.


Hope all is well everyone. Love you all.

Dustin, Melissa, and Joel

Señor Joel's First Halloween

The day came and passed, and Joel never left the house. He did, however, get to sport his authentic poncho from Grandpa Don. But, as the video below shows, he was more interested in this new toy than he was any costume.

Roll on over, roll on over baby

As mentioned in the previous blog, Joel has been rolling over...a lot. It's pretty much all he likes to do now. And here is some documented proof, though it took some convincing on mom's part.

4 months later, we're still alive and kickin...

If there is ever a span of time when it's OK not update your blog for 4 months, it's the first 4 months of your first child's life. Agreed? Well regardless, that’s our reasoning.

To recap, here’s a list of 10 important things that have happened between then and now:

1. Joel’s first poop
2. Joel’s first smile
   
3. Joel’s first roll over
4. Joel’s first teething experience
5. Joel’s first sleep through the night
6. A Mars Hill road trip to Lake Tahoe with 50 high schoolers
7. Joel’s first trip to Lake Tahoe (via plane), and more importantly, his first meeting of Grandpa Dave (right, getting some chores done)
   
8. The Husky football team beat Syracuse and Boise State
9. Miss Teen South Carolina
10. Our three year wedding anniversary
    

Links, pictures, and videos; they're the new writing.

Joel Taylor Nickerson

On Mother's Day, May 13th, at 1:10 PM, Joel Taylor Nickerson was born to us. He was born a healthy 8 pounds, 10 ounces, and 20 1/2 inches long. Mel and Joel are both doing great, and we were all sent home by the nurses the next day.

We praise the Lord for His exceeding goodness in blessing us with this child!