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.