Typical Colton

We're having a good summer in Florence - I can't believe how quickly it's flying by! This week has been great since the weather cooled down a bit (it's supposed to get hot again this week, though). I've started running - trying to keep up with my sister and her hubby (my Dad, too) who are training for the Motor City 1/2 Marathon in October. Jenn and Nate are visiting us in September so it's my goal to be able to run with them while they're here. I'm actually enjoying running so far - even though I'm nervous about increasing the milage. I am finally feeling the need to get into good shape again (don't judge me for taking 2 years post-baby to get there) and it feels good to push myself.

The (slightly) slower pace of summer has also given us the chance to connect a little more with some friends here. We're really enjoying some much needed time to deepen relationships with other people in Florence. God's been showing me recently just how much I need community in my life - and not just the great friends I have back in America, but new friends here in Italy, too. A friend here helped me realize just last week that, even though this move has been/is hard, God called us here knowing everything we would need to thrive. That includes friends! He will provide relationships for us - but we have to ask in faith and believe He will do it. Since then I have been asking, believing, and seeing Him work. I'm so thankful for that! Please pray with us that God would continue to provide people here that we can "go deep" with - people who would encourage us in our relationships with Christ and visa versa. Thank you!

Besides that nothing much new is going on. I am anxiously awaiting a visit from one of my best friends - Sara! She arrives in Florence in just 11 days. :) We are also enjoying Colton so much right now. Though he wears me out on a daily basis (How can such a small person have so much energy?!?) we know that this time will fly by so we are trying to savor each day.

Here's a video for you to enjoy. It gives just a little glimpse into daily life with Colton. Now that he's starting to talk he rarely stops making noise! In the car yesterday I caught some video of him singing, "Boom, boom, boom!" from the Black Eyed Peas and he just kept going after he was done singing. Turn the volume on your computer all the way up (the noise of the car makes it a little hard to hear Colton) and enjoy!