Blast From the Past

In 1997, a song was released and became one of the most popular songs of the 90s. You may remember it - it is a little ditty called "MMMBop" and I am willing to bet that, right about now, you have already begun humming it! Since our family travels a lot to visit family, we listen to a lot of music and, for our last road trip, I made two 90s/early 2000's mixes for some nostalgic listening. I love to add some of the really corny songs that were popular (usually to see the look on Chris' face when he hears them), so of course MMMBop made the cut.

What I didn't plan on was how much the kids loved it. We have listened to that song about 10 times this week while driving to and from VBS. Normally, my Hanson quota is about once every few months, but to look to the back seat and see Emma and Ethan jamming to the beat makes it worth it. Don't believe me? Check out how amazingly cute these two are:

Jamming to MMMBop

Busy Little Bees

It is hard to believe that the first official day of summer began this week because we have been busy little bees for a few weeks now. Emma has started swim lessons and, after a emotional first class, has decided that she loves to swim! We always knew this, of course, but the class has officially sealed it for her. I am happy to have some special time with her each week (Ethan stays home with daddy) and hope that this is one of those memories she will keep forever!

Last weekend, we were visited by Nani and Papa and the fun never stopped! They even watched the kiddos overnight while Chris and I took a mini-vacation to Cincinnati to celebrate our anniversary. It marks the first time that Chris and I have been away from the kids since Emma was born (three and a half years) and it was a little strange to go on a trip without pack-n-plays, oatmeal, and car seats! We had an amazing time shopping, going to the Reds baseball game, and eating good food. The best part of the trip was knowing that my babies were safe and sound with Nani and Papa. When we got back, I thought for sure they would run to me with open arms yelling, "Mommy!", but they foiled me and ran straight to Chris, yelling, "Daddy!"

The Great American Ballpark

Take me out to the ballgame!

The rest of the weekend with my parents was equally fun and I enjoyed learning from my mom as we crafted and sewed. She is the sewing expert and I am still in the learning phase. But, with our powers combined, we successfully completed several projects. The biggest of which was curtains for the window by Emma's bed. That window has been the bane of my existence since we moved in and it looks so nice now. We also got to spend Father's day with my dad and Chris, which was very special. Normally, I do not get to see my dad on father's day, so it was a real privilege to be able to honor him and Chris together!

Finally, one of my favorite parts of the weekend was the gift that Nani and Papa got Ethan for his birthday - a vacuum! Ethan LOVES our big vacuum. He will run after you yelling and giggling when you vacuum and, on several occasions, I have found him in the closet hugging it. Needless to say, when he got a look at his very own vacuum, the look was priceless. It is probably the most-used gift he has ever gotten and the best part it that it really vacuums! Finally, a chore for Ethan!

Get it out of the box, Nani!



So excited to use his new vacuum!

Five Years Later - Thank You!

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary today, we wanted to devote this blog post to those of you who were a part of our wedding as participants. We truly believe that if you are involved in a wedding ceremony, whether it be as part of the wedding party, the pastor(s), ushers, or musicians that you are a part of affirming the marriage of the bride and the groom. When we chose you to participate, it was because you were each uniquely special to us and it was important for us to have people in our wedding who value marriage as much as we do. Thank you all for standing with us on that day as we began our life together and for your love, prayers, encouragement and support since.

We cherish our individual friendships with you, and though we live apart from most, we think of you often and pray that God would continue to bless you as you seek His face. Each of you that participated in the wedding should have received (or will shortly) a personal card from us thanking you specifically for what you mean to our family. The Lord has blessed us immensely with your friendship and we cherish you greatly. From Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, and beyond you have blessed us more than you will ever know.

We would be remiss if we did not affirm that it is only through the cross of Christ that we can stand before God as righteous and know peace. It is our prayer that if you are walking with the Lord that you would continue to press on toward the goal. If you are far from the Lord, may He draw you in and show Himself faithful.

Thank you again for making our wedding day five years ago so special. We love and appreciate all of you and ask that you would continue to keep us in your prayers as we seek to glorify God in our marriage, family, and ministry.

Love,
Chris and Stephanie

Matron of Honor Wendy and Best Man Matt

Our wonderful wedding party: Steve, Kari, Jon, Jenny, Wendy, Lindsey, Jeff, Jacob, Brooke, Matt, Heather, Micah, Katie, Tim, Seth, and Lauryn

Our ushers: Gary, Kerry, Jim, Joel, Aaron and Kyle (not pictured)

One of our favorite parts of our wedding was the music. Special thanks to Kevin, Kristin, Eric, Barry, and Violet. We still cannot believe how unbelievably beautiful the music was!

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We would love to hear from you! Please do not hesitate to write us at thedilleys@gmail.com or call.

Happy Birthday Ethan!

It is so hard to believe, but one year ago today Ethan joined our family and changed our lives forever. It has always been a tradition for Chris and I to think back on the day our children were born and what we were thinking and doing. I remember being so excited that the day had finally arrived! I must admit that before he was born I wondered to myself, "will I love him as much as I love my Emma?", but when they placed this tiny baby in my arms and his big blue eyes looked into mine, I was a goner. He had me, and still does. I love him more today than I did the day he was born - a feat that I thought impossible.

Ethan is a kind and sweet child. He definitely shares the energy of his sister, but when he is in my arms, he loves to hug his momma. Some of my favorite moments with him are when he is in my arms, his head is rested on my shoulder, and he gently runs his tiny little hand up and down my arm.

He has an infectious giggle, and loves his big sister unconditionally. Every morning, he "talks" and laughs with Emma across the room from his crib to her in bed. Each night, he smiles and sighs as she kisses his forehead before bed, and in between they are inseparable as they play and grow together.

It really is impossible to convey how much joy Ethan brought to our family on June 4, 2010. You know from the moment they are born that your life has changed forever, but it is amazing to see what blessings God has brought to us this year through our little man. Ethan, we are so happy that God sent you to us and we are so blessed to be called your family. You are a smart, handsome little man and we cannot wait to see you continue to grow! Happy First Birthday, Ethan! We love you more than you know!

Love,
Daddy, Mommy, and Emma

Swimming, Sparklers, and S'Mores

This past weekend was full of lots of fun with friends and family! Saturday, Emma, Ethan, and I headed to the public pool where they have a small water park where we met Mrs. Leah, Kendall, and baby Arden. It has been in the 90s, so the kids enjoyed cooling off in the sprinklers while the moms hoped the exercise would bring long naps! Even Ethan had a great time chasing the girls around. Needless to say, the Dilley family will be making a lot of visits to the pool this summer - it looks like it is going to be another hot one this year!

The girls

Emma and Kendall Playing

Ethan deciding how wet he really wants to get!

The Kids having a little pow-wow!

Sunday, we enjoyed a great day of worship at our church, and Ethan got a much needed trim! He sat still and seemed to enjoy the process, so I am counting my blessings. Here are some pictures of our handsome man:

Crazy Hair!

Oh, that look!

Memorial Day was special because Chris had work off and we were able to spend the entire day together. We hit the mall and Target in the morning for a little sale shopping and Emma got an all-American tradition for lunch - a Happy Meal! After naps, we played outside the rest of the afternoon. Before bed, we got Emma nice and dirty by making her a s'more. She savored ever tiny little bite and made that thing last for at least 45 minutes. Finally, we finished the day off with one of mommy's favorite things to do - sparklers!

Mmmmm!

Happy Memorial Day!

Whether you spent Memorial Day doing lots of fun activities, spending time with family and friends, or both, I hope you took a moment to remember all of the men and women who gave their lives for our safety and freedom through the generations. I also feel indebted to all of those who currently serve and to their families who serve along with them on the home front - Thank You!