Dear Luke, 13 & 14 months

Dear Luke,

Where did the summer go?  We have been partying hard around here!   We've been enjoying all the things summer has to offer, as well as getting ready to launch the new church campus, search for and purchase a new home.  Needless to say, it has been one packed summer.  I may or may not have been a little stressed these past few months, but with out a doubt you have been my stress reliever.  All it takes is one giggle from you and I am reminded of God's incredible faithfulness.

One of your favorite summer activities was getting wet.  Your fearlessness in and around the water was a little surprising as well as nerve racking.   This summer we took a Hoffman family vacation to Indian River, MI in July.  It was so beautiful and we spent a lot of time at Burt Lake and Lake Michigan.  You went on your first boat ride with Uncle Josh and after getting over wearing the life jacket that squished your cheeks up to your eyebrows and forced your arms out like sticks on a snow man, you LOVED it.   You also had your first experience with Lake Michigan.  For your Dad and I, Lake Michigan is at the top of our list when it comes to favorite places.  It brings back such sweet memories or our childhood summers.  It was pretty great watching you enjoy it as much as your Dad and I do.

In addition to vacations we also celebrated weddings.

Took a visit to Holland to see your other cousins Emily and Abbi

And had lots and lots of trips to the zoo and to the park.

You have done a lot of growing and learning this summer.  There is a long list of things you learned to do, so if you don't mind I am just going to list them.
You can sign "more", and "all done"

You know what animals are which, but every animal makes the sound of a dog.  

You can stack blocks as tall as you can reach

You can run

You have 6 teeth

You love to sit in your reading corner and turn every page of every book

You are curious about everything and insist on exploring every space and corner of the new places you visit.  

You love to point and say "dat" which means- what's that?  

You have thrown some tantrums that include arching your back and falling to the floor

You give the sweetest kisses and prefer to give them out of the blue  

You say, "HI!" to every one who passes by

You like to find things on the floor and hand them to me  

You LOVE to be tickled.  You've learned to open and shut your hands, which means- TICKLE ME!

You give high fives and knuckles (dad's favorite trick)

You point at everything and you are learning to tell people how old you are by holding up 1 finger
You like to give hugs and snuggles. 

You like to put things under your chin and walk around with them there  

You are getting so smart and are understanding so much of what we say

I'm sure I am forgetting lots of cute tricks and milestones, but I hope you know that we have treasured each new discovery and want you to keep loving to learn.  We are so proud of you.  I have LOVED spending this summer with you.   Your Dad and I often comment that we can't believe God gave you to us.  We are learning new things about parenting all the time, mostly that it's really hard, but our very treasured responsibility.

I love you sweet Luke,

Mom