Vacation

Our family vacation came in September this year and we all had a wonderful time. The cooler temperatures and less crowded attractions really made the trip more enjoyable. We spent a lot of time hiking, observing nature, playing and relaxing.

John made sure the week wasn't wasted and taught the kids everything he could about plants, animals, trees, stars and rocks. We even captured 2 catapillars in hopes the would turn to butterflies, but they did not. I truly count it a blessing to have the ability to get away for a while and enjoy the beauty God created without interuptions. We are so busy and so 'plugged in' all of the time that the simple things of life slip by. My children have grown so fast and so quickly that I find myself forgetting what they were like when they were little.
Life is a gift, one to be treasured and celebrated.

Learning To Fish

On vacation this fall Hannah and Luke learned to fish. With their Papa at their side, they learn all the FUNdamentals and had a good time.



Too bad they didn't catch anything. Luke was pretty sad about that.

Hannah and Luke

Hannah Joy 7 1/2

LukeAaron James 4 1/2

Cousins

David, Daniel, Hannah, Kerith and Luke enjoying a refreshing water balloon fight on a hot day.

Balloon Festival

Having Andrea's family with us this summer for the July 4th Balloon Festival was exciting for everyone. Above you can see Hannah and Kerith enjoying snow cones, it was a bit warm and they wanted to cool down. Below, Luke is wrestling with his snow cone also. It is green of course like everything in his life, from clothes to food. I don't know that he truly likes green flavored things, but he eats them anyway, just because they are green. He's a funny kid.

More than 40 balloon's lifted off in perfect weather. It was a beautiful site as always. Below, David is asking us all some hard question I am sure. David thinks things through and has a very bright and inquisitive mind. He's a great kid and growing so fast. I don't know if my niece and nephews had seen hot air balloons before, but they were very fascinated by them and watched them intently.

Family Celebrations

John's 'brother' Aaron got married this summer and we enjoyed their shower on a beautiful day. Andrea made the cake for them.

Hannah and cousin Addi

Aaron and Addi

Aaron and Tara

Cousins

This spring and summer brought wonderful visits with Andrea's sister and her family. Hannah and Luke got to know and enjoy their cousins for a few weeks. They got along great and warmed up to each other fast. It was great to see the friendships grow.


In regards to things growing, the kids and Bob helped get our garden ready for planting. Their help meant a lot as John was laid up with a sore foot and Andrea's fibromyalgia doesn't allow her to do much hard physical labor. We were able to plant 52 tomato plants and many pepper plants also. We are looking forward to a wonderful harvest so we can make lots of spaghetti sauce. Put your orders in now and we will be happy to share!

Sibling Love

Easter

Easter this year was a beautiful day. We were able to celebrate it with a wonderful feast with Andrea's parents and John's adopted family. Of course we also had the usual Easter egg dyeing, egg hunt and hidden Easter baskets. Most of all we celebrated the most wonderful gift the world has ever know. About 2000 years ago, God sent his son to die in our place, to pay the price for our sins so that we can be made right before a perfect, loving and just God. More than that, he offered this free gift to all who believe, no matter our past. He also proved that He was ruler of death by coming back to life on Easter Sunday. Jesus is preparing a place for me in heaven, thankfully the end of this life is not death, but eternal life for all who accept God's love. I can't say I understand everything about life here and God's plan. But I am not made to understand these things, they are too great for me to know. But the one thing that is perfectly clear is that God loves me, and I love him.

It has been a joy to watch my children grow in the knowledge of God and his love for them. They often talk about what heaven will be like. They share their great anticipation to get to heaven so they can visit with relatives that have gone before. They are also looking forward to a New World that God will create, one with no death, no pain, no sorrow. They are hoping that the animals will talk there as they truly want to know what our 2 cats are thinking. I love to see the joy as they remember that this world is a temporary lay-over, our true home is heaven and they can't wait to go!