A Trip to Remember

We were overwhelmed by God's kindness to us this summer.  The boys were planning on going to a boy scout camp.  Instead of just the boys going and flying, the thought of all going and camping on our way there sounded appealing.  With God's provision of a hefty tax return, a trusty car, and a wonderful other family that we travelled with...memories were created that I will relive and savor for a long time.  We packed up our camping gear, got on a ferry that took us across the Strait of Gibraltor, and off we went!

Jumping into an Italian lake.

Learning skills at camp.

"I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation."

Summer tobaggan runs

Happiness

Eating "Mozartkugal" in Salzburg

Enjoying the scenery and anything minty in Venice

Celebrating our 18th anniversary on the road.  I love him.

Professing and dunking

On June 29th, Elijah and Josiah were baptized.  A special group surrounded them as they professed Christ and were baptized.

A passage from a wonderful song by Andrew Peterson sums it up--

"I heard the call and came, they buried me beneath the water then I rose again.

I believe He is the Christ, Son of the living God.

All I know is that I was blind but now I see

That though I kick and scream Love is leading me.

And every step of the way His grace is making me

With every breath I breathe He is saving me and I believe."

May the Lord continue to "make" our sons by His grace.

So thankful for His salvation in Christ alone.

End of school year photos

 Hannah finished off last year with much joy.  She enjoyed her little friends.

She had a very special French teacher who took care of her and really wanted her to learn.  

We thank God for Soumaya.

16 year old in the house!

Elizabeth turned 16 at Auntie Sara and Uncle Brian's house last June 22nd.  She went back to the states to take part in her online school's "end of the year gathering" and then travelled to my sister's house and had a wonderful time with the nieces and new nephew.  We love family.

Grown up chickens

Hannah's Quilt

After 2+ years I have finally finished sewing Hannah's quilt. I loved matching the colors. I usually would bring it out when the kids were watching a movie and thankfully they didn't mind the sewing machine noise...so I could sew and watch at the same time. I especially enjoyed doing the pink trim around the sides. So thankful for this little girlie and for the refreshment that creating something brings.

Happy 10th birthday John!

Cinnamon rolls for breakfast

 A peach pie with all 10 candles in the middle! We are so glad that you are in our family, John, and pray that Christ in you will glow like those candles on your pie.  We love you!