Summer So Far

So far, summer has involved a lot of basketball. Two of our crew are involved in Summer Jam. Cole has been to one camp already and will be leaving next week for the second one. It's exciting to watch them have fun at something they love. Will is going for his driver's permit next week so now we will have two young drivers in the family. He is also starting training to become a lifeguard so his days are about to become busier. Last night, they had a late night with friends having air-soft gun battles. The wounds are few and it sounds like they had a great time. As Independence Day rolls around we were happy to hear that some of Dirk's family will be stopping in for a pre-celebration complete with as much fireworks as the cousins can convince the parents to spring for. We've only had one near miss with a pop bottle rocket that burned a nice-sized hole in Will's shirt. What a proud moment it was for him!? He's definitely keeping that shirt. Hope your summer is going wonderful and you have less humidity than we do!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Dirk! Thank you for being an awesome father to our children! You are terrific and I couldn't have asked for a better dad to our offspring!

The Cherry Tree

We have a cherry tree in our back yard. I don't know what kind of cherry tree it is other than a 'cherry pie' cherry tree.
It didn't take long to discover that these aren't the kind of cherries you just want to pick off the tree and pop into your mouth.
So far, we've gotten a few into jars, the kids have snacked on a few, and more than enough have been used as ammunition in kid wars.

I love summer...and cherry trees...and kids having fun...and being a part of it all.

Camping After All

I've held on to the knowledge that I just don't like to camp out for quite some time. This weekend I found out that it's definitely tolerable. I have been blessed...
What a beautiful morning!
Our accommodations not far from the unbelievably clean 'facilities'.
Dirk and Kaylynn.
Two girls making memories.
Will and Andrew
Cousins football is a must for all family gatherings.
Sweet sister, Sheila and pregnant Meg.
The one that didn't get away!
Cole and Kaylynn.

So yes, we stayed in a tent with an air mattress, the wind was a little breezy, the blankets a little damp, but the smores were awesome. I guess I'd go camping again after all. *Thanks, God!*

OH-IO

Our recent trip to Ohio was so great in spite of Dirk waking us all up at 4:30 a.m. to get started. One of the first images we saw on the road was the beautiful sunrise! It was a terrific reminder of God's great love and perfect way to start the trip. I don't think there is a vehicle produced that would be large enough for our family when we are on one of our trips. The crew never has enough space and someone is always touching someone. :) We had an awesome time and loved seeing some really great friends. Ally was thrilled to be back in the city (uh-oh!) and was able to clarify that Columbus is a CITY and we just don't have a real CITY where we live. The boys had a terrific time fishing at their old stomping ground at Tom and Marilyn's pond. The kids had a great time connecting with friends again. Memories were made, our hearts were touched, softened and even a little bit healed. And our love for them remains...

Milestones

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above...James 1:17

Unbelievably, we celebrated Cole's 18th birthday yesterday! Wow! It seems amazing when I look at this young man that it was just a little while ago I held him in my arms and thanked God for His very precious gift.

Everyone told me that time would move quickly, and it has. I love the memories of every moment I've been blessed to be with my children but I love the moments of today just as much.

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt