June

Summer has begun for us. It's my favorite Season. I love the relaxed pace, warm weather and sunshine, time at the pool, no school. There's no down-side for me. 

We've been taking a few days trips. 

Sam was a bit nervous on this "horse" but loved it after Nathan got on up behind him. I love that they can enjoy such simple pleasures.

 

We're back to swim team four nights a week. It's a lot of work but I think it's worth it. The boys are very good swimmers and have a lot of fun too. (Nathan and his buddy)

My heart has been really hurting over the Charleston shooting and for our broken world in general. Jesus is our only hope for wholeness, healing, joy...and He is enough. He really is. 

Wedding Celebration

We went to a gorgeous stable yesterday for a wedding. From start to finish, it was full of love and fun and sincere sweetness and even Chic-fil-A for the reception! Sam loved the candy bags! If John and I were going have a renewing of our vows, I would want to have it there. It was perfect. 

Forever Family Day

We celebrated Sam's "Forever Family Day" yesterday! It's been two years since we got to bring him home forever! What a joy he is to our family! He is sweet and funny, sensitive and curious, smart and creative...and CUTE as can be! 

This was the first family pic we did with all six of us. Sam was two. 

This was taken this year, when we finally discovered where the missing baby Jesus (from crèche scene) had gone! 

Daddy and Sam in ND in April

Kaiser

7 1/2 - 8 weeks, about 15 lbs.

Bites everything! 

Follows us all around like a little shadow.

Had a serious "battle" with a lemonade bottle.

Handles the chaos of our home like he was born for it.

To North Dakota and Back Again

We covered nearly 4000 miles in two weeks, visited many nieces and nephews, Aunts, Uncles and dear friends, and John and Nathan even delivered a baby goat! 

Sam and our much-loved friend, Laura

Lots of driving! 

We came back with a puppy from Iowa! (This was planned ahead of time!) "Kaiser" is now 7 1/2 weeks and nearly 15 lb. and a sassy, cute, bossy, cute pup! 

Mark celebrated his 13 th b day at his Grandparents's farm.

Sam got to meet the farm and vice versa.

Simple Joys at the Beach

We went to the SC coast for the weekend for Luke's soccer tourney.  The team had a rough go of it but we sure did have fun relaxing and playing as a family. My favorite part was our long walk on the beach. Not to sound corny, but it was like a healing balm to my soul...something about the surf, shells, sand, sea birds and my five fave people in the world...the beach is just a very good place for me. 

The look on Sam's face is so funny!

Handsome Nathan...about to turn 10 years old! We had a mini party for him while we were there.

Sweet Sam drawing his favorite Veggie Tales characters, Bob & Larry, in the sand

March

We've been enjoying warmer weather,

...snuggling with buddies,

(More buddies!)

...and we found the Baby Jesus that had been missing from our Crèche set! Ha! 

We're back to the hospital tomorrow for a routine check up for Sam. So far, his new treatment seems to be working well and we are feeling optimistic and very, very thankful.