Sunday, August 4, 2013

Loving to the fullest

It's been a couple of weeks and no updates on here, but plenty of life events. I think I will have to make a couple of updates to catch up. Most people I have talked to know that we've been experiencing some of the sorrows of life with the loss of my Uncle Mike. As tragic as this has been, I have been inspired by story after story of his life lived for the Lord...and how so many in my family have shared Christ and a peace that surpasses all understanding. We will continue to pray for the community that surrounds them and I feel sure the "God stories" will continue. No blog post would adequately tell those but I am sure they will continue to leave their legacy. My "living life to the fullest" continues to be redefined. 

And though we share sorrows with those we love, we also share joys!  Nothing to show the beauty of life quite like a little bundle of joy. Kind of crazy that my last post on here showed Anna with a baby bump...and now she's here...really here!! My heart is filled with joy for my sweet friends and all the love surrounding them- I can hardly wait to meet this little princess in real life...until then I'll be begging for pictures and details...as if they don't have anything else to do!  We love you little Kaylee Grace...and can't wait to watch you grow up (but not too fast- ok?)

Monday, July 22, 2013

A Week in the Kingdom...


Last week the kids and I had a great time at Kingdom Rock- our church's VBA. We learned all about how God's love helps us "stand strong."




The mission project of the week was to gather shoes for people who need them. 


There were lots of friends to take care of us!


We had a great week learning about the Kingdom!


I also got to go spend some time with Anna... as we await the arrival of her royally loved baby.


It was so fun to be with them as they are in the final weeks of preparing for their bundle of joy! There's nothing like seeing all those tiny things knowing they will soon be filled with a little snuggle bug (particularly those tiny little clothes!)


Next time we see them, that little bump will be in their arms- what a miracle!


Friday, July 12, 2013

Pirates, Race Cars, and Cows- oh my!

It was nice to be back in town for a whole week. We got to catch up with some friends we haven't seen...and as always finding lots of random things to keep us busy.


We got in some pool time with several other teachers and their kids. We are "pool hoppers" in the summer without our own neighborhood pool... and appreciate all the people that host us and keep us swimming:)




We checked out Family Night at the racetrack where these superstars gave their best driver poses (or if you're Tinley- you just pose anyway you want!)


And we just couldn't be good fans without a checkered flag. It is really amazing that no one's eyes got poked out from the vigorous waving.


And here is our true race fan with her Danica Patrick pink outfit all pulled up trying to keep cool and her headphones on to block the noise (and only cheering for pink cars).


We had a new experience at Carowinds- where they had Pirate Island in the waterpark.


Raise the flag and get a treasure map- our kind of fun!


And better yet...we actually got pirate gear as our treasure!


Water fun!




The Ogden family helped the little kids to ride their rides...


And let us big kids have fun too! That added some excitement for me:)


Can't get out without a character sighting!


And of course, one of our favorite traditions...dress like a cow for free chicken!


This year we went with some sweet first time cows...and had lots of cow sightings from our friends. We are happy everyone is joining in the fun!


And did I mention we went for breakfast and dinner this year...We didn't want Brandon to miss out on the fun. He loves dressing up;)


Sunday, July 7, 2013

We're going to miss...


Puddles on the beach...


Swimming, swimming, swimming...


 Burying toes in the sand...


Playing basketball (just a couple of us will actually miss that)...


Sand castles...


Watering the beach...


Feeding the birds...


Yummy food...


Lots of cuddles...


Being sleepy on the beach...


Rainy day activities???




Cousin time...





Taking our "babies" to the beach...



More cousin time...



Fourth of July spirits... 









Last minute lemonade stands...


Dancing...dancing...dancing...



And even seeing some friends at the beach...





What a vacation:)