Summer memories in photos

As summer nears its end, we have so much to be thankful for as it has been a summer full of learning, growing and making memories.  Stephen and I have been blessed with an amazing marriage that we don't take for granted, 4 incredible children who bring us much joy as well as daily opportunities to become more like Jesus, a growing body of believers to enjoy living life with and so much more.  Here are a few highlights of our summer in photos....

 

Zoo trips

 

 

 

 

Outdoor play time

 

 

 

 

Museum trips...often with special friends

 

 

Beach and swimming pool outings



 

 

 

 

Learning and creating all the time

 

 



Celebrating birthdays

 

 

 

Special times with grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins

 

 



 



Cherished couple time, especially spending our 7th anniversary in NYC

 

Thankful and blessed beyond our wildest imaginations!

He is risen!

After a LONG break from blog posts (those 5 months flew!!), here is an update on each of the kids as we are enjoying celebrating the beautiful truth that Christ conquered death once and for all!  As a family, we have been blessed beyond measure and although there is a never a dull moment, we are enjoying these days of curiosity, laughter, learning, exploring, the messes that go along with all that, loads of cuddles, and for Stephen and I the joy of growing deeper in love with one another and watching as each of our children continue to grow in their knowledge of God, the world He created and in their own independence by leaps and bounds. 

 Alivia (5 3/4), James (4), Josiah (2 1/2) and Victoria (10 mos.)

Alivia is loving her newly acquired ability to read and is eager to share it with anyone who will listen.  She is enjoying a weekly ballet class as well as piano and if a song is on her heart, she can't keep still.  She loves finding signs of wildlife in our woods (deer tracks, worms, bugs) and her latest find this week was the furry skin of some unfortunate animal...lovely.

James is still our most socially outgoing child as he doesn't know a stranger.  He is "all boy", rough and tumble, yet loves a good cuddle.  He doesn't back away from a challenge especially physical ones and we've prayed many prayers of protection over James. :) 

Josiah is 2...enough said. :) Although definitely mischievous, his smile lights up a room and his giggle is highly contagious.  He is so attentive to what everyone around him is doing and quick to challenge himself to imitate anything that looks like fun.

Victoria must have heard about our Christmas letter when we said she was perfect, because she has challenged that over the past few months with a will that already appears stronger than any of the other 3. :)  She remains a pure joy and delight to watch as she changes so quickly.  With the exception of some teething fussiness, she is once again a mostly contented little girl as she enjoys her new found ability to get around!

Enjoy the rest of this season remembering God's most amazing act of love and power on our behalf!