a reflection of summer

wow - tomorrow the kids go back to school - summer goes so fast. It's amazing when you take the time to reflect on all you've done, the things that have happened, and how the kids have grown. Zeke is almost 7 months now - and this past month has been a whirlwind of firsts for him. He has learned to sit up on his own and shortly after, he learned to crawl (actually he pulls himself along - but fast!). He pulls himself up onto things, like he wants to stand - he is ahead of my other kids. (he doesn't want to be left behind on anything!) He has began eating solid foods - and now the newest thing is that he's been saying "da da - da da". Boy, is his dad proud. Next will be a tooth or two popping out - (he sure has been working on it!) He's also been moved out of Dad and Mom's room - they were SICK of being woke up in the night for no reason - so he's in a big crib in his own room, and "sleeping like a baby".

Zeke and Kira are posing with hockey gear.

This is McKenna (a friend) and Kira at the day camp in Park River. They got to play at the water slide, hang out in a cabin, buy stuff at the canteen, and of course, learn about God. (note the Bible Kira's holding.) When asked what their favorite part was, they said, "the water slide and buying candy!" Although they could have had the same answer if they'd gone to a hotel, hopefully something spiritual sunk in.

Our older kids also went to a week long Bible camp and LOVED it! Too bad I don't have pictures. They always come home bubbling over about everything. Thank you to the individual who sponsored our kids - (and more kids) - to go!! What an incredible gift!

Damien and Garret at Raging Rivers - Mandan. The kids and I spent a week at my sister-in-law, Kim's house while Stu, Uncle Steve and our nephews Ricky and Travis went to Boundary Waters - MN for a secluded (secluded? - sounds romantic - but I'm sure it wasn't that with the men folk!) camping trip. They had a great time, though were "wisker-y" and worn out when they got home. We more than survived - we were spoiled by Auntie Kim - in Mandan.

Zeke (sleeping) and I floating down the lazy river - ahhhhhhh - wonderful.

snacks

Does that strap look uncomfortable to you too?

Oohhh - owies! I was lathering lotion on Garret's sunburn.

Thanks to Kim for the photography!!!