The Kids' First Beach Trip!

We were able to take the kids to the beach for a few days, which was our first time to a beach in this area, and the kids' first trip to a beach ever!

A sweet member of our church allowed us to stay at her beach home near Fenwick Island in Delaware. We spent our time on that beach, playing in the waves and building sandcastles. The kids absolutely LOVED it!

We also visited Ocean City, Maryland. We introduced the kids to funnel cake and walked along the Boardwalk. 

Seagull photobomb!

We found a few games at the beach house, and the Star Wars Stratego game was the big hit haha. 

We had such a sweet couple of days away as a family. We are so thankful for the time and the chance to build fun memories. It was a great first beach trip!

14 Years

14 years! We had originally planned to celebrate our anniversary in August, but plans changed and we were able to sneak away for a date night on our actual anniversary. It's fun that the kids get excited for us to go on dates, particularly Maddie, who "just loves love." Haha. 

Photo courtesy of Maddie :)

We used some gift cards to get dinner at Bonefish, and then we went to The Cheesecake Factory for dessert. Any time we get a chance to sneak away for some uninterrupted time is always a blessing, anniversary or not. Mike got me another beautiful pair of Celtic earrings, and I got him whiskey-infused chocolates :)

As I think back over the last 14 years, I'm grateful for all the love and laughter, for all the steps of faith taken together and the prayers answered, for the Lord's mercy and grace.

Happy Anniversary, my love!

VBS 2025 :: True North!

This is our third year at VBS, and we were really excited to adventure into the Alaskan wilderness to discover True North. The kids learned what it means to trust Jesus in a wild world, and it was such a fun week!

The last couple of years, I have been a group guide, which means I have helped take a group of kids around to each of the stations. Which I have loved. You're right in the action and chaos of all the activities with your group of kids, helping them navigate the Bible story, craft, snack, and games. This year, I was asked to help teach at one of the stations: Sticky Scripture. I got to teach the Bible verse each day, and the goal was for God's Word to "stick" in the kids' minds, hearts, and lives.

While I missed getting to visit all of the stations and really get to know a group of kids, I loved being able to teach the Bible and see more kids throughout the day!

My "helpers" while setting up the room haha

It's really a wonder that I got anything done ;)

One of our Sticky Scripture adventures: Moose Draw!

If anyone has ever volunteered for VBS, they know how fun, but utterly exhausting it can be. But I am so thankful for all of our faithful volunteers who came each day and gave it their all for the 100+ kids who came through our doors. My kids had a blast, and I was really thankful for how this curriculum was laid out, clearly and consistently teaching the truths across all stations. VBS is one week, but we pray that the fun had and truth spoken stick with each child, wherever they go. We pray that those seeds are continually watered and grow into a deep and abiding faith in Jesus, the only One that we can trust in this wild world. 

Eli's Crew Leader sent me a short video of him during rec time, and I was so thankful to get a little glimpse of his day! {I just included a still shot here}

Glow sticks were a BIG hit :)

Even Mountaineer Mike got in on the fun! It's definitely a treat to see Daddy more often during the day since we're up at the church all week. He came to visit during the songs and skits, but he also gave the closing gospel presentation to the kids and parents. He recruited Maddie to help with his visual presentation, and she did a great job! 

We had a great week at VBS True North, and the kids are already asking about VBS for next year haha!

Aiden was with the Cool Caribou, Eli with the Stellar Sea Lions, and Maddie with the Grandiose Grizzlies

Happy Birthday, America!

For July 4th, we gathered with neighbors again! I love that our neighbors not only enjoy spending time together, but that they actually seek it out. It may just be a handful of gatherings a year, but I'm so thankful for the homey feeling of our cul-de-sac. 

A favorite feature of our Independence Day gathering was, again, the fun fireworks! We have a sweet neighbor who brings them, and the kids love them. This year, she even brought simple snakes, and you would have thought she brought unlimited ice cream haha. No need for the expensive explosives...the kids loved watching the little snakes curl up and smolder and were perfectly content. But they did also enjoy the sparklers, a bee, and Dave the minion who put on quite the fireworks show :)

We're thankful for good food, fun fireworks, and neighbor friends. Happy Birthday, America!