New ride to work

After Paul's scooter accident in April, they totaled his scooter. It wasn't that it looked bad, but you couldn't tell what areas had been affected or stressed, so they just totaled it. So...Paul has been shopping, since then, for a new bike to ride. We decided not to owe on this one and to use just use the money they gave him. So, that counted out another scooter. He settled for a Suzuki. We are missing the scooter, as it had a much smoother ride. But anyway.........Sophie loves it! As she did the last one. Daddy takes her down the driveway and back. Maybe she has good memories of scooter rides from China!

Christmas in July

And in the morning, we're making Waffles!

I have some good memories of eating outside at Mi-Wuk Village, under the beautiful trees at Grandpa Balsbaugh's cabin, sitting at this little rattan(sp?) table. Oh the smell of that air...there is NOTHING like it! And the waffles tasted especially yummy! Well, this isn't the Sierra Nevadas, but we do have big pine trees...and it was a beautiful June morning. Luci felt especially lucky...Amie just HANDED her a plateful of food!

It happened one Sunday...

Just a Sunday after church...family-get together. It was a hot day, as you will see by the lack of clothes at the end! Jason BBQed tri-tip...it was yummy!


Our China blessings





Gpa Danny and Isaac

Isaac says "Catch Gma Ann!"

Emma...she is becoming quite the little lady.

Nathan...Lindsey, you aren't going anywhere...gotcha by the ear!

Nathan is strengthening his stomach muscles.



Baby car wash. Emma and Sophie found a victim, I mean client for their spa. Amie put up with it for awhile!



Nathan and Sarah...I only have eyes for you, Mama!

Life is Hard!

...especially when GOOD-BYES are involved. Travis left for Kuwait near the end of June and will be gone 6 months. Now Kuwait is a half a world away...10 hours ahead...far from family and friends. Why does it feel safer when our children are right next to us? So, I release, AGAIN, with reluctancy, as I have learned to do over the years...reminding myself that they are children of God, and they could never be safer than they are in the palm of his hand. And each place they go, I pray that their lives will be a testimony of the God they serve...That God will be glorified in the way they live and work and play...And that God would use this time in their lives to bring them to a closer walk with Him!

...GOD IS GOOD!
He goes with His children wherever they go...
be it Kuwait or Idaho!

Stowaway captured!

Checked in...and waiting.



Jordan finds a corner chair to kick back in.

Saying good-bye to Grandpa and Grandma.







Go with God! by Carolyn Arends

So now go with the wind at your back
And the sun on your face
With a song in your heart
And the promise of grace
Go in peace and in truth
And let love lead your way
Go with God
Go with God

The Daily Bagel

Trying to cram in little snippets of time together before the guys (Tyler and Travis) left. We crammed our beautiful, growing family into a couple tables, during a very busy time at the bagel shop.


Yummy!
Travis and Amie walked Jenny across the street to work. Older ladies at the next table were oohing and ahhing over how cute Amie was...then one of them said, "he's not bad either".....geeesh!

Keepin' it COOL with the Cousins

Catch-up from June. It was Amie and Nathan's first time in the pool. Both seemed to enjoy themselves!

Great Gma is hanging onto Amie

Sophie is always ready to GO!




Nathan

Emma

William...working on floating

Lindsey and Jenny...water aerobics






Peek-a-Boo!



Drying off
The End!