Apple Picking!

We are really enjoying our new town. We feel like we're perfectly located between the city and the country, and I love that we get to enjoy the best of both worlds! Saturday we took a 15-20 minute drive to a local apple orchard so James could pick apples for the first time (and Mama's first time too)! We had the best time picking apples and have big plans for all those apples this week...!

Granddaddy's Boat

Anyone in our family will tell you that my Dad is one of a kind. I really don't know anyone else like him. He doesn't fit into a mold, and he doesn't want or try to either. He is serious by nature, but can be so silly. He is an athlete and a former marine. He is passionate about many things including safety and self-defense, but there is nothing that compares with his passion for Jesus and telling others about Him. He is the picture of strength to me in so many ways. He also has a heart of compassion, and tears flow easily when he is touched deeply. And he isn't ashamed and doesn't try to hold them back either. He is a words of affirmation person, and he uses his words to encourage and bless others - even complete strangers. He doesn't ever miss an opportunity to encourage a coworker, a waitress at a restaurant, or a "young person." When he feels led by the Holy Spirit to speak and encourage someone, He does. It's one of the things that I love most about him. He loves nature and the outdoors. He has such an appreciation for the things that God has created, and I believe that he feels closest to God when he is outdoors, surrounded by the beauty of God's creation. Kayaking/canoeing is one of his favorite hobbies, and a few months ago when we visited I know he was so excited to be able to share that love with James for the first time. My stepmom sent me these pictures yesterday, and I am so glad to have his first time on "Granddaddy's boat," and the first time on any boat, captured on camera. James has a lot of great godly men in his life, and I'm so glad that his Granddaddy is one of them. 

Cow Appreciation Day

We now have a two year tradition going for participating in Cow Appreciation Day. We definitely were very appreciative of all that free chicken that our family enjoyed. James absolutely loved participating and dressing up like a cow this year! He talked about it and looked forward to Daddy coming home from work the whole day. :)

Hero Day and Dora & Diego exhibit

Summer Snapshots - Part 4

Sun, Sand, Swimming ("I float all by myself!), and Stories!

Summer Snapshots - Part 3

Children's Museum Fun with Grandma K and Aunt Megan!

Summer Snapshots - Part 2

Bubbles and Boots!