BACKYARD FUN

These days of fall are my favorite... The sound of crunching leaves underfoot, the fun you have in a leaf fight, jumping out of our tree into huge piles... ooh too much fun! I do love playing in the leaves myself and try to spend some quality time outside before it is too chilly. We took photos outside several days and depending on the day some folks were more photogenic than others who just needed a nap!

An Inspiring Visit

Way back in the summer Mom, Kira and I got to share a morning Aunt Lizzie and her family. Liz is the kind of friend who sees right into my heart... she knows the REAL me and still loves me. She has put up with all our ups and downs and prays over us. I needed that visit with her and wished for more!! If only all of you could experience the Bourne' family! Eight children with amazing manners, respect, and maturity, with amazing Christ-like love and compassion for everyone! They are taught at home and together serve at Women's Conferences in the Midwest. They have huge passion to serve several different populations especially teens. Surrounded by the right people and resources they trust much will be accomplished! The mother of the Bourne' family, Lisa has written an neat devotional, Reflections from a LIVE WIRE... it's available on amazon.com! They are in my prayers and perhaps your's too.

Time with Nana and Papa at the Lake

Papa Ted lives for the time he gets to have Kira at his home. Nana can't get enough of Kira either and spent most of our stay at the Lake House and in near by Ft. Wayne. She is so blessed to have their love and support. I wish she saw both of them more often but for now she talks with them on the phone. Kira has lately been asking when her Nana is coming and we have to tell her Christmas time so of course she is already anticipating Christmas to be any day now!

We love the Amish that surround Dad's and Kira makes herself right at home when we visit a couple farms. We cracked up when she loaded the kittens in her stroller and pushed them around! One of the local couples clean Dad's home... any one willing to do that is a saint! Every time I visit I clean and sort out piles to be donated.

Kira could not be contained, she only wanted to be outdoors. Frequently she carted her plate of food onto the deck or into the paddle boat that was secured to the dock. Nana started the nail polish obsession... it may never stop!! Papa loved to show his sailing skills off on his handmade Catamaran. My parents were awesome.

Lake House with the Godfrey's

Aunt Sandra and Uncle Art got to share a day there with us with ALL their grandkids gathered from several states! It was a day we all will not forget... I wish we could have had more time and a couple more family members that were working. I miss out on lots of bonding with the Godfrey's, I hadn't seen some of my cousins since our Wedding in 2000!

We celebrated Aunt Sandra's birthday...but she was busy all day throwing a Fancy Nancy TEA PARTY for Kira and her grandkids. You see she is ALWAYS focusing on everyone else!! She is the glue that holds this family together!! I wrote a poem for her with some help from the cousins and we all signed the back of a frame which SOON will hold a collage of her family at the Lake. Dad had ordered a neat Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream cake from a favorite shop in town.

Kira was in her glory there thanks to Mom and Dad and of course DEAR AUNT SANDRA!! Check out the personalized beach towel cousin Beth made for K!!! She is amazing!

Happy 1st Birthdays to Bethany and Clara

I missed our niece, Bethany's party and will have to get help with a photo of her party. Clara is my good friend Emily's little girl for those that don't follow the blog. I just loved the way her photos from the first year of life were up for so perfectly AND wow the the cake was nifty. Em rolled out starburst candy to use for letters and such!!

Part 3 of the KIDS OF SUMMER