A Blast From the Past

It was in the middle of the afternoon and I was getting Kacie down for her afternoon nap. The phone rang and it was my friend Jenni Huddin. She was one of my dear friends from college and one of my roommates while attending WSU. It has probably been at least 5 years since I have seen her. Well, she and her beautiful family came into town and met some of us friends at Burger King for lunch. Jenni, it was great to see you! It brings joy to my heart knowing that you are doing well!! And Ben says hello to you and Grant.

Here is a picture of some "old" friends and WSU teammates.

From left to right...Jodie, Jenni, Susan and Deana.

Yes, I was the shorty on the team :)

Kacie is a "Big Girl"!

Kacie has been asking to go to school everyday because she so wants to be "big" like her brother. So...we decided it would be good for her to go to "school" one morning a week. Today was her first day and she had a blast. She was having such a good time she did not want to go home when I picked her up.

Kacie's first day of "school"

Kids Having Fun

Last Saturday we went to our local Amusement Park for Ben's work picnic. These are a few pictures of the kids having a lot of fun...

Jacob Starts Kindergarten

Jake's first day of school was Aug.20Th. He was very excited about going...and still loves it! His teacher is Ms. Adams. He goes to school from 8:10a-3:25p. You can probably imagine the most difficult adjustment is the long day. However we are 1 1/2 weeks into it and he is getting a lot more used to it.

Handsome "lil" man!

Jake in front of classroom

Jake rode the bus for the first time this week

Rain or Shine...the Party is On!

Ben and I have been a part of a small group Bible Study for 5 1/2 years. You can imagine how we have come to know these other couples as family. Because we meet once a week without kiddos, we like to get together with our kids from time to time. Last Saturday the Long's were very gracious and had us all over for a BBQ and pool party. Wouldn't you know it, it has been steamy hot the last 3 weeks and this day we wake up to a cloudy and rainy day. Well, the Lord allowed the rain to stop just enough time for everyone to enjoy the pool for a little while.
Jeff and Suzanne thank you for wonderful hospitality and for sharing your new "toy" with us.

Ben throwing Kacie

Brylee and Jake getting ready to jump in the pool

Kaleb, Jake, Brylee, Kacie and Katherine

Enjoying the water

Visiting Family in Omaha

We all had a wonderful time this past weekend visiting Kari Jo (Jodie's sister) and her family. It of course went by way to fast and the goodbye was bitter-sweet as I expected. They are moving to Germany the first of October. Justin, Kari's husband is in the Air Force and that is where their next orders are taking them. I am sad of course because they will be there for at least four years. However, I know that the Lord is going to use them there in mighty ways to bring Him glory. It brings my heart so much joy to see how they are truly wanting to live their lives for the right reason...
Kari, I will miss you and always know that I am here for you!! Thanks again for the wonderful hospitality and encouraging words!!

The kids had a lot of fun playing the Wii together. Amazingly there were only two Wii injuries!

Jake and Jordynn playing on the "spider web" at the Omaha Zoo. Awesome Zoo!

Jordynn and Kacie watching "Little Mermaid" together.

Cousins...Kacie, Jordynn, Jake and Hunter

A Summer Day at the Zoo

Jake and Kacie at the new Penguin exhibit





Jodie, Jake and Kacie in the humid jungle building



The new penguin exhibit