Corn Roast

Last night was one of our favorite nights at camp. . . the corn roast. Indeed the evening is all about the food, but it also includes hay-rides, pontoon boat rides, an incredible band, and lots of dancing. The delicious meal this year consisted of ribs, brisket, and pulled pork that melt in your mouth, slaw, turkey legs, dill potato salad, delicious black bean salsa/salad, homemade bread, chips, cookies, watermelon, and, of course, corn on the cob. Needless to say, our stomachs were quite satisfied, perhaps even stuffed. MG loved the food, the dancing, and hanging out with her cousin Lucy. Although Sam wasn't courageous enough to try the food (he still prefers his yogurt and applesauce), he did enjoy the hay-ride and "driving" the tractor. It was a beautiful evening on the lake, and we are so thankful that we got to be a part of the festivities.

Yummy food!Sam dancing while eating a cookie-A sweet picture--Pure joy on the hay-ride!The big orange tractor--Sam and WillMG with her cousin and friendAnother fantastic day in a lovely place!

Camp Days

We've been having a blast at camp. Here are a few pictures from our days:

Sweet friends walking to class:
We love painting and crafts!MG's first sewing project--A Pillowcase! Thank you Kendall!
We spend just about every afternoon at the pool.Sam finishing his tough work out--
We're thankful for lots of friends to play with!

The Fourth

The Fourth of July at camp is an amazing day. After breakfast in a dining hall full of streamers, we have a full day of activities, topped off with a barbecue dinner, carnival, and fireworks display. The carnival includes all the candy you could ever desire combined with half a dozen inflatable rides, moonwalks, etc.--a recipe for complete bedlam! Sam and MG loved the festivities and, with a little help from some earplugs, thoroughly enjoyed the fireworks. I can't imagine being anywhere else for the Fourth!

Here we are at camp again!

In our first few days of camp, we feel like we have picked up right where we left off last year. MG has spent most of her time reunited with her best bud, Abby. After the first two minutes of greetings, the two of them were off holding hands and running to their favorite camp spots. How fun it is to have dear camp friends! As a family, we have already enjoyed sweet time together filled with good food, sweet friends, an unlimited supply of entertainment, and a beautiful mountain view. MG has her own schedule of activities this year and has jumped right in to camp life. Sam is enjoying the pool each afternoon and thinks its hilarious to drink half of it while he splashes in the shallow end. We feel so incredibly blessed to be back in this dear place again. Hopefully there will be more fun pictures to share soon. . . .

All decked out for her tennis lesson-Sam tagging home plate while eating his apple, core and all--Listening to instructions at gymnastics--

Two Big Days

I'm finally sitting down to catch up and wanted to share a few pictures from some special days. First, pictures from MG's graduation. We have been so thankful for the nurturing care that she has received during the last three years, and I will miss the days of taking her and picking her up from her sweet school. Her teachers have been wonderful and have set great foundations for her next steps in school.


Second, MG participated in a dance concert. As MG took her first dance class this year, I was able to see her get a taste of what it means to work hard and stay committed to an activity even when its difficult. At the concert, she looked beautiful and felt like a princess in her lovely costume. Her dancing was fantastic as well!MG's teacherAlthough Pops thought his days of dance concerts had long passed, he and G., along with Sam, got to attend another one.MG's fan club witnessed her dancing debut as wellWith dance and school buddy, Lexi

The Big Cheese

On one of our family's four daily trips to the grocery store, MG found some cheese that she was interested in. It only costs $214--a true bargain!

Happy Birthday, Big Girl!

Today has been a great celebration of MG's birthday. We can't believe we have such a big girl! These years with MG in our lives have been a joy, a privilege, and a good gift from God. MG's enthusiasm and joy are contagious, and we are so proud of all that she is learning about herself and her world. She is a dear sister to her brother, and we are so thankful that she loves him so genuinely. We also love MG's honesty, care for others, and excitement for new activities. Thank you God for such a gift!

A special birthday donut
Troy and Gabriella made her day
Birthday fun at school
Free Cone Day with a Friend
We love you to the moon and back, sweet girl!!