updated slideshow

pics from our trip so far

We've only been here about 4 days, but we've been swimming, to the beach, to Busch Gardens, and the older boys got to ice skate today at the mall. Speaking of Busch Gardens, Mychael and Nathan rode the Phoenix several times in a row (the big boat that swings all the way around upside down), and Zach and Nathan rode the Scorpion, a real roller coaster that goes upside down and travels at speeds of 70 mph. Zach loved it, he's got the need for speed like Nathan. And Jordan stood watching and crying because she wasn't big enough to ride it! The rain has actually kept the temperatures down, this is one of the more comfortable Augusts I can remember in Florida. Hopefully the sun will peak out, though, to at least warm up the pool temp and make for better beach weather (the day I took Zach and Jordan the water was way too rough, and it was mostly cloudy). Megan and Brian are spending the night tonight, too, so it's been fun to get to hang out for long periods of time, their baby is so cute! And Uncle Brian knows how to play rough in the pool with Mychael and Nathan, they just love it. That's all for now...

my gang

I wanted to post this picture, as well, which I took one day at the park recently. We've had fall-like weather this August, so we've definitely gotten out and enjoyed it as much as possible. I'm so glad we decided not to join a pool this year, with cool nights the water must not have gotten very warm this summer!

frick and frack

I got a great shot of my even numbered children, #'s 2 and 4, that is! Jon and I both agree wholeheartedly that these two are the most alike of any of our 4, even in appearances, but mostly it's their personalities. We had a wonderful Sunday yesterday, going out to our favorite breakfast place, then Barnes and Noble, and then to Mychael's first flute lesson (the instructor had forewarned us it is a difficult instrument, then after the lesson he said Mychael seemed to be a natural, already able to make good sound and with good positioning). Then it was bike-riding at home, naps, packing for Florida (we leave today, minus Jon), dinner with Dub and Carla, and early bedtimes (so mommy and daddy could have some time). We will get to Florida in time to see what happens with Tropical Storm Fay...the kids may get to experience their first hurricane party!

splash bash

One of the families from church hosted their 3rd or 4th annual Splash Bash...they cover the big hill in their backyard with industrial plastic and create a big water slide (with about a foot of water at the bottom), and also had water balloon fights, as well as food. There ended up being about 70 or more people that came, either from church, the neighborhood, or from the apartment complex where we did the Backyard Bible School the past 2 years. Wow, what a blast, it was a really nice time of fellowship for everyone, and it's been so neat to form relationships with the folks from the apartments (we've also been doing a picnic supper about once or twice a month across from them at a park, to continue to reach out to these folks).

I thought this was beautiful...

I am finishing up reading, Surprised By Joy, by C.S. Lewis, and here is his description of his coming out of atheism (his conversion, coming back to God, whatever you want to refer to it as):

You must picture me alone in that room in Magdalen, night after night, feeling, whenever my mind lifted even for a second from my work, the steady, unrelenting approach of Him whom I so earnestly desired not to meet. That which I greately feared had at last come upon me. In the Trinity Term of 1929 I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England. I did not then see what is now the most shining and obvious thing; the Divine humility which will accept a convert even on such terms. The Prodigal Son at least walked home on his own feet. But who can duly adore that Love which will open the high gates to a prodigal who is brought in kicking, struggling, resentful, and darting his eyes in every direction for a chance of escape? The words "compelle intrare," compel them to come in, have been so abused by wicked men that we shudder at them; but, properly understood, they plumb the depth of the Divine mercy. The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and His compulsion is our liberation.

I never cease to marvel at the depth of God's love and mercy, may this bless you today...

say cheese, Mommy!

Another future photographer in training, Jordan caught mommy on the camera while making dinner. We have to work on the part where she drops the camera right after taking a picture, though...