We had a great summer and this was one of our highlights. Our whole family on my side went to Ocean Shores for a week and had a wonderful time. All the cousins got to play together and it was a joy watching them. Shortly after this Julie and Tim and the girls left for Florida. I guess it is good to have family in the sunshine state for my need to get a heavy dose of vitamin D in the winter months. We thought for a while that we might be going there as well but that just didn't seem to be in God's plan for us. Jeff is still looking for work and we are in constant prayer that just the right job will come available for him. We would love your prayers for this as well.

Justin had a ton of fun this summer playing on several different select leagues but this is him playing on the little league All Stars team in June. The Mill Creek boys went on to the little league World Series! We are proud to say we played in the same league. Justin continues to love baseball, however now that fall is here we are watching a lot of football and gearing up for his basketball season.

I got to do a lot of reading this summer and have loved every minute of that. It was a good diversion to dealing with some of the more stressful moments we have had with the lack of job, still having 2 homes and needing to make hard decisions for us all. I could never have survived this much or this long without my relationship with Christ and am thankful for it everyday.

Justin and Sarah and I all entered items in the fair this year. It was fun to see the kids get excited about doing something. Justin has his mom's love of photography and entered two pictures that he received 3rd place for. They were really good! I entered one photo and received 2nd place and Sarah my sweet baker girl got a 1st place for Great Grandma Connelley's chocolate chip cookies!! The judges has really great comments for her and that was a huge deal for her. Emma really wanted to enter something as well (must do what the big kids do!) but we told her next year she is able to. She continues to amaze us with her quick whit and love for life and anything she can try. What an angel, a VERY BUSY angel!

The kids are at the local public school this year and so far are doing well. We are excited about their love for learning and they seem to be making the adjustment from private to public pretty well. They already know lots of kids in the school because of growing up with them in church and on different sports teams so that helps out. Pictures will follow soon.

I hope to blog more as the fall settles in and keep everyone more up to date.