summer update

I know I have been away from my blog for awhile. We have had a lot of fun together as a family, though. I have enjoyed having the children home for the summer.

Back in the beginning of June, we went to see Casting Crowns. Every outing is always better when it ends at Krispy Kreme, you know:)

Later in the month, we spent a week in the swamp of Crocodile Dock VBS our Church. I really enjoyed leading the children in worship music each day, Lauren had her crew of 1st graders, and Max and Des learned how God helps us to "Fear Not"!

Dan and I celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary by traveling to Lake Martin to try out the new restaurant -- SpringHouse at Russell Crossroads. On the way, we stopped by a local pottery and ordered a few more dishes to help replace our wedding china that we recently packed up and put in storage.

Just as we have done for the past few years, we spent Independence Day back at Lake Martin with our friends, the Browns, and their extended family. It was one of the most beautiful and comfortable fourth of July days in recent history. We had a wonderful time playing in the lake, fishing (or, at least, playing with the fishing poles!) and just hanging out together before we headed back to home to enjoy the local fireworks.

I planted a small garden right outside the back door which has provided ample tomatoes (plum and grape) and jalapenos for several batches of homemade salsa. The basil, oregano, and pineapple sage were also quite ample. I have been disappointed with my bell peppers, though -- not a one has made it past the flowering stage.

We have been blessed with gracious friends who have invited us to swim at their pools (this is a shout out to Joy, Lynn, and Kim!). Desmond learned to dive while Max is content to just investigate everything under the water. I am happy that they can both swim quite well. We have also had fun participating in the Terrific Tuesdays events scheduled for the children of our Church (thanks to Lorie for a great job!) -- a movie day, swimming, fun at the zoo, and lunch and bowl. We also made a few trips of our own to the theater and saw Horton Hears a Who, Imagine That, Star Trek, and the new Harry Potter movie. It is hard to believe that summer break is coming to a close soon (school starts on August 10 for the boys and August 17 for Lauren).

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