Summer Travels

After just a few days of summer break we were off to explore the world. Ok, maybe just the east coast, but much of it was new territory and in a child's eyes, a new place is a new world! New things to discover, new foods to try, new things to do and new people to meet. Here are the first few weeks of summer in pictures. 

Fort building fun at home.


Daddy took the day off, and we took the kids to Kings Dominion for their first time. We enjoyed a long day of rides and a great concert.


Sisterly love. I love capturing these moments because in reality, it's not always like this. It's a great reminder of what can be!


Enjoying the TobyMac concert with our friends, the Bell's. Here's Sakina, Mary-Michael and Leila. 


TobyMac put on a fun and entertaining show...in the rain. We'd definitely go see him again!


On the road again...After a family weekend at Sherando Lake in our camper (where Frazier got his first concussion from falling out of the loft), the kids and I piled into the car with a bunch of stuff and a small trailer with more stuff. 


We went to Twin Lakes State Park for 5 days with these awesome kids. Last year, Kelly and I plus the kids traveled to Mississippi to visit our friend and her family. This year, she came to us!


I love these 2 women who inspire me and spur me on to be a better momma, leader and woman of God. 


We enjoyed all the park had to offer, including a snake program. All of the kids held a snake! I was holding the baby, so I passed. Aw shucks!


We enjoyed a hike on High Bridge Trail. Here we just finished crossing the bridge over the Appomattox River. 


My faithful friend from college, Faith, came to visit us and meet baby Benaiah. I love her stories from NYC where she lives, and I'm sure my children provided equal entertainment and shenanigans. 


This crew (plus 2 moms) took over Chick-Fil-A for a few hours with a fun visit. These cousins will soon be headed to Okinawa, Japan where my step-brother is now stationed with the Air Force. So proud of them, and can't wait to hear about their adventures!


The two moms - love this lady, Aunt Jana!


Fourth of July cookout fun with some friends from church. 


Post 4th of July exhaustion. Too. Much. Fun. 


Our final and most recent road trip for a while was to NC and SC. Our first stop was Southport, NC to visit my aunt and uncle. Geoff stayed home to work, and my dad and I took the 4 kids. Here's my aunt with Benaiah after a little dip in the pool. 


I love my Dad and thoroughly enjoyed traveling with him. I could not and would not take my 4 little blessings alone! He was super patient and very helpful providing that male authority that is sometimes necessary.


Look at that hat!


it was sleepover style once we reached Charleston, SC to visit my brother and sister-in-law. We love morning snuggles.


It was great to see Zach as he and Christina begin their new journey in a new place with challenging jobs they are excited about. The kids really enjoyed their time with them and are excited they live by the beach, which we thoroughly enjoyed while there.


First time participating on the playground. 


Playground fun!

New Life

"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:4

Mary-Michael decided all on her own that she was ready to be baptized a few months ago. I was so proud of her because her reservation had been speaking in front of the entire congregation. She's a bit shy!

After several drafts of what she was going to say (she gets that from me!), she landed on something and only ended up saying a bit of it. She was baptized on Father's Day with her proud Daddy by her side and 2 of her grandfathers cheering her on along with many others. We are so proud of her decision to follow Christ and live for Him by loving God wholeheartedly and loving all of those He puts in her life. We know she's going to do great things through Him and for Him.