Summer 2022 So Far

So far, we’ve had a rich, relaxing and fun summer. Well, Leila might not fully agree as she’s been working about 4 days a week with Daddy…

There have been get togethers with friends, a few camps, a few short trips and time enjoying our new property in Mechanicsville. A Science Museum membership, family in DC and exploring as we go has made learning fun, too. I’m so thankful I get to be home with my children in the summer and so blessed by a husband that supports that.

I have LOVED leading this ladies small group with my dear friend and mentor, Mrs. Juda, this summer. They have encouraged me, and I love learning and growing together with them.

Mary-Michael made a great group of friends during her first year of middle school, and they have fun every time they’re together.

We made a day trip to Northern Virginia, and Grandma accompanied us to many sites in DC - National Archives, National Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Benaiah’s favorite part was the “train ride” (aka the Metro).

We wrapped up our DC day with a fun dinner with the cousins, Aunt Keesha and Uncle Brian. What a great day!

I am so thankful to be married to a family man who made a way for me to take a solo trip down to Charleston, South Carolina, so I could meet our new nephew and visit our sweet niece, Emerson.

Welcome to the world, Luca Benicio Conrad Burrell! 

While I was away in Charleston, the girls joined in on a local mission trip with RVA Hope Center. They served in some underserved and high need areas of our city. They brought fun and educational opportunities to dozens of children.

They served at a local shelter and brought a Vacation Bible School program to the children staying there.

Frazier enjoyed Camp Wakefield while I was away, and had load of fun learning about Jesus, making new friends and doing crazy things like this massive slip and slide. 

We have three cows on the farm with us after Geoff and I spent a good hard week putting up fencing. This is Agnes, our blind calf the kids are bottlefeeding twice a day. And behind her is Rosie and her baby. 

The Science Museum had a membership swap with the Norfolk Zoo, so we took a day trip to explore the creatures there.

This was the only snake Mary-Michael was excited to see.

While Frazier was mowing the fields, he encountered lots of baby bunnies. Here is one we rescued from the whirling blades. 

We love our tradition of going to Lake Anna with some our favorite families. Geoff really enjoys driving these kids on the tubes.

Sweet Stella and Benaiah watching the 4th of July fireworks.

I love all of these kids and the memories they are making together. The Bells are so gracious to host this rowdy bunch each year!