Half and half

Some days, the skies are blue and sunny. Others are cloudy and gray. May I praise Him regardless.

Urban kraggin' it

This could only mean one thing...

Every bowl, spoon, and spatula is being put to work. It must be birthday cake making time!

Friendly little guy

Actually, he was quite camera shy. Kept running away from me.

Love this sign!

Bring on the thin mints!!!

Arch architecture

This week we are studying the amazing architecture of arches, used by the Romans to build the great aqueducts and bridges of their empire. Here is today's building project, a bit more colorful than its Roman counterparts.

Backyard treehouse plans

This is what the boys and I are planning to add to the backyard next year. Complete with moat.

Batty

Bats usually creep me out a bit, but these were really cool. Wingspan of six feet on this little guy! They reminded me of my boys when they're wrapped up in their hammocks, just hanging out.

HUGE brown bear!

Watching the polar near swim was a favorite!

Zoo Crew

Today we headed to Columbus for a trip to the zoo with some new friends. It was fun to hear the kids' excitement as they raced between exhibits. It was a beautiful fall day and God held off the rain for us. So fun to once again take in all His amazing creatures in stunning variety!

The Fishers

It was such a special blessing to meet little Makena Noelle Fisher tonight. There have been so many tears and prayers over this life and her addition to this family. Thanking God for His faithfulness once again!

A perfectly "blue-tiful" day at Lake Jocassee

Hanging out with Grandfather

All ready for the scholars to arrive!

Missing Grandpa Already

My Daddy

You know you're getting old when...

...your cake looks like a giant pan of fire!

Pretty in pink

Looks like something out of Dr. Seuss, but I don't you just think it's beautiful?!?

Benched!

What a great bunch of kids! I think we've got a lot of talent here.

Dayton Dragons

Christopher is getting ready to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Dragon's game!!!

Summer bucket list

A trip to Bill's was near the top of our "summer fun" list. Yum!

Celebrating Amalya!

Our friends, Bethany and Eric, are expecting their first child in September. They learned early on in the pregnancy that he is developing without most of his skull and will not be able to survive outside the womb. They have chosen life for Amalya and are choosing to celebrate every moment that God gives him with them. This weekend at church, we had a party for Amalya, now that Bethany has made it to 24 weeks. I was happy to help my friend make this fun cake, probably the only one she'll get to create for her little guy.

Isaac was made for this hat!

He's just so handsome, don't you think?

Nice morning for a swim!

There are benefits to being out early, like getting to watch mama and her babies in the stream at the Y.

Scissors!

Subzero Ice Cream

Great way to end a birthday. They freeze it as you order it using nitrogen.

I would have to agree!

The tide is turning

And the winner is...

...my bridge of 20 fettuccine noodles which held 35 pounds of books! Nurses do make good engineers!

Engineering 101

We have each tried our hand at making bridges today using scotch tape and 20 fettuccine noodles. Here is Isaac's during load testing. It held nearly 17 pounds of books!

Feeling on top of the world!

(or at least on top of the playground equipment)

Look mom! No hands!

Rewarded

Isaac has spent nearly every AWANA ticket he has earned this year on baseball cards. Tonight he happily tore through many more packs. The gloves are out and the boys are practicing in the yard almost daily. The season can't begin soon enough for them!

Something's Fishy Around Here

Ian has been reading, researching, and preparing his tank for weeks, and tonight we took the plunge, starting with three golden barbs.

Warm winter wanderings

You're right! He's still in the pool!

Looking cool in the pool

Here's Ian, trying his hand at the kayak. This was a true test of maneuverability with so many boats in such a small area (and with so many inexperienced pilots!). Ian did a great job weaving through the crowds and had a blast too!

This is how you kayak in January:

In the pool at the Y! Isaac was sure speedy and perfected the art of paddling backward. We called him "Kay-Mater" (for all the Cars fans out there).

Bumper boats, anyone?

More fun with science in kitchen!

Today we're exploring the stored energy in plants. We successfully built a "peanut fire" under a pop can. Can we boil water?

Success!

Peppermint

Looks like Isaac found my stash of extra candy canes!