Pumpkin Farm!

Smiles and laughs echoed about as we took turns on the rope swing that dangled from this beautiful shade tree.

 Our children enjoy their time with their dad, and he with them.

Of course this blurry picture is being posted for remembrance, as my kids snuggle in with me

zzzhwing!

woooo!!

the classic pumpkin pose

I like this pumpkin!

 This family-run pumpkin farm is simply that -- pumpkins and family. The owners greeted us with kindness. Here she sings a few songs to our boys before tending to chores.

 Here are the pumpkin varieties that we chose to take home with us..........(from their pumpkin family)

 Our boys really enjoyed being able to name specific pumpkins!

 DAXXVAHACKMA

TEEMAXVLOROSA

STOMP!

 Here we all sit, in the second balcony, awaiting the start of STOMP. We are here to celebrate with my cousin, a new season in her son's life -- his first employment out of high school, his first position as a performer in the Broadway show STOMP!

the stage

Here are our seats

Here is Eric. We were excited to see his talents and gifts SHINE. 

Blow the Shofar!

 We celebrated the Feast of Trumpets with our church, with great worship, ram's horn blowing, and the Word.

Blasting the trumpets!

Roman Roads to EAT!

 It is so cool to learn the Story of the World in a period before and during Jesus' life. We are learning about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. This includes the rise of believers in Jesus. One of the contributions of the Romans was architecture, aqueducts, and well made ROADS. Here is the bottom/first layer -- sand.

 Now, mixing pudding and chocolate chips for the next step....

This road is well made and super sugary sweet... only eating in small doses.... voila!

Boogie-in and Beachin'

 Our summer beach days often extend right into the school year!

Spectacular Spur of the Moment

 We are so blessed that we had one last "hoorah" together just before school got back into full swing. Our friends had some free LEGOLand passes that were expiring, so we made a last minute plan to spend an afternoon together. It sure was fun! Spontaneous outings are relaxed and enjoyed, just as they are.

 Above, the kids walking together

Just after a roller coaster

the very last ride of the day...

School is cool

First day back to academics after a summer of sun and fun

Arena

 We've been blessed in abundance with friends that give us passes to enjoy kid stuff

 This arena contained stunt motorists, jesters, martial arts performers, and more...

Beach Baptism Aug '12

 The last of our church's beach baptism and bar-be-que arrived with chilly weather in August.  That didn't slow down any of these boys! What a coincidence that most of them are part of the same weekly boys group, and ran into each other here. Just another chance to play!

Special Visit

On the way home, we enjoyed a few hours with our aunt and uncle. These two introduced Pete and I to    our now favorite camp spot. Each of us enjoyed the love they had to share with us and the attention of their dogs. God blessed us with them.

Our Own Park Rangers

Park Ranger Reed "swears in" each of our boys as Junior Park Rangers.

Packing Up and Packing Out

The kids on our last morning together -- packing up and packing out.  Two of the boys are modeling their hand made "bow and arrow" and arrow sheath

checking to make sure the arrow fits in the sheath

measuring the shoulder strap to correct size

sharing the camp site with Grandpa S, who is prepping, while Pete and the boys read the Action Bible