Summer Fun - Including Belly Flops!

We've been enjoying the warm weather and loving spending time with family and friends. Multiple days have been spent with cousins Asher and Phoebe over at Meme and Papa's house since school is out and Meme has time to play. We also played with cousins Eleanor, Tommy, Frances and Ezra over at Grandma and Pop's house. They have a huge deck where all the kids love to run around. Nehemiah enjoyed the sandbox and then a bucket of water and then the sandbox again which equals one sandy boy. He loved it! We can't wait till Grandma and Pop's new pool is warmed up and the new playhouse and swings are put up!

We also visited the splash pad at Blue Lake park with our friends Megan and Zack. Zack was in the water the whole time getting sprayed from all directions. Nehemiah just walked the outskirts and got a little wet, but headed over to the nearby playground a few times.

Our backyard has been another hangout and Peach is happy to share it with us. She thinks the pool is her's too, but fortunately doesen't mind taking a dip with Nehemiah.

Rose Festival

Earlier this month we enjoyed Rose Festival festivities. We went to both the Jr. Parade and Grand Floral Parade. I hadn't been to either parade in years and was looking forward to revisiting childhood memories.

We rode Max with Grandma and Ezra and met up with Auntie Jen and cousins Asher and Phoebe for the Jr. Parade. It was fun watching the kids groove to the music from the bands. Nehemiah bobbed his head while sitting in his stroller munchin on Cheerios.

My favorite boys!

It really is nice going to a church near Portland events. We pulled into the "free" church parking lot 30 minutes prior to the parade starting, walked across the street and found seats right on the sidewalk just behind 1 row of chairs of people who had arrived at 6:00 a.m., 3 1/2 hours earlier than us.
Travis' favorite part of the parade was seeing B Roy.

Changes, Changes.....All in God's Plan

So, a few weeks ago I accepted a new job. Next year I'll be teaching kindergarten in Parkrose School District. It is full day kindergarten so it will work to have the job sharing schedule that works well with having a family and wanting to be home most of the time. I'll be working Thursdays, Fridays and every other Wednesday. It is definitely a bit scary....a new school district, school, grade level and teaching partner. But, it is all worth it and I know that this is where God has planned for me to be. He has been so faithful in providing the perfect job. These last months I have really been trying to put my job situation in God's hands. It has been such a learning experience and test of faith. It is so easy to want to plan, plan, plan and try to make things happen and also become anxious. I feel like this is one of the first times in my life that I've truly been able to let go of anxiety and trust that God is in control and working things out in His timing. I'm so thankful for God's sovereignty. He is SOOOOOO GOOD!

Cooling Off

I know this post is super late, but had to post these pics. A few weeks ago we just couldn't pass up the inflatable pool knowing hot weather was on its way. It also came with a ball, life saver, turtle, dolphin and surf board. Nehemiah was so excited as we were blowing them all up in our living room. He would have been happy leaving it there and playing in it.

Nehemiah did get in all on his own. As you can see, Mama had to get in to show him it was okay. Once all the way in he didn't hang around long. It was pretty cold!

Playgrounds, Ducks & Pipe Smoking

The park has definitely become more fun since Nehemiah can walk. I've even convinced Travis who doesn't really enjoy walks to come along. However, I think being able to smoke his pipe while taking a stroll around the park helps. We're also trying to start a new summer Saturday night tradition. The coffee shop up the road from our house has live music on Saturday nights. We walk there through the back neighborhood roads, listen to some tunes while drinking an iced sugar-free caramel latte and then head to the park next door for some swinging and sliding.