He just keeps us in stitches

These are what Nathan calls his "secret eyes." On the way home from camp last Friday we heard lots of giggling and mysterious language coming from the backseat. I turned around and Nathan had made some sort of glasses with his fingers. I asked him what he was doing and he proudly proclaimed, "don't talk to me right now...I am using my secret eyes." I have no idea what that means, but I did as I was told. I turned myself around and enjoyed the sweet sound of Nathan giggles filling the car.

A thrill ride

All week long the boys watched longingly at the school bus that shuttled the students to and from the worship services. Oh how they would beg me to let them ride. Finally, on Thursday I caved. You would have thought I had just given them a new pony...they were beside themselves with joy. Rayden, Kaleb, and Nathan rode down into camp and then back up to our cabins...and their lives are forever changed! =)

Our little cowgirl

On Wednesday night at Falls Creek, Rusty had all his kids dress up like cowboys. He taught them how to two-step and do several line dances. Aubri fell in love with one of his youth worker's hats...so she just had to try it on. Isn't she precious....yee haw!

Devil's Bathtub

It's been forever since I last posted. Mainly because we have been gone for the last two weeks. First, we went to St. Louis in order for Rayden to officiate the wedding of two of our former students (hello...that makes me feel old). Then we were off to Falls Creek in Davis, Ok. Rayden preached for Rusty's youth camp and we took the whole fam. After that we all went our seperate ways while I helped my mom move to Pennsylvania, Rayden went on a mission trip with the students, and the kiddos stayed in Memphis with Tom and Jerry (not the cat and mouse...my inlaws!). Anyway...we had a fantastic time but we are more than glad that we are back at home and we are ready to settle in to our fall schedule. We are only 3 weeks away from preschool starting again and just 5 weeks from the debut of AWANA at our church. I have posted for you here some pictures of us at the Devils Bathtub at Falls creek. They have changed the name now to Boulder Springs (I guess some old people thought you shouldn't say the word devil at a Baptist camp!). It is a natural spring that puts out freezing cold water. Rayden took each boy up to its source and they each got a drink. They thought it was pretty cool. Aubri liked it too! Enjoy!

Fourth of July Continued

I know, I know....it might seem like overkill. But I can't help it. I'm a proud momma, and I'll post as many pictures as I want!!! These are too cute not to share!

Our littlest firecracker!

Kaleb LOVED the sparklers....the boy has no fear!

The men in my life...what joys they are!

Kaleb and his best buddy Brendan showing off their patriotic side.

Eagerly anticipating the next "boom"

Mama's little firecrackers!

Everyone is ready for the "show" to start!

Who's having more fun....the kids or the daddy? I think it's a toss up!

What fun we had on the fourth of July! The boys learned that we were celebrating our country's birthday, but they kept getting confused about what country we are in. When asked "why are we doing all these fireworks?" their response was, "because it's the Lord's...no....Africa's....no...it's our country's birthday!"



We had three families over for a BBQ and swim party. After the swim we got all dried off and then headed to the front yard for some fireworks and sparklers. I must say, our little fellows were so brave. They just shouted, " more, more, MORE!" And sweet little Aubri slept through it all in the comfort of her own bed...one of the perks of hosting the party! =)



It was a blast. I again and blown away by the blessings in my life. I have the greatest husband, kids, and life anyone could ever know. Praise the Lord for my country, my family, and my AMAZING God.

Bellevue fireworks

On Sunday night the biggest church in town, Bellevue Baptist Church, held their annual fireworks picnic. They were host to over 10,000 people that night. We went with a few families from our church and claimed a spot on one of their baseball fields. It was an absolute blast. I felt so tremendously blessed as I held my baby girl in a lawn chair and watched my two little boys run around without a care in the world. My husband got to have some "guy time" throwing the football around with his buddies. The fireworks didn't start until 9:40, but all three kids were still up and running...maybe it was all the cookies and marshmellows they had eaten throughout our 3 hours of play! The boys were enthralled by the show...which was set to music by the Bellevue orchestra. The show lasted about 20 minutes and Nathan watched from the comfort of daddy's lap. While Kaleb sat on a blanket with some friends. Aubri sat in my lap and fell asleep about 5 minutes into the show. How she managed that I may never know. She didn't wake up again until morning. What a fantastic time!



Kaleb climbing the fence with his "hero" Clayton Smith.
Clayton is 5 and Kaleb loves anything Clayton loves!

Kaleb is enjoying the show!

Mama and her little sleeping beauty!

Is that an ornery grin or what!?