A BUSY SUMMER

It's been a wonderful and full summer. We've had the priviledge and adventure of spending the summer with our long time and very dear friends, the Christensens, at their beautiful home and hobby farm in the hills of Tennessee. They also took care of our kids and pets while Steve, Moriah, and I went to Brei and Daniel's wedding in Alaska. We've also had the opportunity of helping our friends, Patric and Adrian, with some projects at their farm and getting to know them better. It's been a great summer and here are pictures of some of what we've been doing.


Amy took our kids, along with others from her church, on a mission trip to northeast Tennesse while we were in Alaska.


Some of the group on the mission trip taking a break at Elrod Falls. They got to hand out food and clothing to the needy while there. What a great opportunity for our children. Thanks Amy!


Sarah went to church camp. Here she is with her BFF Danielle.



We got to help Amy and Andy celebrate their anniversary.


All the guys worked together to finish the bonus room at Andy and Amy's.


The kids got to ride a float in Watertown's Red, White, and Wet parade for the 4th of July while helping campaign for Amy's Dad, Mark Pody, who's running for a political office.


We've had a good time supporting Mark at political rallies this summer wearing our 'red' shirts and the kids have been learning a lot too!


Patric and Adrian hosted a Fourth of July party at their horse farm. Here Moriah and Sarah are making Firecracker cookies in preparation.


The kids having fun in Winter's pond.


Adrian and Steve on lifeguard duty.


Amy and Patric doing food prep.


Time to eat! Eating under the canopy of trees in Adrian and Patric's back yard is cool even when there are record breaking temperatures!


The BFF's.


Lizzie with Patric's pet goat Simon.



The kids had set up horse equipment in the arena and had fun doing the obstacle course.


Moriah and Mercedez have had a lot of fun baking together.


The Christensen kids (our God children) and our kids get along very well and are awesome encouragers to each other. Here the younger girls are having one of their tea parties. Jump rope has also been a huge hit this summer no matter the temperature.


Amy decided to bless Maggie, Grace, Sarah, and I by straightening/relaxing their hair. I usually spend a whole day fixing each one's hair and swimming ruins it. We swim a lot, whether it's at the pond, or at the swimming pool at Andy's parents. Now the girls can do their hair themselves!!! Thank you, Amy, for having mercy on us!


Swim time!


Gabe, Missy, Forest, and Willow came down to see us!!!


It was a 'working' vacation for Gabe.


Auntie Moriah and Willow.


Another fun time at Patric and Adrian's....Missy and Forest.


Melanie and Willow.


Moriah's view of locust shells.


Amy & Andy, Gabe & Missy, and Steve & I all went out one evening and 'Grazed the Square' in Watertown....interpretation: Deep fried mushrooms at the Depot Restaurant, Mexican food on the other side of the square, then back to the depot for warm peach cobbler....yum.


Christensens' shared their horse, Hershey, for some horse back riding fun.


We all went to Cordell Hull lake....Amy and Michael.




Bathing Beauties!


A 'dream-come-true' for Forest (and Gabe too;~)


Patric has been teaching Spanish to the kids this summer.


Derrick and John painting the new room 'Mug Rootbeer'.


Michael helping Godfather at Winter's. (I know this pic is sideways...the computer won...but it was too cute to eliminate)


Every Monday night is 'Circle' night at Andy and Amy's where friends come over to share a meal and fellowship together. Here the big kids are playing one of the many games they enjoy.


And we thought Lexie wouldn't lick the platter clean!

This posting has gotten long and there's more summer to post...so until next time...