Swimming!

Some very kind friends just a few miles from our home have a very nice swimming pool that they generously allow us to use on a regular basis. I try to set a goal of taking the children to swim twice a week. They get a lot of practice that helps me feel confident in their ability to swim and they get a lot of good exercise that helps them sleep well!

A bit of Bethany

Bethany has been growing a lot lately, not only in size, but in helpfulness, too.

She has become my main helper at many times since big sisters are often out doing things for Dad or babysitting/house cleaning for other families.

This girl can cook, clean, grocery shop with a list, decorate, take care of her youngest brother, speed read with excellent comprehension, and much more! She is growing up right before our eyes.

I can ask her to do pretty much any job and she will do it all the way without complaint.

One of my favorite things about Bethany is that she faithfully reads her Bible each day. I hope the Lord does wonderful things with her life!

Last day of swimming lessons pictures with our instructors!

Bethany and Rebecca liked the way Drew, their instructor, would allow them to swim from the deep end all the way to the shallow end at the close of each lesson. Other teachers made them climb out immediately when a class was over. They loved his method better!

John was a very brave young man who did a fantastic job with Josiah. He turned this very reluctant crying little student into a happy, smiling, willing learner! Josiah really likes John!!

Samuel and his friend liked their instructor, Kristin. She was almost always smiling and made the lessons fun for these two.

Rebecca turns 9!

On the 16th, we had a surprise birthday party at the park for Rebecca.
We had pizza, Koolaid, and strawberry shortcake.
Then, they all played at the water park and had a great time!
So much fun was had that almost everyone fell asleep on the way home.

Uh-oh :-O

The top pic is of a normal humming bird... below... well, it seems that his parents forgot to teach this fellow his manners in portion control... Lol! This just cracks me up when this fellow comes to the feeder (and did you notice the hair-do?).

Misc recent pictures

Rebecca on her beloved Diaz.

Bethany on her good old faithful Tank.

Here is a portrait of Jessica taken by Papa's pond next door.


Bethany and Rebecca looking rather angelic.

Sweet little Isaac hiding out in the strawberry bucket.

New appliance in the family!

We have a new dryer!

This lovely machine dries in HALF the time of our old clunker!
It is a perfect match to our washer that was purchased by us earlier this year.

Best of all, this machine didn't cost us one cent! It was a love gift!!

The gift also included a three year extended warranty on not only the dryer, but also on our previously purchased washer!!

Now, I'm not wanting to spill the beans on who the generous givers are, but....

We appreciate your loving generosity! You know who you are!!

We love you two!!!