The 4th of July 2009

We started the day off with the 5K Freedom run here in Ladera. My dad, sister Shaina, and I ran together. It was the second year we've done it, and it was so much fun. We later visited with Justin's family and then headed over to the local festivities. Jonathan and Kate really enjoyed the face painting, inflatables, and music. We met up with some friends of ours- Chris, Sarah, Luca, and baby Elsa. I got to attend Elsa's birth as their doula! The kids loved the fireworks. Kate kept saying "nother one pop!" when each firework went off. She especially liked the sparkly ones. Jonathan said once "that startled me!" Good word use! Their faces looked so beautiful lit up by the fireworks. Justin and I got to hold them while we watched the show. Another great memory!

How They've Grown Part 2

Hooray for Maribeth Graduating!!

Maribeth graduated from Biola with a degree in Biology. We are so proud of her and had a great day celebrating. That same evening, we had the first event for Away to Help, the non-profit Justin helped form. Pastor Johnson and his dear wife Betty, from Uganda, were here for the event. They are truly the most amazing and inspiration people. Check out the website for more information on Away to Help.

Super Cute Pics

Loving this time of year

We are really enjoying our garden right now. We've harvested a total of about 25 strawberries; all very tasty (according to Jonathan and Kate). I love cutting our beautiful roses and placing them in tiny vases around the house. It really brightens our home. Unfortunately, the green beans got eaten and the carrots are struggling- we'll have to work on that next year. Oh, and the mint grows SO quickly. We have to keep cutting it back. It smells and tastes so great. I love to look at things through my children's eyes. Childhood and wonder are so magical. Growing things at home gives them pride and great excitement!

Quote from Kate

Tonight we did a short family prayer. I asked each child to say something they were thankful for. Kate's response (said with a big smile), "Daddy.....Chocolate!" Yes, that's right. We all laughed.

A few pictures from Kate's party