Maggie's first summer swim meet

 Maggie had her first summer swim league meet tonight!  She did great.  She was part of two relay teams as well as swam a 50 free and a 25 backstroke.  Caroline had her first experience as a timer.  She and Catherine had a wonderful time together!

Pool Fun with Jill

Summers at the pool just aren't the same without my summer BFF pool buddy Jill.  However, we try to make it work to get together at the pool at least once or twice a season.  Today was that day.  We weren't sure if we were going to be able to make it happen because of  the weather but it turned out to be the perfect day!!  We got 4 solid hours together!!!!  It was wonderful!  The kids enjoyed playing together.  It got extremely more exciting once Tyler got there after work.  The big kids actually played with their younger siblings and appeared to have lots of fun!  I am so thankful for these memories!!  I pray our kids always remember summers at the pool together!

Funny off the subject comment...Jill asked Maggie about her baby that Maggie had at the show on Sunday.  Maggie told her that her baby didn't feel well and that she needed to take her baby to the dr.  Jill asked her the doctors name, she said "Dr. Pepper!" :-)

Games actually work better when siblings are on opposite teams!

 

Lunch with Sweet Friends

 Today I had lunch with two of my favorite people.  These ladies came into my life in 2010 and have been a constant source of friendship and support since then.  These ladies pray for me, my family and our ministry.  They point me to Jesus, always!!  Both have officially moved on and left CBK but they carry us in their hearts.  I don't know what I will do without seeing Robin every single day but I am excited for this next chapter for her.  I pray that we all continue to stay in touch and enjoy lunch from time to time. :-)

My week in the van...

I set the trip timer last Monday when we left our house.  From 9 AM on Monday until 3:30 PM on Saturday I drove 1,274.4 miles and spent 27 hours, 27 minutes and 8 seconds sitting in my van!!  Shew!  Thank you Lord for safe travels!!
 

Mary Poppins, Jr.

Today we went to see several of Caroline's theater friends in Mary Poppins, Jr.  Due to soccer and camp, Caroline couldn't participate this year.  She loved watching her friends.  We loved watch Tyler and Nori share the stage.  This is Tyler's last show as he is heading to Governors School next year.  He was amazing at Bert!!  It was a terrific show!!!

 

Caroline joins the church

 Today is a day that every Christian parent dreams of for their child.  The day they make a decision to follow Christ!  Caroline has gone through a session with Mr. Stacey.  She has gone before the elders and professed what she believes...no longer what her parents believe but what she believes.  We are so proud of her!  Today her daddy served her her first communion.  What a special day! 

Reunited and it feels SO GOOD!!!!!!!!

I didn't sleep well last night.  I think I was excited to get our girl from camp!  We were on the road by 8:30!  She talked about 45 minutes in the car.  Then she put her earbuds in and slept the next 3 1/2 hours!  I am so thankful for a safe trip.  We are all tired and ready to call it a night!!

I am so thankful for all the pictures that Ridge Haven posted this week.  I loved having a glimpse into her week!

Mission Impossible

This is Uncle Archie.  He is a legend at Camp Ridge Haven!  Our first year he was so precious as I was crying my eyes out leaving our girl.  I will never forget his kindness!!

Skit night

Quiet Time with the Lord

Caroline's cabinmates at The Barns Dance

The Mountain House

Our friends Tim and Kristin rented a house in the mountains, only about 30 minutes from Ridge Haven.  Kristin invited Maggie and I to join her.  Unfortunately we had a packed week and couldn't make it back until yesterday.  I am so grateful that it worked out for us to enjoy a few days with friends.  So told us to be warned, the driveway was a true mountain driveway!  I was a little anxious but thought if I can drive the mountain leading to Carter's Mountain, I can do this.  Well I did...only to end up at the neighbors house!!  Mags said "Mom I don't want to be rude...but the sign said 1380 and we are supposed to be at 1360...Caroline always says the truth is welcome in Heaven!"  Shucks...back down the driveway only to have to conquer the actual driveway to our house. :-) 

Today Lia and I took the girls to Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls.  I've never been to either so it was a treat for all of us.  The temperature of the water at Sliding Rock was 55 degrees.  NOTHING can prepare you for those temps!!!!!!!  I went down first. The ride down was fun.  However, the moment I plunged into the water, my body panicked.  I was freezing and I couldn't touch the bottom. Maggie was already preparing to come down.  I panicked for her.  I know things like this are hard for her.  I am proud to say she did it, she too was shocked but agreed to go again!  Woo hoo!!!!  I am so thankful to say I have done it but if I never go again I will be ok too! :-)

Mags got turned around and went in backwards!

Me going down...

After sliding, we decided to explore the creek.  It was tricky.  I almost fell twice.  Sadly Maggie did fall flat on her back.  I'm thankful that I didn't see it but my friend Lia did.  Poor baby immediately started crying. I was thankful that I didn't see blood which is what I expected.  She was crying saying she was sorry and she wanted her daddy!!  It was pitiful!  I am so thankful to say that she recovered and did great the rest of the walk.

After leaving Sliding Rock, we ventured to Looking Glass Falls.  It is a gorgeous waterfall!!  At first we thought we would just explore from the lookout point.  However, the girls wanted to get closer.  I can honestly say this was the closest I have ever been to a waterfall.  It was amazing!  The girls once again enjoyed exploring.  Maggie was very cautious but she kept going!  The waterfall put off a powerful mist.  Just sitting/standing on the bank left of soaking wet!

After a few hours, we were all ready to head back to the house for lunch, a movie and rest time before the daddy's got there!!  This was one happy moment to see Mr. Tim's truck pulling up the driveway!!

We enjoyed dinner with friends.

The sweet daddy's showed up with Crumble Cookies for dessert!  They were delicious and such a treat!!!

 Now off to bed.  Tomorrow we get to pick up our kids!!!  We are super excited!!!