OUR FAVORITE SUMMER GET-AWAY

Several words from Genesis 1 come to mind concerning our delightful day spent at the Ymker's Lake Cottage on Saturday: Chaos, the Spirit of God, and the Water. The chaos was just the extreme excitement and hub-bub that preceeded leaving for Camdenton. Everyone was thrilled with the plans for the day. The water was peaceful, fun, and a healthy family activity

LOVE THOSE CARDINALS!

Last Wednesday, we belatedly celebrated John's birthday by taking him to see a Cardinals Game.

John updates me every morning on the Cardinal's standings. MLB.com is in danger of becoming our home page. The Cardinals are currently in first, staying very close to nine games ahead for several weeks now.

The game was great fun, and the Cards won 3 to 2. Joel Pineiro was pitching and did a fantastic job. No Balls; Five balls were hit right to the pitcher, which were all caught for an out, two of which turned double plays.

The Engineers analyze something.

PRESUMPTION

This picture was taken in our living room this afternoon, and while I love many and varied guests to join us in our home, I think this bat took the invitation a little too far.

However, I really hate to wake peaceful sleepers, so he is still napping undisturbed.

HEADING FOR TEXAS

This weekend, we traveled to Texas. Our first stop was with Keith's sisters in Midlothian, near Dallas.
It's a fantastic "Bed and Breakfast". Margie has always joked that they provide a bed and we have to fix breakfast. However, this time, Rhonda put together a great spread each morning.

We enjoyed hanging out on their wonderful porch.

Joel and Josiah practice modeling for a catalog, or looking cool, or something?

Nathanael playing with a vice that Keith's great uncle, Uncle Earl, made in his blacksmith shop.

HOSPITALITY . . .

Keith's sisters are extremely hospitable. The day we were there, they not only hosted us, but had a teacher's luncheon for over 90 of Margie's colleages, took the older cousins to dinner, opened their home to five other wayward Nisbett's from Missouri the night after we were there, and picked up Nate and Amy at the airport, then transported them from Dallas to Houston. They hosted about 120 people, in four different groups, in less than 24 hours, two groups over night!

That is a lot of company.

And they laugh a lot.

I love Keith's sisters!

I TOLD YOU THEY WERE GREAT!

Rhonda

Margie

Donna

THE BEACH WAS GREAT FUN! ENOUGH SAID.

Adam will have more and better pictures when I get a hold of his camera. Soon.

NISBETT WEDDING IN LAKE JACKSON, TX

The main reason we traveled down towards Houston, TX was for the wedding of this fine young man, Daniel Nisbett. He is our nephew.

Daniel is the son of Craig Nisbett, Keith's brother. You see that mischievious grin and the twinkle in his eye, well he's had those ever since I've known him (he was in 3rd grade when I was in 2nd.) Craig is a wonderful person, and a lot of fun.

Craig is married to this great lady, who normally has an infectious smile on her face, rather than this somewhat stressed out sort of smile. (I didn't have a better picture) Ann put together the whole wedding, and two separate receptions, (a typical one after the wedding at the church, and a cookout at the beach that evening), which were both absolutely terrific!

Our family was kind enough to sit still for a quick picture after the reception. We are missing Caleb, who had to work, and was unable to join us. Amy and Nate flew in from PA, despite Hurricane Bill's best efforts to prevent them.

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY JOEL ! !

Joel actually turned 18 back in March, but had been looking forward to skydiving ever since then. (That was his gift from our family, the chance to jump out of a perfectly good airplane.)

Off they go, into the wild blue yonder . . .

It was a beautiful afternoon in Mid Missouri!!

. . . they come back to earth . . .

And land. No injuries were incurred, except for the tiny red welts all over their arms and legs from hitting raindrops at 120 mph during the free fall. The welts lasted two days, wow! While discussing why they didn't wear a jump suit, I had this light bulb moment when I realized where the term "jump suit" came from. Aha !!

WORLD CLASS SWIMMING INSTRUCTOR ARRIVES FROM INDIANAPOLIS

We were so blessed this last week to have Tammy Nail and her wonderful family visiting from Indianapolis. She has patiently instucted each of my children in the art of "not drowning."

The older ones have graduated to lifesaving instruction. Here John is "saving" Josiah.

And Keturah saves Naomi.

The younger ones begin the initiation rites of blowing out the candle, progressing to bobs. What a terrific week!! Thank you so much Tammy and Debbie ! !

FUN AFTER SWIMMING LESSONS

On your mark . . .
Get set . . .

\
Go ! !

The Charge of the Flight Brigade

Isn't this guy the cutest example of perfect "boy-hood" you ever saw.
I just love to watch Joshua Nail; he makes Dennis the Menace look like a sissy.