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.

HOW ADAM SPENT HIS SUMMER VACATION . . .

"In a non-descript shed in suburban South Park in Seattle, a team of brilliant young Boeing engineers oversee an experiment that provides a startling glimpse into the future."

This is one of the opening quotes from an article appearing in an Australian periodical. If you would like to know more about what Adam has been up to, it is recommended reading, since I certainly can't explain it all.

He should be home on August 17th, to much rejoicing amongst his family, especially his younger siblings, who are pining away for him, and counting the days. I think it speaks well of someone when he is missed greatly by the 3-8 year old crowd.

This tall summer phlox, currently blooming in my garden, is a variety called "David". It has a fantastic scent, and is a delight to be near. It makes me think of King David, who was spoken of a "a man after God's own heart". How pleasant to be in the company of a heart of purity, like a beautiful scent. My reading this morning was a lovely aroma:

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peaceloving, considerate, submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace
raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3

FROM THE ARCHIVES

This is one of my all time favorite pictures we've posted.

That's one tired baby!!

(The boys cleaned Glory up before putting her to bed; Keith and I were on a date night.)

SUMMER SOFTBALL !

It's All-American !

It's Fun for the Whole Family!

It'll Put a Smile on your Face . . .

. . . but you have to hold your mouth just right.

Nate and Amy were here this last week and we had a wonderful time with them. We had a very full schedule of lots of fun things, including multiple different dinner guests, auditions for Twelve Angry Men (our fall play), a read-through of a Pride and Prejudice script (our spring play), hauling hay (whoohoo!), celebrating birthdays, fixing lots of stuff (Nate is really good at that), etc. But one of the things I think we all enjoyed the most was the family softball game. We played several innings with everyone, and then several innings with the more competive guys (who were gracious enough to include a few females.) Many thanks to Amy for taking the pictures, and to Nate for suggesting it in the first place.

MORE PUPPY PICTURES