More Pictures

Lauren & her best buds









My handsome boy










Playing in Grandma & Papa's pool













Look how tall I am!

Ryan's Weekend Visit

This weekend Ryan flew into Portland to join us for a few days. Lauren and Nolan were so excited to see him and we finally got to go on our first date since Nolan's been born (thanks mom & dad!). Saturday was spent at a reunion with Ryan's side of the family - all of his cousins were there and we got a great 4-generation picture with his grandma and mom:

















My family had a big BBQ get-together at my parents house on Sunday afternoon and everyone had a great time swimming in the pool and playing round robin ping-pong (I don't think I've seen my parents move that fast in a long time!)















Unfortunately, Ryan had to leave us Monday morning to head home, but it was wonderful that he was able to come out for a little bit and now we will only have 10 more days until we are all together again. :)

His Majesty

While Kimberly and the kids were enjoying their vacation with family on the West Coast I decided to take advantage of the Independence Day holiday by hiking for the day at Crowder's Mountain State Park in North Carolina. It was about an hour drive from our house, but that was all it took to get to a more remote part of the state.

I picked two loops that the park rated as "strenuous" and they weren't joking. In fact, this picture, which seemingly looks like a rock wall was actually part of the trail - yikes!

After about 6.5 miles I was worn out and ready to be done. The only problem was that I was still 2 miles away from my car! So, it ended a little rough. And, 15 minutes from the car it started to rain. But all things considered it was worth it. One of the things that made it worth it was the view from the top of King's Pinnacle.

The pictures give the experience little justice. It was beautiful being able to take in that view. Sometimes I hear people talk about how beautiful God's creation is (agreed), and how cool He is for making Earth so beautiful for us to enjoy (that's where I disagree). I was overwhelmed as I hiked up the mountain with the fact that God DIDN'T make this for us. He made it all for Himself. And He doesn't even need me to see it or acknowledge it in order for it to bring Him glory. The rocks and trees, all of His creation, sing out in His glory. That is what made it such a priviledge going out and hiking up to Kings's Pinnacle - that I got to turn that hike into an act of worship.

Oregon Pictures

Papa & his little princess









Lauren, Evan & Caden









Brennan and Nolan in the buff










Evan & Lauren on Grandma's swing