Florida!

Two weeks ago tomorrow, we began our adventure! 7 Kids (ages 7,6,5,4,3,2,2) and 6 adults piled into a 15 passenger van and headed down to florida. We left at 4:30 pm on Friday from Duluth Minnesota, and arrived in Destin Florida Saturday night around 7:30. Now our family has made a number of road trips of 20+ hours, Nathanael and I are crazy and drive usually drive straight through without staying overnight. But this trip was different. Sure, the volume level in the BUS was amazing at some points, there usually was one child that was somewhat one edge, but surprisingly I can say, this was the easiest road trip we have ever taken. Probably because our usual adult to child ratio of 2:4, was now a favorable 6:7!!! And we actually got to sleep during the trip. I am putting together a video documentary, and hope to share it with you soon.
BESIDES the ride to and from, our vacation in Florida was wonderful. Plently of sun, even if it always wasn't Hot. Lots of time at the beach playing, flying kites, and taking walks. We took in a dolpin and sea lion show at the Gulfarium. Went to TWO movies in three days, when does that ever happen!!!
It has been a long time since we've tried for a good family picture, so I planned to take some pics down at the beach. They turned out beautifully!!!

Happy New Years!

Hope you all had a wonderful evening. We spent the night at my brother and sister-in-laws house. Despite the sub zero temps, and very cold wind chill, we bundled up and spent a few hours out on the rink. This was the first time ice skating for all our kids.

Belle

Our sweet, kind, and passive dog Belle died a week ago. I wanted to post some pictures in rememberance of her. She really was one of the best puppies, but she had some quirks. Some endearing, and some annoying. For the first few years of her life she was extremly energetic. I had NEVER seen a dog run that fast. She was very cuddly. She would find anyone's legs appealing, and back her butt right up to them, and lean all her weight on you. Belle was such a picky eater. She rarely cleaned up the mess on the floor after a meal. And with four little kids, this was something I wished she would have done. But on that same picky note, she never got into the kids toys, shoes, or anything else that was laying around. Belle was so obedient, and listened very well. She was always tolerant of the kids, and well behaved. She was the perfect family dog. We miss her very much. These are pictures of us saying goodbye to her.

top- secret enviornmental recycling program

O.K. so the secret must come out. For now there is proof of my recent activities. For years now I have been secretly involved in an environmental recycling program. Monthly jumping on large cardboard boxes from Nathanael's work. I break them down and burn them up. The mission has been top secret until this last Saturday when the programs vow (Yes... I am willing to risk life and limb) came to pass. Whilst jumping on a particularly large and strong cardboard box, I lost my balance, fell straight forward onto our unforgiving STONE patio.

The outcome of my unfortunate accident, a broken elbow. Recovery will be around six week. We'll keep you updated!

Build up a highway

This is a song that I wrote a few days ago. It is based on Isaiah 62:10 that says, Pass through, pass through the gates. Prepare the way for the people. Build up the highway. Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations!

Here are the lyrics....
His eyes, are searching the land
For eyes, that look for his plan
And his hands, they're reaching down
For hands, that are reaching up

He is searching, he is looking, he is waiting, for his children To come now, and bow down, sayin us me, sayin us me.... to


Build up, build up a highway
Pick up, and remove the stones
lift up, lift high a banner
Make known the unknown, and build up a highway!

A mess that is blog worthy.

 

Innocent you think?? I think not!!! When asked who got into the flour first, Samuel told the truth. I will credit him that! "Who did this!??" I exclaimed. "Samuel or Amilia?"

They Both exclaimed, "SAMUEL!!" Looks like they both had too much fun. I stripped Sam before I got a picture. But he was just as messy as his little sister.
 


We are enjoying a beautiful day here. It is in the mid 70's, so I am filling up the pool for one last dip of the summer!!

Lincoln turned five

Amilia sings to Lincoln!!