The rest of our vacation...

Jocelynne's request was to ride horses on the beach. We were not able to take our camera on the ride. It was beautiful though and I wish we could have captured it.

 The horse that Jocelynne rode was beautiful. Her name was Tiny. What a fun memory!

 Jay's cousin Bill lives in Salem, so we invited them to our beach house for a day. What fun it was to have them.

 The kids enjoyed playing with Marli and Jaque. It was so fun catching up with them and talking about Jay's trip to Burkina Faso.

 I love that Nadi brings her culture with her wherever she goes. This piece of fabric is commonly used to carry children on their mothers back in Burkina Faso.

 Jaque and Jocelynne having fun even though the wind was wild that day.

 Our neighbors had just brought in their catch of crab for the day. They were so generous and shared some with us! What a treat!

 I don't remember the last time I had crab that tasted this good. It was such fun sharing it with Bill and Nadi and their kids.

 Jay usually woke up before all of us and went for a morning beach walk. This was one of the many pictures he captured.

 I love watching our kids enjoy the beach, probably because I have fond memories of playing on the beach as a child. We took many walks.

 ...and did lots of exploring.

 I wish I would have taken more pictures of our little beach house.It was perfect for our family. It had a fun backyard full of sand and toys that the boys loved to play in.

 Out of all the beaches we have been to in OR, this is the only beach we have found whole sand dollars at. Emily's request was to find shells. We got quite a collection during our visit.

 This picture reminds me that there is beauty even in the broken.

 This is one of my favorites. The last morning of our stay Jay got the kids up early for a morning beach combing walk. They did find some really unique shells too.

These are just a few of the many memories we made during our visit to Pacific City. So many things I didn't capture on camera, but we will treasure them nonetheless.

July

 This not so little man keeps us on our toes! He is crawling and standing up! Wanting so much to be walking and running with his brother and sisters. It is fun to see him learning and growing.

 Swimming lessons were a hit this year! Every morning the kids got their suites on first thing. They have each learned so much. Jocelynne is doing so great at diving.

 Emily, she was so afraid to put her face in the water and overcame it! I wish I had a picture of her face when she finally got it! She had a stomach ache that day from drinking so much water because she wouldn't stop swimming back and forth! Nathaniel did so good too. He has always loved the water.

 This picture of the morning sun shining in our window is so peaceful. I love summer mornings like this when I can enjoy my cup of coffee right here.

 Jay's brother David and his wife Adelle were in WA for a short visit. We were so blessed to connect with them and chat about Africa and get to hear about their work. It brings a whole new sense of appreciation for the smallest of things we take for granted.

 This last week of July was our long awaited, most looked forward to vacation of the year!

 The smile on Jocelynne's face says it all!! This is our first outing to the beach right after we arrived at Pacific City.

 Running down these sand dunes...feeling the smooth sand on our feet!

 Jaron's first time experiencing the ocean.

 This was the view and I could never get tired of it! Oh, the memories we made! Just going back and looking through our pictures brings a smile to my face.

 We found so many whole sand dollars. This is the only beach we have found them on.

 I love that even in these dry sandy dunes God places His beauty!

 ...and yes, this little beauty could not resist a pose.

 I feel like I could dedicate one whole post just to our vacation. On this years trip we asked each of our kids what they would like to do. Nathaniel said right away...I want to ride a steam train! So we found this one in Garibaldi, OR right up the coast from our vacation rental.

 It did not disappoint! It was beyond our expectations! This first car was completely restored with original lights and decorated old vintage suitcases. Here the conductor is punching our tickets!

 He is taking it all in!

 Just a short 30 minute ride up to Rockaway beach along the coast.

 We were able to get out for a short break and buy some fresh salt water taffy for a fun treat. Then 30 min. back. It was perfect amount of time for our family. Nathaniel, he wanted to stay on the train.

...to be continued in my next post.

School is out, VBS and lazy summer days!

 The end of the school year! And this girl rocked it this year! She worked so hard at accomplishing the goals her teacher gave her and we are so proud of her!

 I am so grateful for all the helpers and work that goes into our VBS! It is truly a team effort and our kids look forward to it every year!

 This year I had fun helping with the little ones crafts. Jaron was so great and came along for the ride. It was fun connecting with friends and seeing these little ones get excited about God's word. I am always sad I don't take more pictures of my kids and the group of  awesome helpers. We had such a great team!

These girls crack me up! I always remember great times with my cousins growing up. Emily and Lana get along so great and always pick up were they left off. It was so good to have them visit.

 These two are also a great pair. Caleb and Jocelynne are the same age and have such fun together!

 We took them fishing, but didn't catch any fish.

June was a really fun month. We were able to visit with almost all of Jay's siblings and their families.The kids had so much fun playing with cousins. I did get pneumonia while Jay was in Africa. So many friends rallied around me and helped out with the kids and just encouraged me in so many ways. It was humbling and I am forever grateful for their friendship and support!

May...

Its that time of year when school is almost done, but not quite. End of the school year activities, the smell of fresh cut grass, longer days and evenings by the fire pit. I don't know about you, but I am ready for summer to be here! 

 Happy 8 months Jaron! Your smile brings everyone joy!

This sweet girl turned 5! Wow, how can that be?

Oh, Emily...you spice things up, you are all in whatever you are doing and you have such a great imagination!  We love your hugs and kisses! We had so much fun celebrating you and Grandma! You are both amazing blessings!!!

I love this picture of my mother in law.  She has such a positive out look on life and a beautiful smile! She also has MS, but I have never heard her once complain about it. Thank you Lord for this amazing woman and the blessing she is to all of us! My kids are so blessed to have her as their grandma!

Jay was getting ready for his trip to Africa, but he took this curious boy on a little adventure hike. I love seeing the pictures they bring back.

 We were invited to this little cuties house. Isn't she a doll? She showed us around the farm.

 We helped feed the bucket calves! What fun!

 The kids also had fun in a big tractor tire and a pile of rocks.

 We also got to visit the chickens.

 Some fun at the park before Jay left on his trip to Africa.

Most of my pictures are highlights from this past month, usually that is what we all want to remember...the good times. While I do want to remember the good and fun times, there are days and moments that have been so hard for me these past few months. I prayed, clung to Jesus and had so much support from dear friends. I recently found this picture while thrifting. It immediately jumped out at me and I snatched it up. It was a gentle reminder to me that I can choose to find JOY in this journey of motherhood, that HE is my joy! At first when I counted the little birds on the line, I paused. Although I have four little ones in my care, and often get overwhelmed in that. He is taking care of my fifth. Thank you Father for this sweet reminder.