Summer....

Dinners....

*****

In summer, the song sings itself. 

-Wiliam Carlos Wiliams-

{Photo Booth}

{Taken in the 'Blueberry Hill" restaurant photo booth in St. Louis, MO}

Meet me in St. Louis...

We had a great time visiting the uncle Tate in St. Louis this past week. As with any family trip, it was not without its set backs. We decided to split up the drive from the homestead to St. Louis by staying in a hotel on the way. After our first night in the hotel we came out to find we had a flat tire. The cowboy headed out to get it fixed and he said we'd just have to hang a bit in the hotel. "Hang a bit," "in hotel," with four little kids. Sounds fun right?! Right?! Not so much. The cowboy had to try a number of service shops that could work the van in. Meanwhile the kids in I were trapped like Jack Nicholson in "The Shinning" until the cowboy returned. {Cue a dash of chaos} And return he did, and we were off to St. Louis.
{And still all speaking to each other, bonus!}

And we had a great time.

{Only up from there!}

Heading to the zoo. 

The wild life.

Three little boys.... enthralled. 

Time for a treat on this hot day.

Good stuff

Then after the zoo we walked passed a city fountain were we saw kids playing it.

It took the boys .3 seconds to do the same.

A good time right?

Right?

Right?

Right?!?!

 {One tired girl}

Wrong. 

We then noticed that there was a sign that said:

"No wadding or swimming" 

Whoops! Missed that one.
{We are country for the record}

So back we headed. To uncle Tate's place.

For a pizza night.

And.....

A date night for me and the cowboy while uncle Tate hung out with the kids.

{SO thankful}

Our last night we hit a St. Louis hot spot {An ice cream shop is ALWAYS a hot spot for this crew for the record} called Ted Drewes. 

I was a little nervous when we drove up and saw the line. {A wee bit}

But the service was fast.

And it was worth it.

So very much worth it.

The whole fam enjoying TD.

The Jacobitz boys and Nora. 

One of the best parts of the trip?

Meeting THIS beautiful lady. 

{Loved every second of it Nicole!!!}

A great time was had. 

Thanks for being an amazing host uncle Tate.

A great memory. 

****

Until next time St. Louis...

                                  

Some serious....

bounty...

Despite my effort to the contrary {or rather lack of effort} the garden is doing its thing. 

Fun to see.

Come getcha some. 

*****

One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides.  

-W.E. Johns- {The Passing Show}

Enjoying our time...

.....in St. Lou visiting Uncle Tate!

More pics to come...

Meet Ian & Larissa

 Then wipe your face and walk away challenged, changed and rejoicing...

This Momentary Marriage 

AWANA Awards

This past week the AWANA awards was held, marking the end of the AWANA season for three {all three!) of my boys.

Sol walking the isle, culminating his first year in the program. 

Ready to get his award for finishing his book. 

Grandma Diane and Nora enjoying the view.

Sol {and his family} are proud of his accomplishment!

Papa Don capturing it all on tape.

Next up? Shep.

Receiving his award for finishing his book. 

 Last but not least? 

Our Sam.

Proud of these boys.

A proud fellow and his award. 

Praying that the Word is written on their hearts. 

******

Why memorize scripture.