Well. We are leaving in a little less than two weeks. This week is family camp and we are trying to participate as campers as much as we can. It has been really fun and relaxing to go to chapel and coffee talk, participate in hymn sings, watch big games, hang out on the waterfront with a ton of other parents and kids, etc.

Charlotte is loving being out in the sun and swimming, she is such a little water baby. She also has been standing on her own for a few seconds at a time. Last night, in the bath tub, she stood and danced a little bit. She says "dada", "hi", and "ball" (kind of) and we think she says "What's that?" and "Who's that?" Regardless, we answer her. She loves people and will go to pretty much anyone. She is a smiley, happy, joyful girl and we are having a blast with her right now.

I have been reading a book this summer called "One Thousand Gifts" which is about how the crux of the Christian faith is actually giving thanks to God in all circumstances- the Greek word is "eucharisteo"- and how eucharisteo allows us to live in the now and experience joy in every moment, even hard moments, sad moments, impatient moments, angry moments. It has really been shaping my days, and consequently, my faith and life. I think the lessons God has taught me through this book are timely for our move. He has been keeping me from stress and worry and perfection and fear of the unknown so far and is preparing me for accepting change and being open to all the things He gives (a new home, a new journey, a new perspective). I couldn't have hoped for a deeper feeling of God's peace right now.

And so, we are coming soon!

Summertime.

Pictures from a Mecher visit and Fourth of July.

LOVE this.

Eating a stick.

Adoring Jackson.

Serious Emmett.

New birthday sprinkler.

Look at those little chompers up top.

Miss America.

Don't worry, the box did not really contain explosives.

American girls.

Princess Charlotte.