Camping at Grandpa Yutzy's Old Farm (AKA Keith and Vi's farm)

One of our biggest highlights of the summer was camping with the Yutzy's.  The kids were in heaven...Dawson got help Cousin Stac drive the tractor, all of the kids could "cook" until their hearts desires and being with family was the absolute best part!  Loved it!!

Hpapy Father's Day

Amazing Dad...Amazing Husband

Elli's Dance Class

Love our Lil' Skiers

Ok, there's moments in life that just seem surreal.  Seeing Elli and Dawson skiing was one of them.  It was a dream moment.  My dad, who taught me how to ski, helped us teach the kids to ski and they absolutely loved it.  Dawson threw a complete fit when it was time to go.  After 2 days, we hit the big mountain.  That's when I became extremely proud of my girl.  It was intimidating, but she kept to her triangle and turns and made it through.  Many people commented how well she was doing!  Paul took Dawson up later and he did great, too.  Dad and Mom were amazing...letting us ski by ourselves and have dates...refreshing.  Karis shares her "Gotcha Day" with Grandpa Yutzy's birthday.  So we went up 2 gondolas and enjoyed fondue at the top.  The kids were covered in chocolate by the end.  What a celebration. 

Easter!

We absolutely loved Easter this year.  Grandpa and Grandma Yutzy started it out with Easter baskets a week before plus an egg hunt.  The kids were ready.  Elli surprised me with her thoughts on Easter.  She was so sad that Jesus had to die.  But what she was glad about was that she and her siblings could dress up for the day.  Then she had outfits picked out for her and Karis later when our friends came over (thank you Bethany and Abby).  This year Grandpa and Grandma HOuge were here (woohoo) and our dear friends, Jackie and the Chambers.  Such a sweet time.  They had a huge hunt and Simeon and Jadyn not only helped hide the eggs, but help find them, too.  I loved our time together with sweet friends and Grandpa and Grandma.

5 years ago...

Exactly 5 years ago, we found out we were expecting with our first miracle baby.  That week, God laid on my heart that I should pray that this baby would have a heart for children without parents.  The other night, totally out of the blue, Elli asked if we could pray for children who didn't have mommies or daddies.  Needless to say, I became a little teary-eyed. 
Here is Zach describing the last 2 weeks at the Houges...fighting the flu and feeling icky.  Finally we are seeing the light of day. 

Thank You to the Giver of Good Things

Trampolines bring so much joy and laughter

12 years from now...a glimpse into the future

Brothers

I love thanksgiving...spending time with friends and family reflecting on God's gracious gifts.  Today Elli thanked Jesus for "turkeys and cozy homes and hands that she can get dressed with".  Dawson thanked Jesus for each person he knows plus water and napkins and forks.  Karis said "thank Jesus for Eric".  Yes, Eric joined us from Arizona!  It was a beautiful day and "Uncle Rafa" is always a fav at our house.