Happy 9th Birthday Kimberly!

Nine years ago today you were a welcomed addition to our family.  It was hard to believe that God gave me the responsibility of snuggling you, caring for you, and raising you to know about His love.

As the years passed and your personality began to develop, 

my love for you grew right along with you.

We encountered some life changing events, along with a big move and a new baby sister, all in the space of a few months.  But God never left us.  We still smiled and played trains, had tickle fights, counted the stars He had made, and thanked Him for taking good care of us.

Kindergarten came along, teeth left, skirts got shorter, 

and your happy face continued to shine.

Then you had a new birth day... the day you asked Jesus into your heart.  

I cried tears of joy to know that you understood your need for a Savior. 

Every year you grow more beautiful, inside and out.

And this year will be no exception!

Thank you for being our practical child, for sharing your knowledge with us, and challenging us on world geography.

Thank you for sharing your love for books with us as we enjoy 

evenings together reading aloud.

Thank you for taking the time you need to think about the answers to life's questions.

Thank you for being strong enough to just be you, even in the midst of adversity.

Thank you for tickle fights, made-up games, and straightening us out on the rules.

Thank you for sharing your life with us.

I love you, Kimberly...

Happy Birthday!

Maiden Voyage

Some evenings are just made for being outside.  

This was one of them.  

Greg and Tamee, Wyatt and Brennen joined us for a picnic at the lake park, followed by Craig, Lynn, and Carissa.  Unfortunately we forgot that it was "music in the park", but fortunately  there was also a wedding going on nearby so the DJ had to keep the sound to a minimum.  

After enjoying barbecued chicken salad, we packed up and headed around the lake to another spot launch our new craft.  While I dutifully manned the electric pump, Greg worked up a sweat with the "double-action pump guaranteed to inflate your boat in 10 minutes or less." Soon the vessel was pronounced seaworthy, life jackets were in place, and the maiden voyage was ready to begin.  Only Atascadero "swamp water" was used in the christening of this boat.

After a few trial runs, Greg managed to get the hang of rowing.  That is until one of the oar locks broke.  Tell you what, it works pretty well as a canoe, too!  Craig fished, Brennen played, Kimberly, Lindsay, and Wyatt ate cupcakes...

...and a good time was had by all!