How far do you think the tide will come in?

Camping trip to Westport, California

setting up camp

watching the sunset

Sand, Sand and more SAND!

This past weekend we took the kids to Ft. Bragg, acutally a little town north of there called, Westport. The drive was a little windy, but well worth it. At one point the temperature dropped 32 degrees within 6 minutes. We got to camp right on the sand, about 25 feet from the high tide mark. There were no camp sites, just pick a spot you think will stay dry. It was a priceless view if you can handle sleeping and cooking in sand! It was wonderful to fall asleep to the sound of the waves, and then wake to them for the sunrise. It was also wonderful to be cold. We lucked out on the time we picked and were able to escape Redding's 116 degree week and stay in the 50's and 60's. The kids loved being able to run free and help dad set up the camp. It was a quiet weekend to just be together and focus on the beauty of God's creation. We had some wonderful talks about God's power and gentleness,,,,just like the ocean. Here are a few pictures of those quiet moments.

Baseball comes to an end

The All Stars came close to winning the tournament, but couldn't pull it off tonight. As bummed as we were for Michael, I am not sorry to get a break from the bleachers for a while! Michael was up in the last inning with two outs,,,, a position he has seemed to be in quite a few times this year. Thinking of how he would feel to have that on his shoulders a second time, made me cringe,,,, but he pulled it off,,, got a hit, and whew! The next batter got to be the third out.

Now that there will be no more practices or games to conserve energy for, (the coaches discouraged playing outside in the afternoons, since 105 degrees tends to drain 10 year old boys) we are going to play hard for the rest of the summer doing things we couldn't do during the season,,,, like go to the lake! Tomorrow the kids and I are going to Kayak on Whiskey Town, should be a lot of fun. So for now, no more baseball,,,, but I feel football around the corner!

A sad day for our family

Yesterday was a hard day for us. We had to say goodbye to our cat Jinx. He died yesterday morning. Even if you don't like animals, this would have broke your heart. He was very badly injured, and because of the timing and it being sunday, we had to endure watching him suffer all through the night. I hate watching anything in pain! We took him to the vet in the morning and they put him down. Pete came home to dig a grave, and Alex insisted on helping dad with "his cat". He was a very grown up little boy. I know that in the grand scheme of things it is "just a cat", but it is so hard to watch your kids hurt over anything. I hate not being able to fix things for them. Here is a picture of the grave the kids made for him.

Allie and Michael are off to camp

I dropped off the twins yesterday at Mountain Meadows. They were so pumped up. We listened to "Reliant K" ( a christian alternative band) In the car at level 10 the whole way. That was interesting:) Allie said it was there motivational music. We got them checked into their cabins and then they all stood around, like ok mom, you can leave anytime. here are a few pics. Allie invited her friend Lexi, and Michael invited his gang from school. I'd be scared to be the counseler for those boys :) Alex and I are all alone today, so we are going to play some golf. Wow, it is quiet with just one.

ALL STARS CONTINUE

We had a great time as a family this past weekend cheering on the all star team. We won both games and will get to continue this next weekend.... Michael loves his new uniform, and Allie and Alex are having a great time playing around, and staying up late on game nights. Here are some pictures from the weekend. We wish all of our friends and family a wonderful 4th of July!

Allie and her friend Taylor,,,,two great cheerleaders

as you can see,,,, Allie enjoys getting all decked out to support the team! She loves any reason to use my eyeliner!:):):) Even if it is just writing on her face

Alex and his best friend Jake goofing around at the game

the fans at the game were AWESOME!

pre game thoughts

Michael making a catch

all star tournament pictures

the line up at the all star game...michael is #6

God is so good!

Just wanted to share a verse that struck me today. Psalm 81:10 "Open wide your mouth and I will fill it."

God is so faithful to us. In a summer of busy schedules, baseball games, more baseball games and many dinners on the run,,,, it is good to be reminded that it is God that should "fill" us up and not anything of this earth. The kids and I have been talking today about how God "chases" us...(in their words) when we forget that He is what should fill us.

And a little side note, the dad of one of Alex's good friends, came to church today,,,,, something we have been praying about for 5 years! How awesome for Alex to see that God is a patient, yet faithful God in answering prayers!

May you be "full" of God today!