July

 July, where did you go?  We started off the month strong with Kevin's family visit.  His dad and mom were in town for a week, and then Ryan, Kristin and the girls came for the 4th.  Kevin and his dad made an amazing chicken coop together and then we went up to the Thousand Islands for a little trip.  We were all together to celebrate Noah turning 4! My baby is 4! I made a Hulk cake for him, and he had a fun time.

 The rest of the July was filled withe swimming lessons and VBS's.  During the first VBS, Kevin really took to the role of Paul, and did a great job leading the story of the program, I was so proud of him.  I was able to lead a girl from our group to Christ, which was amazing.  In the area of swimming, Rachel started out the summer not even wanting to put her head under water, and now she is jumping off the diving board all by herself.  Daniel is learning the strokes, and Noah is enjoying it, which is better than I can say for last year.

The month ended with a spur of the moment trip to San Francisco!  With the help of everyone I knew, a voucher, and just the right timing, I was able to visit my dear college friend Jenny.  She showed me all around, I saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time, ate good food, fun shopping, and it was overall such a blessing.  She is moving to Berlin this fall, so I thought I would take the time to see her before she moves to a whole different country!

I was also blessed this July with different friends driving to see me, either passing through, or lingering for a day, and a visit from my Aunt for a few weeks.  I feel the summer coming to a close with soccer starting in a few weeks, another round of swim lessons, and just an overall feeling to get ready for the school year.