Unexpected yet blessed!

We had grand plans and high hopes for what our summer would be, but after some thought and consideration we scaled it down to a couple of trips...God knows what our plan is!!! To make a long story short and painless (for you and us), Erin's Uncle Mike passed away June 14th and she was able to drive with her family to MO for the funeral while Marc's parents traveled from Turkey to OKC due to Marc's dad having some heart trouble. Marc's grandfather passed away June 22nd in Sherman, TX and thankfully we were able to attend his funeral last week along with Marc's parents and sister. Yesterday Marc's father had his aortic valve replaced and is doing well in the hospital where he will be for the next few days then home with us until he is fully recovered. All that said, had we had our way and traveled the world this summer, none of this would have worked out for us to be part of or to be home to host and support. God has a plan for our lives and our summers, and this summer we are here and grateful for the unexpected times we have had with our family!!

VBS was lots of fun even though Samuel missed the last two days due to strep throat!

We got to celebrate Robert and Danica at their June 12th baby shower in Plano.

Just another day painting her princess toes!

Aunt Denise and Erin in MO.

Out golfing in class with our golf box in REALLY hot weather!!!

Maple corner, MO.

Sweet time with Uncle Denny reading to Merideth in his best English accent.

Great Cardinals gear, thank you Aunt Barbara!

We are so thankful that Samuel and Merideth got some great time with Papa and Maudy!

This girls in the doll house!

Papa can sleep anywhere!

So thankful to see Auntie Heather!

We tried out some tie dye for our 4th of July celebrations! Awesome!

10 Years!!

We are so thankful to be celebrating 10 years of marriage today! Thank you God for the blessing of each other and such a wonderful life together!

June 10, 2000

So Behind!!

Well I feel super far behind on updating the blog, but there actually isn't quite as many pictures as I thought there was going to be! I will try to be better about updating as we have a fun summer with some busy and some relaxing times coming up. So far; the kids ended school with a bang, finished up gymnastics, went to Dallas for a weekend while Maudy was visiting (forgot our camera =(), Samuel had a three day golf camp (and loved it), spent a day in Tulsa, etc. I am quickly discovering that the summer really isn't all too relaxing with two little busy bodies to keep...well busy!

Merideth showing off her goods, trophy and M&Ms, on the last day of gymnastics.

Samuel very proud.

Lots of time to build towers, "taller than Merideth!"

Swimming over at the Emmersons next door. Samuel has done great so far in the pool, he really has a new confidence that is fun to watch. No more floaties in the shallow end!

Time to paint a bird house for the little robin egg we found in the backyard. Merideth has high hopes that its mommy will find it and take care of it and we will get to see a baby robin very soon!

The finished product! It is hanging nicely on the end of the swing set.

A recent picture of the ever growing garden! We took out the pumpkin and gourds as they were really trying to take over the other plants. We hope they make it in the clay dirt by the fence!

We went to Tulsa to watch a WNBA game and took some time before the game to check out the aquarium there. Here is Samuel gazing at his favorite, sting rays.

Outside the aquarium.

At the Tulsa Shock game with Volt the Fox.