I’m a Florida girl at heart so it’s so sad to see Summer go.  I love the longer days that glow with sunshine.  Living in a land-locked state I especially miss the ocean.  I love the feeling of squishing sand between my toes and smelling the salty air.  The roar and crashing of the waves always humbles me and brings me close to God’s heart. I really miss my family in my home state – having small children makes it really hard.  But fortunately we can Skype and stay in touch.

I don’t care much for winter – mainly because I don’t like having to dress like the Michelin man to go anywhere, the days grow dark quickly, and I’ve been rear-ended twice now on icy roads.   I do think snow is pretty – I just don’t like having to drive in it.  Funny thing is, I do like fall.  Something about the crispness in the air.  It’s not something I experienced in Florida. I especially love the colors of fall – the burnt oranges, reds, fiery yellows.  I look forward to seeing all the colors and briskness that fall brings. Here we are on the cusp of fall.  Just yesterday it hovered in 60’s and yet, next week it will be in the 70’s and 80’s again.

My boys are too young for school but our oldest can count from 1 to 12 and sing his ABC’s.  He’s very bright.  He has an incredible memory and will often mention friends or past events that we thought he would have forgotten about.  We’re amazed by how smart he is.  This summer we attended a NICU (Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit) reunion picnic. Since our eldest was 10 weeks premature he spent over six weeks in the hospital before we could take him home.  During that time we got to know the nurses and medical staff almost like family.  They are miracle workers and we love to show them how he has grown.  Here he is at the picnic crawling around in his first ever bounce house.  I think you can tell by his smile that he had a great time.

Our big boy also had his first dental appointment.  No cavities (Yea!) and his first ever application of fluoride to his teeth.  He did terrific at the appointment even though mommy was a little nervous.

Scripture is always valuable for instruction, and this verse will serve to guide us and him as he grows into adulthood. In the picture below we are all huddled around our little guy in prayer.

I host a women’s group at our home and this picture includes one of my dear friends and her son who is about the same age as our son.  This group brings me fellowship and friendship and I treasure my time with these ladies as we did deeper into God’s word and study what He wants for our marriages and our children. It’s also a great time for our children to play together.

Jimmy’s employer hosts a “Day on the Green” once a year in late summer.  This is a picture of our family enjoying the festivities.  Behind us two co-workers are about to engage in a wrestling match wearing SUMO wrester costumes.

 You have to get up bright and early to make it to the Balloon Classic (below).  Dozens of hot-air balloons take off in front of a beautiful mountain range every labor day weekend. We enjoy the sights and we love sharing this event with our two boys.  This is an annual family event.

The two pics below were also taken at the Balloon Classic.  They were so cute I just had to share.  It was a bit chilly that morning and our little guy was feeling a bit frisky.  It was so fun to watch him gaze at the sky and make funny noises.  I am so in love with my boys!

So long summer and welcome fall.  Our hugs and well wishes to friends and family far-away as we pray this update finds you healthy and blessed.  If you live near-by we hope to see you as the warmth of familiar faces and close friends warms our hearts and home even as the weather grows cooler.

We love you all to pieces!

In His grip,

Monica