Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

We had a fantastic summer, filled with many adventures and memories.  Here's our summer for you in snapshots.  No big descriptions or multiple pictures, because we did too much and I didn't post enough!

My parents rented a huge house in Swain so the whole family could vacation together for a few days.  We played games, had campfires, and swam and boated in the pond that was on the property.  It was Gavin's first vacation!

We went to Disney!  We spent 4 days in Disney and 3 days at our resort.  It was awesome, and although I'm sure I had the most fun, we all enjoyed it.  

We went to the zoo a couple times and visited Larkin Square to eat lunch with Aunt Lisa.

Bison's game with the church crew!

Of course, we had a bunch of water fun.  Pool time and fun in the creek.

Chautauqua County Fair

Camping!  It was surprising how well Gavin did on this trip!

Boating with good friends!

Erie County Fair - Bransen got to be in Gary the Silent Clown's show!

Fantasy Island

 Hiking and adventuring in Zoar Valley

Our favorite campground - Stonybrook!

The kids also went on a couple vacations with their other parents.  Jonas went to New York City and Black Lake, and Brynn and Bransen went to Alexandria Bay.  What busy kids!  We sure had a great summer together as a big happy family, and we hope you did, too!

Trinity's End-of-the-Year Events

It's nearing the end of the school year already, and summer is on it's way.  The kids are excited, but Jonas is actually a little sad too.  He loves his teachers and friends at Trinity, and he is looking forward to each school day he has left to visit with them.  Thankfully, Trinity has some pretty fun stuff at the end of the year to give the students some time to have fun and socialize before they part ways for the summer.

Field Day

Jonas earned 2 third place ribbons for the relay and the dash, and a first place ribbon for the tug-of-war.  I am proud of him for how hard he worked and especially for his good attitude.

I had to include this one because my niece Bethany is so adorable.

 The whole class!

School Picnic at Pioneer

Every year Trinity has their picnic at Camp Pioneer.  It is an awesome day with games, swimming, and devotions.

Jonas and his class played some fun games that Mrs. C. organized for them.  They made marshmallow catapults and shot mini marshmallows at targets, made marshmallow and spaghetti towers, and raced to throw the most marshmallows in baskets.

After lunch we spent some time down at the beach (Gavin's first time!).  The water was freezing, but Jonas still swam a bit and played in the sand.  Gavin did not appreciate me putting his feet in the water (he screamed), but he did like feeling the sand.  It pooped him out and he decided to take a little snooze.

Before the kids went back to school, we all gathered at the Chapel in the Woods for a devotion.  How can you not end a beautiful day like that by giving thanks to God?

Sport's Banquet

Jonas participated in Trinity's "Mini-Hawks" basketball team this past winter.  He received a cool basketball pin for his efforts.

Thanks for all your hard work, coaches!

Gavin's Baptism

Gavin was baptized on May 31st.  It was a beautiful little ceremony.  Brynn, Jonas, and Bransen even got to help baptize Gavin by pouring the water on his head.  We are so excited that the Gavin is part of God's family!

Gavin wore Duane's baptism gown from when he was baptized.

The children of the congregation came forward to be able to see the baptism better.  It was neat that they got to be a part of it!

Gavin's Godparents - Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary

A whole family shot

A picture with Pastor Krueger

After the baptism we celebrated with lunch in the school gym.  A lot of our family was there to celebrate with us, and it was a great time with food and fellowship!

Gavin's tired...sleeping on Daddy.

My favorite thing about this collection of pictures is how Gavin moves from kid to kid.  Jonas, Brynn, and Bethany all take a turn!

It was a joyous day!  Thank you to all of you who came to celebrate with us!