Nina and Pots

My parents came out for a visit from TN and stayed about 5 days with Addie and I. It was wonderful having them here and just watching the joy one their faces while playing with Addie. Addie took quite a liking to them both and definitely was saying "Nana" and "Pots" or "Papa" while they were here. We laughed that she would call my dad "Papa" some since that is what we called his dad.

Saturday Addie got to spend all day with them both while I was at a wedding. Needless to say, I think she got very spoiled by them...between my dad giving her chips and mom letting her watch as much Einsteins as she wants, she was happy! Sunday we ventured to the Monterey Aquarium for Father's Day. Addie kept running around the whole place saying, "WOW!" I was not thinking and decided to just let her walk instead of bringing the stroller...bad move! I was chasing her the whole time but she loved the fish and birds outside.

How I wish my parents lived closer. I long for Addie to know them closely and be able to go over and play on a weekly basis. I am thankful for the time we have together and cannot wait until November when we head out their way. Love you Nina and Pots!...or should I say, Papa! :)

Back in Paso

Addie and I ventured home from camp Tuesday. Luckily we came home 1 day earlier than planned since part of the 46 would have been closed the day we were going to come home. More driving...not fun. Addie was a trooper in the car considering she had a double ear infection (found that out today). Needless to say, we are trucking through it here and getting ready for Nina and Pots to visit. Here are a few park shots. And yes, she has Rocket and Leo from Little Einsteins with her at the park. :)

Wild Animal Park

While we were at Oakbridge, we went to the San Diego Wild Animal Park since it was only about 40 minutes from the camp. I didn't know what to expect but it was amazing...and huge! We probably saw 1/2 if not only 1/3 of the whole property. We went with two other staff wives and their kids. Addie got (yet again) another boyfriend...Jonah...while we were there. He is 3 years old and kept calling Addie his "baby." Pet name. :) I laughed to Chris when we got back from the WAP because Addie got the most fun out of the play area and ducks...we could have gone to the local park for free! Oh well, I am glad we went. Oh yeah, she also loved the elephants, especially since they had a brand new little one there.











Addie with her Daddy...a little quality time while he reviews and she watches Little Einsteins (if you ask if she wants to watch it, she saw with gusto, "YEAH!"...really funny)

Funny firsts

Addie is at the age where she is doing and saying new words constantly. It's so fun. Here are just two from today that touched my heart and I had to share:

1. Addie discovered her shadow. Hills are everywhere at Oakbridge. I am constantly holding Addie's hand from falling downhill or dragging her uphill. Well, today we were walking up to our room and she saw it....her shadow. I didn't know what she was doing until I say her wave very slowly at it. Then, she proceeded to touch her ears and then waved again. She started walking forward and talked to it since it followed. It was too sweet.

2. "Jeee" - Translation: Jesus. Addie has become a huge fan of reading her little kid Bible. She is constantly finding "Jeee" in the pages and any animal creature that is there too. She will ask for Jeee and finds joy in flipping through the pages and laughs at the angels. Tonight while I was reading her a story, she pointed out Jesus, kissed her hand and then placed it on Jesus. Wow...tears were close to coming to Mama. I remember my mom saying there is no greater joy than seeing your children follow the Lord. I felt that. It touched my heart to see her excited about the Bible and a childlike love for the Lord.

That's our Addie Grace today.

Oakbridge

We made it down to Oakbridge safe and sound on Sunday. The last few days have been full of planning and meetings. Campers arrived today about 5 hours ago and it's great to have the campus flooded with energy and excited middle schoolers. There truly is something amazing about spending time on assignment at a Young Life camp. I found myself grateful for this opportunity.

Chris's first talk is tonight in about 1 hour. Naturally nerves are racing high for him but I keep telling him that he is made for this. It's humbling and reassuming to know that out of all the staff folks in the US, God hand chose him to be the speaker for the month this week. He is going to be used in mighty ways. I ask you to join with me in praying for my husband. Pray for God confidence, boldness in his words and for him to be filled with the Spirit. Please pray too for the camp and all the middle school kids here. May their hearts be open and their eyes ready to see the Lord in a new way.

I came across a verse in Zechariah (random I know). It's Zechariah 4:6, "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit' says the Lord Almighty." That is my prayer for Chris. May it be all the Holy Spirit.

I'll keep you posted.

Senior Club + End of the Year Club

It's been a great year with Young Life. Naturally, by the time May/June rolls around, we are tired. However, we continuously stand in awe at what God has done over the last year. The amount of kids that have come through the doors each week or even just a few times is a testimony of God working and using YL in SLO County. Our leaders in Paso and SLO continue to amaze us at how they open their lives up to kids and show them Jesus in a real life way. Paso consists of all adult leaders and SLO is all college aged besides one or two (Jacquie...you are amazing). God is so good.

Paso had their last club on Thursday and it was the senior club. A few of the senior boys did the skit and Zack (aka. Mini Chris) gave the talk. He did great. It's weird to think that another year is done. We head to camp July 19-25th. We have a grant from National YL called Fill The Bus to get a bus full of kids to camp for 1/2 the price. We are still praying to fill all the spots and we are getting close. Please join us in this prayer. Money is still a big issue for a lot of kids but we will hopefully find a way for them to go and have the best week of their lives. I am on the list to go and it will be my first time leaving Miss Addie for the week...I am already sad but I know it will be worth it. She'll camp out at Grammy and Papa's and get some quality time with the cousins, Auntie Hippo and Uncle Joel. Thanks family!

31st Birthday

Chris had a great, simple day celebrating his birthday. It's crazy to think he's in his "30's"! :) He definitely is young at heart and full of humor. I married an amazing man.