Music in the park

It seems that we have a new tradition of going to hear the Monte Mills Band each summer when they play in the downtown park. We went with some of our good friends and had a great time watching the kids play and dance. Addie was inthralled with the trash cans everywhere, Jack was attached to his stick he found and where ever it "took" him, Renelle loved jumping on Chris and Mathias had his hand down his diaper to scratch a diaper rash. All in all it was fun. We took the kids up front to dance to the music and it was one of my favorites. Addie adores music and I love dancing with her.

6 years and counting

It's crazy to think that we have been married for 6 years. We find ourselves asking where the time went. Looking back, God has been so faithful and has blessed us in so many ways. Seeing where we are now, it's clearly a work of the Lord. I truly have married the best/perfect man for me...Chris is amazing. I love walking through each day with him and couldn't ask for more.




Blakes now...DATE NIGHT IN SLO!!!

Finished

So (Nick), here is the proof of Chris's manliness. :) They look great!

Mid State Fair = Pure Goodness

The Blakes are always good for about 2 visits to the mid state fair. Our bellies and wallets can't handle much more since we go crazy when we are there. All self regulation is out the window when it comes to the fair foods and we pretty much indulge like crazy. Let's see: cheese on a stick, corn dogs, funnel cakes, cinnamon roles, sodas, chicken sandwiches, garlic fries, and more. Awesome.

Addie enjoyed the festivities so much more this year. She was a little too small for the majority of the rides but the jumbo slide was a hit for the most part. She loved walking through the animal barns to see/pet the cows, pigs, goats, sheeps, bunnies, and more. Chris was all man and even won her a stuffed elephant at one of the fair booths (we are pretty sure we could have bought it at the dollar store instead of paying the $5 but it was worth it).

Shutter Project

We always heard that one becomes a little more handy once a house is bought...I have to admit that this has happened for Chris. He's such a quick learner and retains anything he learns (don't play trivia with him). Well, over this past year we have made a few things to enhance the house. The latest is the shutter for cover up these huge cutouts in our main sitting area. They are random holes designed for a tv and who knows what else...ever since we bought the house we hoped to cover them. Here is where handy Chris comes in. He has build them all by himself and even made them match the color and design of our other furniture. It's rather impressive. I wish I could admit I helped, but all I did was help keep the wood from moving while he cut and gave Chris my sunglasses for eye protection. Addie enjoyed the time outside reading on her Pooh towel and laying on top of her sandbox.

Woodleaf

We never quite know what to expect when we head off to camp every year. This summer we had YL's Fill the Bus Campaign so basically we took a ton of kids and they all went for $200.00...it's a steal. Chris and I got to go together while Addie spent the week with Meme (Grammy) and Papa in Modesto. Needless to say, she was very spoiled and had an amazing time. As for us, we enjoyed the week with the kids and watching them wrestle with who God is. Chris was the solo guy leader for the Paso guys and Jocelyn, Janay and I tackled the girls. It was a hard week for sure full of laughter and lots of tears by the girl leaders. It's always a privilege to be with kids for a week but it's heartbreaking to get a real life picture of what so many of their lives are like...and how they think that is "normal." My mom instinct kicks in wanting to defend them and also wanting to confront them on certain issues (or attitudes). All in all, they definitely experienced God at camp. Yes, some followed and some weren't ready. So, I ask you to pray with us. Pray that God continues to tug at their hearts and draw them in. Chris as always said that with kids and YL, it's like a 100 step process...sometimes we get to see step 10 to 100 and sometimes it's step 1 to 2.