More of life in pictures...

We came across a snapping turtle on a little hike this week.
Hiking the cranberry trail in Foxboro.
Last weekend Megan & Danielle came up from NYC for the weekend...so much fun!
Cutie Pie
Where are your legs Benji!??

VBS

Our new church hosted a week of Vacation Bible School and it was just amazing. (Zibby decided she wasn't ready yet to join...but I'll save that story for another time:)

The theme was High Seas Adventure. Everyday the kids came home full to the rim with new songs, memory verses, and crafts.

Here is a picture of them on "Crazy Hair Day"....

We were so blessed ad thankful for the amazing leaders who volunteered to serve the community here.

Camping in Vermont

A thoughtful Ben
Peace, Love, and Ice Cream!
These sisters "crack" me up!
Monkeying around in Stow.

I'm just gonna say that we had one of the best family vacations in Vermont last weekend. We swam, played, danced, cooked, and met even more new friends. (By the way, where are all these "massholes" we keep hearing about?) The kids have already gotten a letter from a friend they made at our campsite!

We toured Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory, whizzed down the mountain on alpine slides, swam in a peaceful lake every evening, watched hot air balloons fill and float over our heads as the sunset, enjoyed free apple cider popsicles, maple syrup, and long walks though the countryside.

Yep...like I said, it couldn't get any better. Here are some photos to prove it:)

Franklin Fourth of July Parade

Our neighbor, Jim, is a Colonel in the Army. He is also a Representative for the state of Massachusetts and a lawyer (in his spare time.) We have become good friends with he and his sweet wife Nadeera. As I mentioned they have two little girls and we find ourselves hanging out together often.

Jim loves to watch the kids play outside, so while we were visiting with them the other day he was generous enough to give the kids some of his army gear to play with. Needless to say the stuff has supplied hours of entertainment.

So, every fourth of July, our town has an old fashioned parade. The Vallee's encouraged us to come out and see the fun for ourselves. When Jim, his family, and supporters walked by I think he was really touched to see Abigail and Ben, in their new army gear, holding signs that read, "Thank you Col. Vallee!" The parade was full of veterans, bag pipes, marching bands, fire trucks, clowns, and a lot of politicians.

No matter what your "party" affiliation you couldn't help but join in the patriotism and feel grateful to live in a free country, because countless people like Jim and my dad, (a Vietnam vet.) have made the sacrifices to take a stand for liberty.

After the parade the kids made sure to give Col. Jim the signs that they made. He told us that they are hanging in his office at the state house.

It was a really great day.

Fourth of July in New England

We had a really great weekend celebrating the fourth of July with new friends from church and our wonderful neighbors. On the third we invited over three families from Church of Emmanuel. The weather was great for a BBQ picnic outside and chalk art all over the long driveway. It was truly a treat getting to know these families and how the Lord has directed each of their lives to this place. I felt very encouraged and challenged in my faith by each of their testimonies.

On the fourth we walked down to our new friends and neighbors, The Vallee's home to swim and eat more hamburgers and hot dogs (of course). They have two little girls who are very close in age to Elizabeth, so it was a lot of fun watching them play together. They also have a beautiful swimming pool, so Abigail and Ben hardly came out of the water except to eat.

I have been stretched outside my comfort zone in so many ways over these past few months and with each step of faith I see how God choses to use the frailest of children to shine forth His glory. I'm much more of an introvert by nature, but realize more and more that "we are His workmanship created for good works on Christ Jesus..." How can I be useful if I isolate myself?

Zibby's Magazine

She has had this magazine for about 8 months now.

It's tattered and worn.

It travels with us in the sky and on the road.

The Mini Boden Magazine.

You could say she's got taste...

We are thankful she has a Nana.

Wait a minute...where did my babies go?

Abby Sue (8) & Ben (7)

Abby Sue (17 months) & Ben (2 weeks)