James 1:27 says, “Religion that God accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” God desires for orphans of all nations to be loved, cared for, and adopted into Christian families-ultimately so they can become saved, and be adopted into His eternal family through Jesus Christ!
When I taught at Joan Austin Elementary I made a friend named Laura. She had Cory the summer that we got laid off. He is just a little younger than Isaiah. Then she had Molly just about 2 weeks before we got to adopt Esther so our kids are really close in age. Laura is still teaching so between our schedules we hadn't gotten our kids together. It was so fun to see everyone play together. Cory and Molly are great kids and it was so great to reconnect with Laura.
Molly was already crawling at this point...Esther just watched in amazement!
Isaiah was happy to share all of his cool games with Cory.
We learned about the Molalla Train Park from our church. The Creative Kidz team planned several events this summer but, we were not able to attend the Molalla Train Park on the scheduled event day. Our interest was sparked though so we found a different weekend to check it out. We convinced the Daniel family (who also missed the scheduled church event) to go with us. We had a fabulous time! We hope to go back again soon.
We had our first of the summer campfire in our backyard. Isaiah was a little concerned about the "very hot" in the backyard, but after we reassured him of his safety he had a blast! He loved the campfire so much so that he asked over and over throughout the summer to do more fires! His version of a smore is graham crackers and mini marshmallows (not toasted).
We checked into our Sunriver house on Saturday, July 13th. That evening we took the boys for a walk to Fort Rock Park. They had lots of fun going down the slide-especially in their slick outfits.
Pops took some pictures in the morning on Sunday, July 14th that show the house we rented.
The living room was open to the kitchen and dining room.
The kitchen was really big, but poorly taken care of and wasn't stocked with much.
This was Nonna and Pop's room, but we all used it during the day=)
This loft ended up being an upstairs play area.
This was Dan and Elise and the boy's room.
This was our room for us and the kids.
Right before we were heading out for the day...
Nonna, Pops, Travis, Isaiah, Esther, and I went into Bend to do a little more grocery shopping and go to Family Christian Store (our favorite when we are in town since we don't have one locally).
While at Fred Meyer (out of town) we let Isaiah get his first free cookie from the bakery. We made sure to do at an out of town Fred Meyer so he wouldn't think we needed to do it every time we go to the one that is within walking distance of our house. So far it was has worked- he hasn't asked for a cookie at our Fred Meyer.
Dan, Elise, Campbell, and Greyson went to the SHARC to go swimming!
Monday, July 15th Happenings...
Early morning reading books time with Pops.
Wow, Isaiah successfully yawned in almost every picture...silly boy shouldn't have woken up so early!
Isaiah snuggling on Nonna and Pop's bed while Nonna gets ready.
Isaiah and Esther hanging out on Nonna and Pop's bed.
Nonna, Isaiah, and Esther morning snuggles.
Today Nonna and Pops went to the High Desert Museum.
Dan, Elise, Travis, and I took the kids to Fort Rock Park again.
Then we went into town and did a few fun activities at the village...like ride the little train!
We went swimming at the SHARC Monday evening, but no pictures.
Tuesday, July 16th Happenings...
Isaiah brought his Count Your Chickens game and taught Campbell how to play.
Tuesday morning we went swimming at the SHARC, but no pictures.
Tuesday evening we met Rachel, Darel, and Claire (who were beginning a vacation at Eagle Crest) for dinner and then they joined our family for bowling!
Wednesday, July 17th Happenings...
In the morning we went into the village to play again. We bought a pass so the kids could bounce, do the train, and mini golf. We had a lot of fun!
After some bouncing we had a picnic lunch.
This was the kids first time mini golfing...it was a little challenging, but they had fun!
After mini golf we had an ice cream treat!
And one final train ride...
This evening we went swimming at the SHARC and this time we took pictures!
The kids loved watching the Red and Blue dump fall on people!
Somehow Uncle T convinced Campbell to go under the dump!
Greyson loved playing hoops!
Isaiah really liked the bubbles!
The lazy river was my favorite part of the SHARC center for sure!
Campbell was done being on the lazy river at this point...
And check out how cool this photo became once Pops did a little editing...
I wasn't a huge fan of the slides, but Travis sure had fun!
Reading books with Nonna is always a good way to end an evening of swimming!
Thursday, July 18th ...Going Home Day.
Who doesn't give their baby their toiletry bag to look at and be entertained while packing?
Esther took a quick nap on Daddy before heading home.
Home again! Time for a few more favorite stories (at our house before Nonna and Pops go home)...
