Anthony and his Hotel Biba!

For many, many months now Anthony's favorite word/expression always contains the word "biba" and it has become somewhat of a family joke :) Well, I told him that in West Palm Beach he had his own hotel - the Hotel Biba - and that when we visited next time we would stop and take a picture of him and his hotel. Well, we did and here he is!

Beach at West Palm

We are "beach people" and every chance we get to go we go :) This last trip to West Palm was no different as we went for a little while over to Clarke Beach and hung out in the waves. It was gorgeous and the boys loved it, especially when Nathan was buried up to his neck in sand - a first for him! We marvel in God's glorious creation of the sky, sand, and constant crashing waves.

Last Awanas meeting of the year . . .

This past Sunday marked the end of an Awana era for my boys-- it was the last Sparks meeting for Nathan, the last Cubbies meeting for Anthony, and the last Puggles meeting for Noah as they all have "graduated" and will move up next year to the next class. I have truly enjoyed serving in Awanas this year and am SO proud of my boys for earning all their patches, stars, pins, awards, etc. for completing their books and hiding so much of God's Word in their hearts :)

Outer Banks mini-vacation Part 1

We took a little mini-break to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and visited some wonderful sites. We got to visit the Wright Brothers Memorial and learn all about the first flight and see a replica of the "plane" they used to fly it. We saw the Bodie Lighthouse and played at the beach in the sand. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island was very cool and we got to see sharks up close and personal :) We also went to Fort Raleigh, site of the "Lost Colony" and the boys were able to earn a couple of Junior Ranger patches along the way. We capped it off with some go-cart riding and bumper cars - this may have been their favorite part :)

Outer Banks mini-vacation Part 2

Horse Ride for Nathan

A neighborhood friend had a birthday party complete with a bounce house and pony rides. Nathan took his first ride and sort of enjoyed it :)

Missionary Friends

We had a sweet fellowship visit from a precious friend and her wonderful husband and beautiful children who serve as a family in Swaziland, Africa. They are serving with the IMB and have been there 7 years now and are currently on furlough in the US. We first met Monica in south Florida before she even met her husband, so we go back a little ways :) She and her family are an inspiration and their obedience a testimony to all of us. We are so thankful they chose to spend a little bit of time with us on the way!