Camping

This last weekend (Memorial Day holiday for Americans) we went camping in Lauterbrunnen Switzerland. It was lovely. The boys enjoyed sleeping in the tent and it went surprisingly well. We went to the same campground last year, and it was good to be back. It is also fun to check the pictures from last year. Life has changed drastically for us! But God remains constant, and so do the mountains - big, awesome, unmovable.

Italy with Uncle Mark

A couple weeks ago Uncle Mark, Miss Krystal, and Mr. Jared came to visit. We took them to Italy. We all had a marvelous and fast 5 days together. It was warm and sunny the entire time. Uncle Mark and Miss Krystal read stories with the little guys in the "way-back-seat", Mr. Jared fed Josiah his baby food and entertained, and all the back-seat members played Jenga in the Van. We drove through the Alps, we saw the "leaning tower" in Pisa, rode bikes on the city wall of Lucca, swam in the beautiful Mediterranean, ate pizza and seafood. The boys loved all the extra attention, Tom and I loved the backseat assistance, as well as the young-man-backs to haul the kids on our hikes. We love Uncle Mark - he's cool. We love Uncle Mark's friends, too! Bella Italia is, well, beautiful!

Play Me a Song, Nathaniel

Nathaniel discovered a new music interest - the harmonica. Check out his musical debut right here!!

Mother's Day Dedication

Yesterday was Mother's Day. It was a busy Sunday for us, like usual. Tom and I have both been singing on the praise team at church the last several weeks, which I enjoy, but it makes for busy Sundays! The boys gave me a cute little photo album - it amazing to see in one little book how they grow and change in the blink of an eye. How precious and beautiful they are!! I really wanted a nap for Mother's Day, but that didn't happen...oh well =) I did enjoy a nice dinner out with my boys and got a free glass of sparkling wine just for being a Mom! (It was Mutter's Tag in Germany, as well.)

Yesterday was also a significant day in our commitment to parenting. We had an opportunity to dedicate our boys and ourselves to the Lord in the presence of our church body. Mary and Joseph dedicated their son, Jesus (Luke 2:22), Hannah dedicated her son, Samuel (1 Samuel 1:22-24), and many dedications of tools, animals, tabernacles, and temples were made for the Lord's use throughout the Old Testament. I am so glad we had such an opportunity. I think it is great reminder for the whole church body that we are responsible to pray for others and their families.

We have a lot of interesting travels coming up in the next month, so I probably won't be blogging for awhile...then there will be a big rush when we get home from all our fun! But, here's a couple recent photos of our cuties.