A Picture Post...Summer so Far

 

Our summer has already been so full. I write in my journal every day and think I am going to make it here to the blog, but end up pulling weeds in the garden or mowing the lawn instead. This first photo is our Laife and Madi and little baby boy due in December. We took Madi out for her birthday in May for breakfast in Bonners Ferry.

The gardens are alive and well. They are a balm to the soul as we learn how to be empty nesters. 

We bought a boat and are having long and lazy weekends out on the water. So far we've been to Diamond Lake for two nights, Lake Roosevelt for a night, and this coming weekend we're planning to go to Lake Pend Orielle in Idaho.

 Shaunti and I picked 30 pounds of strawberries in the hot sun.

I found these huckleberries on our land. Well, almost on our land...it might have been on the neighboring property too.

These two found out they are having a girl. She is due to arrive in Oct.

The lovely Toria. She left us on the 11th of June. Her plans are to be in Germany for a year. We are proud of her. But she did make us complete empty nesters. And that is still a sensation I cannot get used to. A great big lump of How can this be? arises in my throat and I choke back wails of momentary sadness and joy all at once. God is so good!

It feels a little bit like when we were first married with no kids. Only we are older and less vibrant and have wrinkles. 

I am thoroughly enjoying the boat life. This decision possibly wasn't the best financial move but it has been a glorious getaway every other weekend.

Amazing sunsets out on the water makes my heart glad. Amen

We had a beautiful garden party for Toria before she left. I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to God for our friends and family who made it a very blessed time together.

And that's all. Words are hard right now. So I will give God praise for the life He gives us and wait to resume story telling for another post.