Summer Adventures: Trolls

Finding the Trolls!  If you haven't heard of the giant Thomas Dambo trolls "hidden" around the globe, make sure to check if some are hiding near you.  We are lucky to have FIVE near us. 

Ferry ride to Vashon Island:

Another ferry ride to Bainbridge Island:

West Seattle (and an accidental 3mile hike that really didn't need to happen...oops). 

Ballard and a picnic at the Ballard locks:

Issaquah--our favorite one <3 

This was a great summer adventure that allowed us to explore little nooks & crannies of the Puget Sound that we otherwise would not have gotten around to.  And, in the list of photos NOT publicly posted, was Isaac's personal expedition of finding all the troll's butts *eyeroll*. 

Happy TWELFTH Family Day, Isaac!

 A full dozen years. Each year seems to pass faster and easier and still full of new understanding of who this now man-child of mine is and how the Lord continues to use him and our family to point others to Jesus.  It's my prayer that people see the Holy Spirit moving both the hard and the good lived out loud; navigating this world through adoption, as a solo parent and an extra chromosome tagging along can ONLY be done through the Lord's provision.  That was God's promise to me 12 years ago, and we stand firm on that Truth now.  

Isaac, you are a child of promise that pushes me further in and higher up into Jesus' love for us.  Thank you for being exactly you.  You are loved. <3 

Bible Camp 2024

 Its fair to say my best memories through middle and high school were youth group and summer church camp.  I can easily count 6-10 people from camp in the late 80s and early 90s that I still keep in touch with.  If asked, my mother would report the same memories from her childhood  (Shout out to Spencer Lake Bible Camp!).  

I've ached to give the same memories to my children; to build deep relationship with others and with Jesus. There is just something about getting away from your parents and building the foundations of your own walk with the Lord that is so important.

This was the year, it needed to happen for my kids.  

I chatted with our pastor and she was texting camp leaders before I even finished my sentence. She also feels strongly about camp experiences and loves my kids deeply; for this I am very thankful.  <3   There was a bit of a process across the district to do something that had never been done before, and good conversations about inclusion and access for ALL to the feet of Jesus and then we had a solid plan in place for Foursquare NW District's first two day campers with Down syndrome to Impact Summer Camp!!!

Up early for the hour drive to Black Diamond. 

Ohhh, camp food...yummm.  

 Morning Chapel:

Camp games:

Pool time!

Day 2:

Sneaking chapel selfies!  

Mila was so proud to bring her Bible both days <3 

We got to cheer on the all camp water balloon fight!

Isaac dominated in the gym--volleyball and basketball.  I watched him tire out multiple adults and several cabins of boys!!

More pool time!

It was 'just' two days, but I firmly believe it was two life changing days both for my kids and the campers & leaders that were at middle school camp this year.   God's family is wide and deep in colors, shapes, and abilities. We all have much to receive from the Lord and to give to each other. Camp is a perfect place to practice that process through the love of a Holy Spirit that does not count chromosomes. 

Annual Seaside Trip 2024

 Our annual trip to Seaside coincided with the annual Seattle heatwave, so while it was 100 degrees back home we were enjoying 84 and sunny on the Oregon coast--absolutely unheard of!

Off to our favorite place!

Is there any better view in the world??

My spot after the kids go to bed...

so I can watch views like this!

Good morning!

Our good friend Ms Risa booked a weekend to coincide with our trip!  We always love spending time with her.  

Hey Reece, remember that time we thought it would be fun to drive the kids out on the sand and have a picnic...and then we got stuck 25 yards in and had to be towed out by Beach Rescue? Remember that? Remember? *uggg*  (the broken axel boot remembers it pretty darn well). 

The sunset made up for it <3

One of Mila's favorite things to do is to visit the Seaside Aquarium and feed the seals. Her close personal seal-friend Lucy lives there (aka Cosmo, or Greta, or Panini...I can't tell them apart) and is always excited for Mila's visit. 

Isaac enjoys the other exhibits. 

If our family were fish ;)

Arcade time!

Here is my annual pitch for bringing your air fryer on vacation.  Life doesn't get much better than this!

Another amazing sunset!

Thank you, Seaside for another incredible visit!! See you soon!