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.