Summer is finally here!

Wow is it hot and I love it!  I have been waiting for the hot, dry days of summer since school was out.  We have had a record amount of rain in IN this summer and cooler days but God is making up for it now.  The last couple weeks have definitely been lake weather with the 80-90 degree heat.  So of course we have been hiding out at the lake with friends and family.

Kevin and Marla Pace made the drive up to the lake for a visit.  Thanks guys for coming up.  It was great to see you.  Josh is still entertaining us with the card tricks Kevin taught him.

 We were also blessed by the Shoppell family and joined them at their pool on a hot day.  

That was a blast.  Thanks Shoppells!  

We always love spending time with our grandmas! Family is always good!

Grandma Carol had a birthday so we had a fun dinner celebration with lots of family!

Josh finished up his baseball season with a big win.  He was excited their team won the championship for a wood bat tournament.  It was a good way to end the season.

We had some great fans come out and support Josh. 

 Thanks Moses and Julie for cheering us on.  

The weather was a bit wet but you were great for the morale!  Blessings to you.

One of our favorite days in the summer is our Gotcha Day on July 17th.  This is the day in 2011 that Josh and Cate came to the USA.  We always sponsor this day on Christian radio and the kids listen all day for their names to be announced throughout the day.  Here is a quick look at the first peak we had at these precious children.  They are definitely Kings and Queens!  I love that song by Audio Adrenalin

This was then.....

 This is now

 
Little hands, shoeless feet
Lonely eyes looking back at me
Will we leave the innocent to grieve?
on their own, on the run
When their lives have only begun
These could be our daughters and our sons
And just like a drum I can hear their hearts beating
I know my God won't let them be defeated
Every child has a dream to belong and be loved

(Chorus)
Boys become kings, girls will be queens
Wrapped in Your majesty
When we love, when we love the least of these
Then they will be brave and free
Shout Your name in victory
When we love, when we love the least of these
When we love the least of these.

All credit to Audio Adrenaline for their song, "Kings and Queens."

Thanks for praying for us and reading the blog.
Choosing joy,
Chris & crew

4th of July and Family

Summer is 1/2 over and going fast.  Our weather in June has been cold and rainy so not alot of fun for outdoor activities.  Josh and Cate are busy with tutoring every week plus baseball (Josh) and volleyball (Cate).  The 4th of July was a wonderful long 4 day weekend with gorgeous weather.  We got to spend it with family at the lake cottage.  It was a welcome break from the dreary days of June.  June has had a record high amount of rain.  I think we were up to 11 inches last I heard.

Here are some of the fun times from our 4th of July.

                                Wyatt and Aunt Susi

This lake life wears a guy out!

These three came into our lives within 2 months of each other.  The summer of 2011 was life changing for our family.  Oh what a blessing you are Cate, Nolan, and Josh!  Tons of fun for sure!

Summer birthdays plus Nolan.  Lake birthdays are the best!

                                                           S'more time!

   

                                       Buddies!

Bunny ears for Nolan.  Oh Josh!

The seniors!  Uncle Jerry and Grandma Walker

!One is all decked out and ready for the 4th celebration, one is not!

Mommy and Cate!  Happy on a boat!

Wyatt snoozing on the boat withGrandpa! 

Taking a break and a swim in Otter Lake!

Watching the Lake James fireworks!  We are thankful for the independence and freedom in the USA!

More buddy time.  Josh and Nolan!

Cate can't get enough of her nephews (Nolan and Cate above) and 

her sisters  (Autumn and Cate below)

Cousin Twins...Konrad Walker 1 year ... Wyatt Lee 8 mo

Oh this face!  Love ! Love! Love!

  Oh be still my heart.  These 3 grandsons are so adorable!  Super Sweet boys!  

Rockin their new outfits!  Thanks Granny Walker!  We love you!  

From Konrad, Nolan, and Wyatt.  

Life really is good at the lake when the weather is cooperating.  We love family time! 

The verse we have worked on the past couple of weeks is from 

Phil 4:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ. 

We have had many conversations on that first part....Whatever happens!  So whether you are stressed over learning English, or realizing that someone messed up your lego design, or you just hit a homerun or you are at the lake cottage having a blast or you didn't get to tube first or someone took the last cookie or whatever happens act like Jesus wants you to act!  

 Happy summer fun from the Clark's.  And remember....Whatever happens!

Choosing joy,

Chris & crew