The last big hurrah of summer!

We ended our summer with a vacation to New Smyrna Beach, FL.  Nick's family joined us and we had a super great time.  Jeff and Nick drove the family vehicle down while Autumn and I flew Allegiant with the 4 kids.  This meant that the dads left to start the drive while the rest of us hung out at the house for the day.  It was great to have Autumn, Nolan and Wyatt close by.  Fishing, playing at parks, and visiting the Great Grandmas were all on the plan for the day.

Soon it was time to head to the airport.  We were packed up and ready to go.  

Up, up and away!

We are here.  The beach house did not disappoint us.  

We loved it and feel so blessed to have this time.

Vacation ended and we headed back to the airport while the dads started driving back towards home.  

Our pick up crew back in Fort Wayne!

These 2 missed each other I guess. Wyatt and Zoe.

The fishing is much better in our backyard than in New Smyrna Beach...but we did see a shark!

Vacation was great but now it's back to the real world.  We did get one more fun day when our friends, Lynn and Dan Knee invited us to the zoo.  Thanks guys!

Now summer vacation is officially over.  Middle school here we come. 

 Josh is starting 8th grade and Cate is starting 7th grade.  We love school!

It has been a crazy busy summer but we feel God's hand all around us.  These kiddos are growing by leaps and bounds in a million different areas.  Their English and reading has really improved.  Their confidence and acceptance of who they are has grown.  Physically they have grown several inches and are developing that teenager look.  Above all else their  love for Jesus and his kingdom continues to grow.

Thanks for praying for us and reading the blog.  Our latest verse continues to be ...

Philippians 1:27  Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Choosing joy,
Chris and crew