Happy 4th of July!

It's Independance week and we celebrated as almost every one does. A little outdoor fun and a BBQ. No matter where we live, we always find a way to be outside and to enjoy some good food. That is how American's love to celebrate, right? Play, play, play, eat, eat, eat.

The Babies swam a bit while the Girls played in their "garden" (aka dirt pit).


Then it was time for our hot dogs and hamburgers.


And a few sparklers.



We are thankful for our Independance this week and always. Our children come from a country where they would not have been free and where they could not mention God. So in our family we are all to familiar with what life would be like if ours were not free. Freedom has a price. That price was death. Our country is free because men died fighting for it. Good men. Men that founded this country on Christian principles. Our eternity has a price. That price was also death. Death on a cross by the Savior of the world. Don't stop fighting for your freedom and don't think it comes without death.

"Give me Liberty or Give me Death." - Patrick Henry

It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace; but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery?

Forbid it, Almighty God — I know not what course others may take; but as for me — give me liberty or give me death!

End of Year Celebration

At the end of every school year, every child deserves a little celebration for all their hard work. Kya and Autumn finished up their 2008/2009 school year last week. We gave them each a card with puffy sticker sheets inside, a small box of chocolates and took them out for ice cream. Now, it's on to a summer break that includes a visit from family and a trip to New York.

More Berry Pickin'

Blueberries and Raspberries were ready at the farm this weekend. Lily and Aaron loved eating the blueberries. I think Aaron ate enough to be sick (and I'm not joking). He was in blueberry heaven. Kya loves to help pick and Autumn loves to roam. We were able to make blueberry jam this afternoon.

Bunnies & Baby Bunnies

We've all seen a bunny here and there. But what is very cool is that we have this one particular bunny that hangs out in our yard all the time. It's always in the same spot by the sandbox. Almost anytime you look this bunny is there. I've grown to love him/her as my own pet. Here is a picture of our bunny.




We also have baby bunnies. Talk about cute! I don't have a real good shot of them but this is when they were first born. (same bunny in both photos).




Aren't bunnies so sweet! Too bad I can't pet them but I sure get tons of joy out of watching them. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful creatures in my yard to observe.

Beaches & Mountains

A day at the beach! ~ In the Appalachian Mountains!

I did it! I took all four of them to the beach. The kids had been begging and today I mustered up the courage to do it. It was great. This is a freshwater lake in the Appalachians. I had never been to the Appalachians before so this was quite a treat for me as well.



Lily does not like the sand and screams her little head off, but she just loves the water, so once she was in her floaty feeling the splash of the cool lake water, she was giggling the cutest giggle I think I've ever heard.



All finished with swimming and our picnic. It's time to say goodbye.

The Harbor

We live near Baltimore's Inner Harbor. It is such a neat place and so very pretty down there. These photos just don't do the harbor justice, but it will give you a glimpse of my new home town. Until now I have only posted pictures of the countryside I have taken around my house but downtown is so beautiful. It's a fun place to spend the day or eventually have a date night.

Dad's Rock!

...and I believe my dear husband in particular rocks!

Really, aren't dad's just so cool? They let kids do things mom never would! They teach kids things that mom just can't. They wrestle in a way of their own. And, honestly, they even have that childhood twinkle in their eye a bit more than mom does.

And, so, on a fun note, where do you take dad's that rock for Father's Day? How about Hard Rock! Awe, yeah! This great icon is just 15 minutes from us and we all had a great time.

!HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO THE LOVE OF MY LIFE!





~Autumn currently is aspiring to be a drummer. She currently only practices on air drums. Poor thing. Daddy though has agreed to fix that for her come Christmas. What a man! What a dad!~