St. Augustine

Back on the homefront after a week at the beach, we are getting settled back into our routine. We all had a great time at the condos and building relationships with the youth group that we are so blessed to be a part of. We saw wings sprout and roots grow deeper, and were in awe of new stages some of those we love entered. Oh the tales we can tell.

Olivia loved it more than any of us, because what could compare to living with five teenage girls. Staying up late, hanging out in the sun with an i-pod and just being silly were the rage. Kay-Kay hung the moon, but Olivia's new cohort, Emily, made her feel special and loved.

Steve is just one of the guys and is quite the cutie with a guitar at his side. He was a favorite to have out in the Atlantic waters, but missed the day of our shark sitings. He missed getting stung by the local jellyfish too. The girls in the condo were reminded of his presence when the a/c cut off and his snoring bellowed through the walls.

Stephanie was the sand-castle builder, the swimmer, the young one that found her place in the crowd. She felt like she should wait in line and make her own plate, even sit and listen to the lectures by Dr. Ham on creationism. She was little miss budget when it came to spending her money, loving the Dollar Tree, but saving some for the craft store.

I was glad to serve in the food and organizing area of five rooms of hungry people. We made countless trips to Publix and Walmart, and there I found a treasure in their sushi bar. Yes, let me repeat that, Walmart had a sushi bar, with a talented lady standing there making it by request and it was just YUMMY! I dropped a few dollars this week on sushi, but all who tasted became believers.

We love our church family and sharing it as a family. What a week.

Tarpon Springs

Our favorite rocky beach in FL. Honeymoon Island


These are some spongey girls! We were able to wind up our school year with our last camping trip to Tarpon Springs, FL. Of course we had a fabulous time. We ate incredible Greek food down at the docks. We explored an island three miles offshore by traveling on a pontoon boat. It was beautiful and sunny. Our campground was the best patch of land 100 yards off of an 8-lane major highway anyone could ask for. We loved the pool and the company too. We were taken by surprise when we went to our favorite State Park to go and explore the rocky shore at Honeymoon Island, only to find a gorgeous white-sandy beach that had been "de-rocked". Stephanie was quite disappointed, for she is our little collector. Not to worry, we came home with treasures only a seven year old could love. Another adventure on the books.

Farm day

Old MacDonald had nothing on us! A friend of ours, Laurien, and her family have a farm. We went to spend the day chasing chickens, milking cows, petting hogs, and holding bunnies. It was a blast. Milking the cows was fun but a little strange, and collecting the eggs was great, but eating them the next day was the best! Farm fresh eggs! Thanks Laurien!

Cinderella recital

Beautiful girls and talented dancers all in one recital. Whew! Both girls did a fabulous job at learning their steps and moves. Their Dad and I are very proud as too are the Grandparents. We are never disappointed in the teachings of our friend and Teacher, Ms. Barbara Smith. She is a jewel and a treasured voice of guidance to all of the young girls. We love seeing them grow into young ladies with poise and grace who also serve the Lord with dance.

Geography Fair

Congratulations to Stephanie and Olivia for completing their co-ops with great success. It was a fun celebration of their work and efforts. Lots of family and friends came to share in the night. We felt the support and love of our friend's families. It reminds us of why we call this area home.

Salt Springs camping

Off we went for a camping trip into the Ocala National Forest. We invaded the campground with our crew of 8 RV's and 11 kids. Swimming at Silver Glenn Springs and at Juniper Springs were the highlights of the trip, but there were many great times. Good friends, canasta, good food, horseshoes, sand boils and just being together are things we will not take for granted because we know that someday we will look back at these times and miss them. I say it often, but with a depth of gratitude, we are blessed.

Lakeland fieldtrip

What a day! Both co-op groups went to Lakeland for a fun day of friends and learning. First we went to a great park on Lake Mirror. It had big and different objects to play on. It was clean and we had time for a yummy lunch. Next we headed over to the Exploration kid's museum. It had a kid size bank, theatre, newsroom and Publix. An orange factory in the downstairs was a hit with the whole crowd. Who knew we had a bunch of kids who liked to pick oranges? Finally we went over to the Dairy Factory at Publix and went on a tour. We saw the whole process. From melting plastic into jugs for milk, tea and water to making cottage cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Then we got to eat some! YUM!