FFF - Summer Memories

This weeks FFF Theme is Summer Memories. There were so many memories this summer, I could post pictures forever! To view more FFF or to participate go to Kiss The Frog 4 Me.

In order to narrow it down, I did not post about stuff in earlier posts. I love summer time. For one, the weather is beautiful. We really had a nice summer this year. It goes by so quickly. It's fun to be able to sleep in and watch cartoons with my kiddos in the morning.


Here are some of our Summer '08 memories:

We celebrated Grandpa Bob's Birthday!

We celebrated Mitchell's birthday at Grandpa & Grandma U's cabin. Which brings to mind the memory of mommy scheduling surgery on Mitchell's birthday! How does one do that??? Be careful about asking that, right Cindy? :) ha, ha!

The kids absolutely LOVE going to the cabin. They caught lots of fish this year!

We went swimming at a lot of hotels. Here's Mitch when I asked for a pose...he decided he'd pose while jumping in! :)
One of my favorite things every summer is the 4th of July Parade! The kids love waiting for the candy!

We then went to our friend's Cindy and Greg's house for swimming and smores!

And the finale...FIREWORKS!

Hailey got her ears pierced. What a production that was!

Fun at the park taking pictures of my two oldest girls!

The Hosanna! Campout - the kids highlight is watching a movie under this big tent!

A big accomplisment for me...climbing a 100' Fire Tower. Considering I'm deathly afraid of heights! We spent a week at Many Point Family Scout Camp. Thanks to another one of God's blessings that came from the Richard's Family!

I included this picture of the kids "attempting" to wash my van. The reason is that it is taken at my parents house. A huge and very important memory is that God always provides. This memory was provided through my parents. They let us live with them for almost a year! No small task when you're talking about a family of 6!!! We will never be able to thank them enough for providing a roof over our heads when we were going through one of our darkest storms. It truly was a blessing. We love you very much mom and dad!

Celebrating Mackenzie's birthday and the girls success at their gymnastics competition. We celebrated with Grandma & Grandpa U and Grandpa Bob and newest Grandma Debra, and our newest friends Marybeth, Randy and their children.

Mackenzie's 11th birthday!

Our "Riojas" Family Reunion

The kids fishing in our back yard! They catch a ton of fish off the dock.

Fun times in the hot tub.

Of course, lots of digging in the sand!

The "bonus" part of this post is that you're supposed to choose ONE picture that summarizes your summer best. Well, I had to choose TWO.

This picture reminds me of God's promises to us. He is so faithful and has provided for us through even the darkest storms. We are so blessed!

Genesis 9:13 says "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth".

This is a reminder of God's beauty and blessings. Like this sunset is the beautiful ending of a day, this picture is the beautiful ending of a wonderful summer!

This scripture sums up my feelings:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NLT

I am so thankful for my friends, my family, and my husband. But most of all I'm thankful for Jesus and His peace that washes over me.

Christine