Fire in the Hole

The Redford Family
(Richard & Sarah & son Jaden - far left, Brent & Shannon & kids Tyler & Samantha - middle, Judy & Hal - far right, & Us in the front middle)


We just arrived home from a week vacation with the Redford family in Branson, MO. We spent much of our time at Silver Dollar City, White Water, & Celebration City. We had a great time. The kids are older this year & can ride more rides - a favorite is Fire in the Hole . . . unfortunately I have no pictures of it because it's an inside ride. But here are some other photos we wanted to share. . .

3rd car - Jaden, Hal; 2nd car - Isabelle & Kelly; 1st car - Samantha & Shannon

Water Toboggan Ride - Richard, Jaden, Sarah, & Isabelle - WET FUN!

The Clogging show was a highlight for Isabelle. She loved it! This is Blake, one of the lead dancers. Isabelle is hoping to learn someday!
We took JM, Isabelle & Sam to see the VeggieTales show - "The Invention of Silliness". It was so cute . . . and we got to meet Bob & Larry when it was all over.

Can you spot Kevin in the 2nd row all by himself - his legs are dangling as he begins to go upside down on Wildfire?

Isabelle, John Michael, Shannon, & Samantha riding a ride that went straight up & dropped them down. It was a "mini" version of the adult ride many people like to ride.
WELCOME TO WHITE WATER!

Shannon & Kevin racing down the HUGE water slide at White Water . . . it is a straight drop down - 9 stories high. YIKES . . . they love it, I hate it!Kevin, Brent, Tyler & Shannon racing down the 4 man slide - Kevin won, sorry Brent we have it on film. Maybe next time you'll get him.

Isabelle & Samantha at the end of our day. Isn't this adorable?

We allowed the kids to pick out one souvenir from our trip to remember our vacation. JM picked out a car that he got to build with his dad at a new store called RideMakers. It was really fun & a dream for a little boy who LOVES monster trucks & cars. Isabelle picked this rag doll at Silver Dollar City. She actually made the doll & one for a friend who helped take care of our chickens. Her dolls name is Princess Ellie. She too loved the process of making her very own doll. They made great choices that I'm sure they'll treasure for a long time.

Our last night in Branson at Branson Landing. We had a great dinner & time to walk along the Boardwalk . . . a perfect shot of the cousins to end our trip.

Happy 4th of July

We have made it to St. Louis, actually Washington, MO (south of St. Louis). We are visiting our my moms best friend & her family. We arrived Thursday on the Amtrak train. It was a blast. The kids enjoyed walking up & down the aisles fo the train. We were in the last car - and the "snack" car was the 1st car - so after 3 trips to the front car for necessary items (bagel, pretzels, skittles, water, & root beer) we were FULL! Well, I was, but JM seems to be continually hungry. Waiting for the train . . . it was so chilly!

Isabelle holding Olivia while Holly feed her. Isabelle & Olivia LOVE each other so much!

JM sitting with 2 new friends. They were 2 boys sitting in front of us with a movie. They were from south K.C., the mom graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas in '97. Fun connection. He enjoyed the boys.

Yesterday was a full day of swimming activities & more food! As we approached the evening, the kids were like zombies - they were exhausted. After dinner, we made smores & then headed for fireworks - without my sister & her family & John Michael. He was too tired & my sister's baby was already in bed. Holly told me that JM was so tired when we left that he almost ran into a table. She had to dress him for bed because he couldn't himself.

Papa John, John Michael, & Isabelle playing in the pool. (above)
Isabelle doing the "star" float (below)

Here's a few more . . . enjoy!

Brother, Sister, Chickens & Princesses

The title of this post says it all . . . not sure what else to say! :)

Great Camp Out '08

This past weekend we headed for Truman Lake for a family camp-out. The weather was gorgeous, the food was delicious, and the critters were friendly! The first night - by the campfire, Kevin & I encountered a LARGE raccoon searching for food. The second day, Kevin's brother & his son joined us for a fun filled day. We were up close & personal with a deer & turkey right by the road. We went on a hike (tikes & mosquitos were everywhere), we fished at the hatchery, & we went to a "Skull Mania" presentation - where we learned all about skulls & animals native to the area.

Kevin & the kids built a fort out of twigs & set it on fire. Fire was a big deal for the boys.

Brent, Tyler, Isabelle, John Michael, & Kevin

Tyler caught our only fish - 4 in all!

John Michael's Day of Firsts

John Michael had a great day - he accomplished so much today mentally & physically, he is wiped out.

• First thing this morning he successfully wrote his name by himself for the 1st time.


• We headed to our 1st day of swimming lessons this summer & he got right in & put his face under water for the 1st time. He didn't want lessons to end.


• He ended the day by riding his bike without training wheels for the 1st time. . . . here are some photos - we was so proud.

Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you!

Happy 1st Father's Day!

This was Kevin's 1st Father's Day - His 1st Father's Day at home anyway. He has been in Canada every year since we've had our children for Father's Day. This years Canada trip was moved so he was here to enjoy his special day with the kids. We enjoyed a lunch out & a relaxing day at home together. It was wonderful. Happy Father's Day Daddy . . . we LOVE you!

Haiti 2008: Grace & Joy

Kevin is home! The trip home was VERY delayed - so Kevin has been catching up on sleep the last 36 hours. We are so thankful to have him home & wanted to share some of our favorite photos of the children - although this is JUST a sample. We have over 150 photos.

Those of you who have followed our story with orphans, know that we received a newsletter from C3 Missions last fall about twin girls who were born @ 3lbs - their mother died in childbirth & they were left abandoned. The girls were named Grace & Joy! This is the story that broke Isabelle's heart and moved her into her mission of taking care of orphans. (You can check out her blog http://artsfororphans.blogspot.com/) The story of Grace & Joy came full circle for us as Kevin was able to meet the girls & hold them . . .

Kevin holding Grace & Joy. They have been in a C3 orphanage & are doing great. Look at them now - this is what it is about. These girls would not have survived if there wasn't a place for them to go. They are so special to our hearts, such a reminder that God is completely full of Grace & Joy and that it is fully available to us! Thank you God for using them to break us!

Aren't these girls precious? They love to have their photo taken . . . especially when they get to see their pics on digital cameras.

Kevin saw this man farming & literally drenched with sweat & no hat. Kevin approached him & pointed to his own hat - the man nodded and Kevin gladly gave him his hat. The man was very grateful!

Look at the boy in red - the thumbs up. Kevin says the experience was all that and more. The children just want to be loved. They yearn for your attention & love to be near you.

This is a school in Cambry for the orphans (above) and a group of boys in their bunk room at an orphanage (below).

Only God knows how He plans to continue to use our family with these beautiful children! If your heart is feeling pricked in any way - we would love to talk to you about God's heart for these children & how you can help - and yes you can help . . . remember Grace & Joy!