Game Time

Two intense games going on...

Brothers playing checkers and playoff baseball in the background.  

So fun! 

From the garden and the grove

We are starting to figure out these macadamia nut trees! 
Finally!

The result has been, several batches of white chocolate chip, macadamia nut cookies. 

Persimmons ripening

My picky eaters are far less picky after all the excitment of watching fruit grow and picking it themselves.

Pomegranate smoothies

We are learning that each tree and each grove are different.  

We are studying ours and experimenting with when to harvest.

These guys have macadamia nut picking down. 

It's been a fun week here, watching the fruit and flowers begin to change with the new season. 

Simple Joys

Watching him swing ALL day.

Humble harvests

Making play-dough

Porch talks

Cardboard box slide (thank you kitchen renovation)

Birthday dessert

Tucking them in bed

Uniforms

Puppies

Fall candle making

Backyard hiking with Mimi

Watching her, and all of them, contribute and make our family work. 

I love this sweet life and it's simple joys

Happy Birthday Ava

Happy Birthday Ava! 

You are our special girl in so many ways but mostly because you are loved by God and created in his image for a great purpose!

You have a beautiful smile, and you give the best hugs.

We are your biggest fans and we LOVE YOU!

We thank Jesus for sovereignly placing your in our arms...half way around the world...in a way I could have never dreamed of. 

Happy Birthday Darling

Pomegranate

Our first little harvest of pomegranate!

So sweet and delicious

So rewarding to pick it from the back yard and enjoy it at the table!

The Sea

The sea is his, for he made it.

-Psalm 95:5

I think of these words every time I see the Ocean.  

It's a real blessing to be close to the water again.

School!

My sweet students!

I am so excited to learn alongside my children this year.

(Self portraits)

(Ava...6th Grade!!!)

(Judson...Kindergarten!!!)

(Thatcher...Preschool!!!)

The solar eclipse was a special way to start the school year. 

Our new home is also providing lots of new learning opportunities.

So thankful for another year together!  

Lord, please bless each one.

Help us be wise with our time.

Guide me as an educator and as a Mama.

Grow their hearts in love for you.

Amen