Club Car Riding

We had a fun time riding up in the woods with Pa and Grandma one afternoon.

 Here Collin is hanging out waiting for everyone to load up so we can head out.  At this point he is already asking for his new favorite thing... soda! 

 Collin and Grandma.

 Here come Erich and Pa.

Finally.... he gets his soda.

Rough Time

The Fourth of July and week following was tough.  As I look back now I can see that, but when I was in the middle of it it felt like a never ending pit.  A lot of little things rolled together to make one big pile of yuck.  

• The 4th marked Nathan's fourth month in heaven... makes me cry yet today to realize I have been without him for so long.  
• The mail a parent never wants to receive finally came... a child's death certificate. 
• We went to pick out a monument for Nathan.  

That was a lot of yuck over 10 days that made me feel like I just couldn't do this anymore.  I can look back now and see how God was with us, but in the midst of it I sure did struggle.  I could force myself to focus and do the daily things that needed to be done, but the crash always came.  Please continue to hold us in prayer.

Joni Camp 2011

Hanging out together... ready for a week of Joni Camp.  This ministry has meant so much to our family.   

 Collin wasn't too sure about riding this horse at first... it has been a long time since he has been in the saddle:)  He seemed to enjoy it!

 Tubing... we had a blast!

 They had wagon wagon rides for the families one evening.

 Maranatha is on Lake Michigan, but they also have a pool down by the beach for those of use who prefer a bit warmer water:)

Collin showing off his Sesame Street book with Peggy, his STM.  (short term missionary)  She hung out with Collin during the morning programming.  The kids participated in a VBS type program while the parents were at worship and small groups.


Overall it was a great week.  We did miss Nathan and thought of him often.  It was tough to go through this first without him.  It can be so hard to do things, but we want to continue to provide Collin with good experiences despite the intense pain it may cause us.