Summer, Part 4: Figure Eight Island

Our final voyage of the summer took us back to Figure Eight Island near Wilmington, NC.  We wanted to spend Daniel's first birthday with Jonathan's parents and also see some good friends (Beth and Mark Miller as well as the Rodes family, visiting all the way from France!)

Daniel's birthday was so much fun; we had a Thomas the Train cupcake "cake" and Daniel was hilarious devouring his cupcake!

Besides lots of fun beach time, we also went on some walk/runs, rode bikes together and played BINGO one night.

The Rodes children are adorable and were very sweet playing with Benji and Daniel!  The boys also loved having Captain and Mere Mere around:

After all of our summer travels, I wasn't sure how smart it was to take another long trip.  But I'm so glad we were in this beautiful place with wonderful people, especially to celebrate Daniel's "golden" birthday!  Happy birthday, sweet buddy!

Summer, Part 3: New Mexico

Our biggest adventure this summer was a three week trip back to Rehoboth, New Mexico.  We lived in Rehoboth for five years before moving to Maryland one year ago.  I was afraid it would feel strange and sad to return to our old home, but being in New Mexico felt surprisingly normal--and altogether wonderful!

Monsoon Season--my favorite time of year in New Mexico!

One reason we returned to Rehoboth this summer was for the annual Kentucky Reunion gathering.  We had a great week with these special friends: eating, hiking, adventure racing, playing Werewolf and much more!

Baby Shower for the five new babies!

Lots of good hiking!

Window Rock Zoo

Adventure Race Winners!

Work Project

Group Photo!

We also visited with many good friends from our years in Rehoboth.  Thanks to all who opened their homes to us, shared meals, hikes, and time with us!  (Pictured here: Hanwi B., Addison W., the Neilson family, and "Grandpa" Fred).

Daniel took his first steps in "Grandpa" Fred's apartment!

Between all these fun visits, we had plenty of family time as well!  We took some more stunning hikes and enjoyed hanging out on campus.

I felt so much at home back in Rehoboth, it was very hard to leave once again...but we are sustained, until our next visit, by many wonderful memories!

This boy will always have New Mexico in his blood!

Summer, Part 2: Capon Springs

This June we returned once again to beautiful Capon Springs, a family resort in the mountains of West Virginia. 

This was Daniel's first time at Capon and he loved it!

Benji kicked off the week well by winning the first game of BINGO he ever played--beginner's luck brought us a jar of cherry jelly!  :)

While Nonnie and Papa watched the children, the bigger "children" took a fun hike together!  It was wonderful to catch up with our beloved brothers and sisters!

A big part of Capon Springs is eating delicious food 3+ times a day.  Benji was in ice cream heaven!!

Other activities of the week included visiting the piggies, playing at the pool and playground, and generally relaxing with some of our favorite people...

After soaking up the calm of Capon Springs, we felt ready to tackle the more adventurous journey out to New Mexico...