August adventures

Poof, seriously, just like that August was gone!
Finally, I'm getting a chance to lift my head out of planning mode and actually reflect on what happened in the month of August.
We started the month off facilitating a Mid-Year check-in for our C.R. STINTers. Thankfully, they decided to have it at a location near the water and I am so happy they did. It was really incredible to get to do ministry with my husband again. I love being a mom, but the refreshment and freedom i had to engage with others into their heart was so life-giving for me.

We had about 4-5 meetings/day, but had one blessed afternoon off.
Our guesthouse host had another Romanian friend with a sailboat so he hooked us up with an afternoon out on the open sea. Can't even begin to express how God blessed us with refreshment on this particular afternoon. In addition to it being our 11 year anniversary we got to go SAILING! A hope we have had for years!

Highlights: sinking into the 'rhythm' of the ocean and forces you to s l o w d o w n, dolphins challenging the boat in exuberant play, sea turtle surfacing just next to us, manta rays rocketing out of the water and cleaning themselves with a slap back into the water and a humpback whale....seriously amazing stuff. God's creation is wonderful.

Attending a beautiful birthday party for Cousin James.

Our first Birthday Party Blog photo shoot! Was so fun to be a part of this little production. The amount of work that goes into it is amazing - my cousin Lisa did an incredible job as she partnered with Lia Griffith. Check out Lia's blog for the full photo shoot ;)

Picnic in the Park for Mom to Mom (a ministry I'm serving with this year)

A little play with our cousin Tessa - these girls are funny.

Picking Blackberries for jam and pie and enjoying being ninja's in the pasture :)

Mom was home a few weeks ago and took us all to the zoo, what a huge treat!
Lots of firsts that day including first time for cotton-candy.....hmmmmm.

This guy was the highlight for me. It was marvelous to feel so close to him, although I think he had some troubles. He seemed to only have one eye and he kept circling like this for hours.....does anyone know the story about this sea lion at the Oregon Zoo? Still made the kids super excited every time he would glide by.

And a fun BBQ at mom's house and just like that August was gone - poof!