WALKIN' & RACIN'

I started out the morning on Friday by taking a brisk (i.e. we were late!) walk to school with my beautiful daughter, Avery.

One of the benefits of a neighborhood school is the short walks back and forth -- easy to do, even on a busy morning! I enjoyed the solitary walk home in the warm sunshine, listening to worship music on my mp3, thankful for my good life.

Later in the morning, I got to walk (and run) with Ella at her school's annual Race for Education. Ella ran with the 1st - 3rd graders and she was very determined. She started off sprinting for about 2 laps, then slowed down a lot towards the end. She completed her "race" with an awesome total of 15 laps (about 3.75 miles!) She was rewarded with a popsicle (and lots of hugs from Grandma & Mom).

QUIET TIME

Ella has started using the God Time cards from HighPoint for her devotions during the week. This month, the HighPoint virtue is Obedience, and she had a sweet craft to make as part of her quiet time. The directions were to make a big heart and fill it with words that describe the kind of obedience that shows honor and respect towards your parents and God. Ella wrote phrases in her heart such as, "cherfully", "it's okay to ask 'why?' after you obey", and "come when called".



At the same time, Avery was also reading her Bible, and I heard her call to me, "Mom, come here! I have to tell you something!" When I came, she read from Genesis, "Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth." I asked her if she knew that people used to live that long and she said, "No! I'm shocked!"

I love how God's Word can bring us peace, amaze (shock) us, and teach us to live in right ways. I'm so glad that Avery & Ella are beginning to recognize the awesome nature of God's Word too.

AVERY'S 9TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

Avery had a swimming party yesterday to celebrate her 9th birthday with her friends.

The theme of the party was "Bolt" (cute movie!) and Eric made a great cake. I don't think he is going to get away from that tradition -- the girls LOVE it! This year's cake was actually a brownie base and sugar cookie top.

SAILIN'

Since we moved to Rochester (9.5 years ago!) Eric has wished for a regular sailing opportunity. Recently, his friend, Todd, purchased a Thistle sailboat and invited Eric to be part of his crew. The past 2 Sunday afternoons they have gone out to get a feel for the boat and practice.

Today the girls and I went over to watch them get the boat ready.

The Eagle Eye sunglasses that I got him for his birthday and wide-brimmed sun hat (from our cruise last year) are perfect for sailing!

Of course there was some playground time while we waited.

Finally it was time to get it in the water!

And away they go, across Irondequoit Bay!