I just thought I would share with you some pictures of Gracie chasing our chickens. Watching a three year old wholeheartedly delight herself in a simple pleasure reminds me of how much I love our little family. The photos below are the best representation I could capture of this "show," but it truly is fun to watch- hilarious!

I am glad...

Although sometimes I don't want to deal with the chicken poop. =)

Lately we have been enjoying being out of doors- here are a few pictures of the girls enjoying the freshly cut grass. We love the picnic blanket, too!

Aside from what they choose to wear sometimes, I crack up at things they say.

Esther, as we cleaned our hands after the playground: "in my class upstairs [sunday school] we use hand appetizer."

Gracie, in the car singing: "the hokey pokey spider...."

Mother's day weekend once again, and the balloons came to town. At one point Isaac counted 32 balloons up in the sky! It is so impressive. I wonder what it is like to be up there in a little basket, above the town so early, how calm and quiet it must be. Nothing but the "KKKCCCHH" of the fire blowing hot air into the balloon so that you don't fall to your demise or hit a tree.

Anyway, we had a beautiful weekend together as a family, chasing balloons, painting the farm house and enjoying the sunshine on our bikes. I hope you were all able to do something special over the weekend. And to all the moms and grandmas and auntie's in our lives, we love you very, very much!

You know those folks that walk into your life, become a part if it and then life changes? Suddenly I had a friend that I could truly count on and turn to for anything. I remember being skeptical (brieflly), and then amazed (continually) at Cailey's intentional, sincere care for me and my family. Her entire family loved our girls. In fact, her daughter Kelcey watched our girls so often for free, believing it to be her ministry to us. I hope she knows just how much she blessed us!

Isaac, Brent and Cailey worked together at the Church office. In the two short years we worked together, we walked through an awful lot... several changes at the church including the resigning of 3 pastors, sicknesses in our own families and our extendeds, and my family's miscarriage. It is amazing how close two families can become walking through life and ministry together. Aside from ridiculous amounts of laughter and tears, we spent many a night together at del taco or in our living rooms huddled around Ike's laptop. OH, and how could I forget the monopoly games? Of course Cailey and I dominated, every time! *wink*

How they tolerated us I don't know! I wouldn't even know where to begin with our list of "offences," but let's just say that since they have moved the church office is much lonelier and Ike doesn't have anyone to shoot with his airsoft gun. (ultimately we can thank BJ for that, right?!) Even with all of our "quirks," they never passed judgement on us, strange to think about the unconditional support they offered us.

Well, not long ago we had to say goodbye. But we all know that goodbye is not really the appropriate word. We are linked for life now, like it or not guys!! And thanks to modern technology, we can even see each other when we talk.

Dumler family, know that you are loved and missed. I am so thankful for the chance to know you. I learned so much about friendship and ministry... so, thanks.