Learning about Compassion

 One of the highlights of our time in Colorado Springs was going on a tour of the headquarters of Compassion International.  We started sponsoring a child this year, and we hosted a Compassion Sunday at our church this spring, so we were all excited to see where all our mail goes.

 We saw the machine that opens and sorts all the contributions, lots of displays about the work Compassion does, and the huge mail room where all our letters go to be sent to the center where our sponsored child lives.

 We saw a life-sized replica of a typical home, which was eye-opening for Naomi and Johnathan.

 The tour ended in a life-sized replica of one of the centers where Compassion provides services for the sponsored children.  We had so much fun checking out all the educational activities they have for the kids, nutrition and hygiene centers, and watching the videos of the kids playing in the yard outside the simulated windows.  Naomi's favorite part was working in the director's office
(she even borrowed the glasses sitting on the desk to look more official!). 

 Visiting the Compassion headquarters was so great - it gave our kids a connection and tangible memory to keep in mind when we talk about our sponsored child. 

Cousins

 Johnathan, Moshe, Prisca, Naomi, and Ezra made sure the photo shoot was lively!

 These girls know how to pose!  The boys, however...

... Let's just say they have other priorities.  But it doesn't make them any less cute!

Stata Family Pictures

 With two new little boys in the family, it was time for new family potraits while we were in Colorado!

Summer Lovin'

Lovin' summer fun in the wading pool at Grandma Stata's!  Although Ezra may have called it "Summer Smotherin'".

Not So Sunny San Diego

I already posted about how great the conference was, so here are some pictures from the other part of our time in San Diego.  It was not sunny, but we didn't care!  When temperatures are over 100 degrees every day at home, clouds and 70 degrees are a welcome change!

 On our free afternoon and on our last day, we had so much fun cruising up the coast, trying out fish tacos at Pacific Beach, watching paragliders, and walking around at Del Mar.  We liked the park at the beach there and had a fantastic breakfast at a cafe we wished we had discovered earlier!

It was wonderful to just relax and listen to the waves.  Ahh! 

EFCA Leadership Conference

These rather large grins are because we are at the EFCA Leadership Conference in San Diego.  Alone! 

 Kevin and I got the kids settled in with grandmas and grandpas in Colorado, then we flew to San Diego the next morning for the three-day conference. 

 What a refreshing time we had.  We made the most of the worship services, speakers, seminars, time to eat and talk with other pastors and their wives, and explore many resources... Not to mention the beautiful hotel grounds and hot tub!

 I think the highlight for both of us was hearing Joni Earekson Tada speak on the final night of the conference.  Her message puts life in clear perspective, in a world that is filled with a deep need for what she called the "rugged Gospel."

Various Fun Stuff

Our time at Grandma and Grandpa Stata's house was filled with lots of fun stuff:

 Eating at Chick-fil-A.

 Ezra found his favorite spot under Grandma and Grandpa's dining room table.  Cozy!

  And birthday party fun with Uncle Matt, Autie Lara, and cousins Max and Prisca

Another Happy Birthday

Our first order of business when we arrived in Colorado was a little birthday party for Ezra at Grandma and Grandpa Stata's house.  Happy Birthday again, little buddy!

Happy Father's Day!

After our morning at church, here's how we spent Father's Day...

... Starting our road trip to Colorado and points beyond!  At least Daddy got to pick the restaurant we went to that evening.  We love you, Daddy!

Sonsurf Beach Bash VBS

VBS is a highlight of our summer, and this year's beach theme was a blast!

Naomi and Johnathan's favorite part is always the nightly skits.

I taught the second graders this year, and Kevin taught the high schoolers.

The week was filled with beach food, crafts, stories, and songs. 

Friday night was the grand finale, during which Daddy and Ms. Jodi had the privilege of being slimed

Happy First Birthday, Ezra!

We can't believe it's been a year since Ezra joined our family! 

 The morning began with a birthday blueberry muffin.

Then Mommy whisked Ezra into the car for a trip to Austin, where he was fitted for his second DOC band.  Happy birthday, buddy!  I'm not sure you would have put that gift on your list, but you really don't seem to mind too much.

On the evening of his birthday, we had our last night of VBS, so Ezra sported his birthday shirt and hung in there for the festivities as long as he could.  What a tiring day!

 We had a little party for him the next day, though, so we could celebrate properly.  Dr. Seuss was the theme, so we had a few of his grown-up buddies over for green eggs and ham and a big banana cake, Ezra's favorite flavor.

 It took him a few minutes to decide what to do with his slice of cake.

 But once he figured out how yummy it was, he dug in!

And don't forget the Blue Bell ice cream!!

What a joy you are, Ezra.  Your huge smile, your determination to be a big guy, and your sweet shoulder snuggles have made this a wonderful year.  It is so fun to watch you explore, "talk" on the phone, brush your teeth, and sing with your brother and sister.  And it has been so exciting to watch you take your first steps this week!  Don't worry, you'll be able to keep up with all the action in no time!