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