Random photos

I was just going through all of our pictures in effort to get caught up with my blogging and I came across a few from August that never made the blog. I love this yoga pose that Zane went through a phase of doing.

This next photo is of Zane enjoying one of his favorites...black beans and rice from one of our favorite spots here in Kalispell, Bajio. We love going there once a week, because he enjoys the food and atmosphere. They play festive music and he will dance the whole time. I think this photo is actually when we had it to go one time!

At the end of August, we had the pleasure of seeing Luke's Aunt Bena and cousin Debra. They were visiting from AZ and staying with Luke's mom and aunt. It was great to get to see them- we miss you Arizona family! We were spoiled to get to live close to them for a couple of years when we lived in Phoenix. While they were here, we met them a couple times for dinner.

Our family

Barb, Joan, Debra, and Bena

These next two shots were just too cute to pass up!

Stay tuned for more pics from my parents' visit, my sister's visit, as well as our trip to the Pumpkin Patch....

The Bear Park

After we left Hungry Horse, we headed north to one of our favorite spots. We had tried taking my parents on their other visits, but it was always closed. Luke and I have been many times in the past. We went to the Great Bear Adventure. You can drive through the park and watch the black bears livin' it up. They used to have grizzly bears also but had to take them out last year. It is amazing to be so close to the bears. And, it seems that they are well cared for- maybe a little too well- I think they each could stand to lose a few pounds. Anyway, Zane really enjoyed seeing them, especially since one of his favorite books these days is Brown Bear, Brown Bear. He would point at the bear and say, "bear." (or at least that's what it sounded like- hey, I'll give him credit!)

Zane taking it all in

I had to get a picture of the sign on the way out...

Hungry Horse Dam

When my parents were here over a month ago, one day we went for a drive. I took them to Hungry Horse Dam. It is about 30 minutes from where we live, and the view from the top is quite impressive. On our way to the dam, we passed by a small lake, and on the way back down, we had to stop and take some pictures. The water was so still and perfectly reflected the mountains, trees and sky.

The view from the dam

The dam

The lake

First Playgroup

On Wednesday, September 24, I hosted the first playgroup at our home. Several friends and neighbors had talked of having a playgroup, but nothing was ever started. So, after being inspired my Texas friends who have held a playgroup on Wednesday mornings for over 5 years, I decided to take the initiative to ask friends and neighbors to join in the fun and schedule a weekly play date. Here is a group shot from the first meeting- it is missing two little girls, who left before I remembered to take a picture.

Aiden, Talia, Brady, Maddie, Sophie, David, and Zane

Zane's Dedication

"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord." - 1 Samuel 1:27-28

On Sunday, September 21, we had Zane dedicated at church. Our good friends Roby and Krista also had their son and Zane's friend Aiden dedicated. The pastor read a charge to us and prayed over us. Luke read Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

We are so grateful to have a wonderful church family to come along beside us as we seek to raise Zane in a way that will honor the Lord. Zane, our prayer for you is that you will come to know the Lord at a young age, and follow Him your whole life. We love you and are so thankful that God has given you to us.