The Black Forest Fire

Well..... here we go again!!  As if the Waldo Canyon Fire wasn't bad enough for us and our city last year, we had to suffer (and panic and worry and pray and ....)  through yet another fire THIS year.  Except this year, the fire was MUCH closer to us than the WC fire.  And instead of being pre-evacuated, we hung out right on the pre-evac border.  And instead of pre-evacuating ourselves and our stuff to another home, we hosted others and helped others evacuate.   (Noah was absolutely beside himself with excitement that Auntie and Mr. Bob were staying at HIS house for awhile!!!)  We are counting our blessings, more than you can imagine, to have successfully avoided yet another fire.

However, choking up as we type these words, our dearest family friends, our second parents, some of our biggest supporters in this life, Bob and Cheryl, sadly lost their home in the fire. We cannot describe the absolute anguish we have been feeling for over the past week.  It's indescribable and beyond heartbreaking.  That home felt like a second home to us.  Heck, Greg even spent many days/hours over there helping them BUILD that home!  Seeing pictures and visiting the property was almost nauseatingly unbearable and we couldn't help but be transparent with our emotions.  It was like a bad dream you couldn't wake up from.  Surreal.  Please keep them in your prayers as they grieve, process and attempt to move on the best they know how.  They are staying positive, trusting the Lord and are beyond ready to move on with the next step(s).  A website has been set up to begin helping them get back on their feet.  Please take a look.  If it's within your means, please consider helping.  The goal has already been met (and fast too!), but it would still be awesome to see their socks blessed off as they have done that for countless others.  Click Here. 

 

The view - across the highway from our home.

 

Gran's House

We just got back from our yearly trip to Arkansas. Spent the last 9 days visiting with Jen's Gran and family and enjoying the nice warm weather.  =)

Noah seemed to have a blast no matter what we did - blowing bubbles, playing on the deck, feeding the ducks, playing at the park, roasting marshmallows, catching fireflies, playing in the pool, shopping, exploring the backyard, etc.  He also had a great time at the family reunion at our cousin's house - swimming, lounging, fishing, watching movies, playing, eating, etc.  The plane rides to and from thrilled his little soul to no end.  He talked almost non-stop about the big plane and the little plane he got to ride in to everyone who would listen.  Actually, the "little" plane was a new experience all around - an 8-seater..... yeah..... lol. 

A great time was had by all!  We love it there and hope we get to go back again next year!  =)