Summertime

July for my family means vacation! This year we were blessed with more travel than usual. Taylor went to Columbus, Ohio for the Mennonite Youth Convention for a week. He had a great time making new friends, doing good work and learning more about God. Analise and I went to Oregon for our cousin Lori's wedding. She wsa married on the 4th of July on the beach - it was perfect! Being around family reminds you where you come from and helps connect the dots. It was a great trip for the girls. :)

After Ohio and Oregon, we left Iowa for Wyoming for two weeks, where are at right now. The weather has been great! Hot during the day and cool at night - typical summer weather here where the elevation is higher. I miss these temps. We haven't seen many family yet but hope to catch as many people as possible this week.

I love this old picture of my mom - it was taken in Southern California when she was a teen, in the 1940s. She is gone now - she passed away in January 1983 from cancer. Here though, she is young, vibrant, tan, natural - with her entire life ahead of her - full of possibilites, joy, heartbreak. Born Charlene, she was called Chick or Chickie by everyone (except to her kids - Mom to us!). Chick was brave and smiled through all the good and bad she was handed in life. Here's to you Chickie - I hope I can live life as fearlessly as you did! Love you - Em