Masai Mara - Safari Close-ups

Kindergarten, Africa and Fall

Well, hey there friends!  It's been a whirlwind since we stepped back into routine from Patrick's study break.  A sweet time to prepare us for a packed fall!  

John Ryman started Kindergarten and loves his class... as long as he gets 12 hours of sleep. ;)  Vera is now in the 2-day preschool JR was in last year and thinks she is big stuff!  It's all about the backpack and outfit she chooses each week.  Thanks to a Mom's Morning Out program for Bauer, I now have my quiet, uninterrupted 3 hours a week that I sure missed over the summer!  

This fall season is bringing anticipation and excitement for all God is going to do through His church with the launch of our new West campus.  There were over 500 people yesterday on our first Sunday! 

In addition to all of the above, I just retuned home from Nairobi last night!  Once the jet lag wears off and my suitcase is unpacked, I'll share some stories about the beautiful people of Kenya and a church that is on the move in powerful ways.  And maybe a few lion photos ;) 

Hope you all are well and settling in for a rich fall season.  

"Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

F. Scott Fitzgerald

(Thinking of Fitzgerald and my favorite literature classes in HS... I can't believe it has been 10 years since I graduated High School!  I missed our reunion while in Africa, but I have been reminiscing on so many sweet & hilarious memories from our CAL '07 Class.  I'm so grateful for the impact my classmates had on my life.  I feel like I had such a rare high school experience with friends who loved well & had way too much fun together!)  

Summer Nights

Zoo Day with Sloane & Kiddos

Before Easter, we spent the most beautiful afternoon at the zoo!  Sloane, our friend & babysitter, met us for USI day.  I can't believe it took 4 years of living in Evansville to visit Mesker Park!  The kids did some crafts at the USI tent and got some snacks as well :) The weather could not have been more perfect for early spring.  It actually was pretty warm and those hills are NO JOKE!  JR loved the giraffes and Vera loved the "pink flamingo sign" (haha! We couldn't find the actual flamingos and she told us at the end that was her favorite!).   There weren't a ton of animals and the grounds weren't the prettiest.  There was a lot of construction and granted it's early spring, so maybe they will do some cleaning and updating soon.  I kinda felt bad for the animals, but hoping next time we go it will have improved.  It doesn't compare to the other zoos we have been to, but then again the price was like 1/4 of the other zoo costs so that was fair for the experience!  A cheap park experience where the kids can run and see some animals they wouldn't see in the forest ;) Next time we might try out the flamingo or swan paddle boats on the lake!

Vali returns to the Lake

 Our sweet Vali sure has enjoyed being back at the lake!

It had been almost 5 years, but I think she remembered it :)

 I have so many lake memories with just me, Patrick and two goldens...

can't believe we are bringing 3 kiddos to the lake with us now!

 

 Blog post introducing puppy Vali from 2009 {here} 

(We took Vali straight to the lake after we picked her up from a breeder in Kentucky.

She was swimming with all of our friends before she turned 6 weeks old!)

Lake post from 2010 {here}

My favorite photo of me & Vali:

Day trip to Charleston, SC

Our little family took a day trip to Charleston from Kiawah Island.  I had never been and wanted to take in some southern architecture and beauty.  Charleston reminded me so much of Savannah, GA.  It was scorching hot and the kids did so great walking everywhere (no stroller!) but Patrick and I were exhausted :) so we didn't last too long!  After walking downtown, we drove to the best lunch spot called Butcher & Bee- highly recommend- I think there is one in Nashville too!  

Here are a few photos from the day and some architecture inspiration...

 (I was carrying Bauer in the Ergo... just didn't get any photos ha!)

Best Cousins Ever!

 We sure have a lot of fun with 12 cousins...

Can't wait to have the 13th join in with this crew early January! (Daniel & Katie are having a girl!)

And yes, that is Patrick with a ball up his shirt being chased by all the kids :)

Garcia Family Vacation

Kiawah Island, SC July 2016

My 3 in South Carolina

  Kiawah Island, SC 

July 2016

Family Photos 2016

While we were out in California, we had the talented Hannah Delozier take our family photos!  I had followed her photography for a while and loved her work, but I wasn't sure where she was in California or if we would have time to meet up with her.  I'm so thankful that it worked out because these are photos I will treasure forever!  We met her at Corona Del Mar tide pools as the sun was setting.  Poor Vera was still waking up from a nap, we all got soaking wet after the first few photos and then the kids were pretty cold, but Hannah was so sweet & patient.  You would never know from the pictures how much whining was going on ;)  Now I'm just trying to find a place in our home for all of the prints!!!  Here are a few of my favorites...

Thank you Hannah for capturing our family and the kiddos so well!  This last one might just be my favorite :)