In mid-June, Matt went on a mission trip with our church through an organization that we partner with, Africa New Life. It was his first time on a mission trip and he wasn't quite sure what to expect.
I'm not going to spend a lot of time talking about the trip, as it was his experience, but I think it's safe to say that the trip had a great impact on him and we're excited to see what we can do to help this organization, and these precious kids, more in the future.
Matt with Jean Bosco, the boy that we sponsor.
Matt with Esther, the little girl that the kids in our children's ministry sponsor. A sweet story about the fish she's holding: before he left, we had Miles and Brooke both pick out a couple of their toys to give to Esther. It took a little convincing to get Brooke to pick things out (understandable for a six-year-old), but Miles ran right upstairs and grabbed a bunch of things, including this Nemo fish that he'd had in his bed. Matt said that Esther wouldn't let go of it as soon as he gave it to her. I think it was great for us - and the kids - to see their generosity impact others.
Back at the ranch, the kids and I had about 10 days to kill. My mom was up here with us the first day, then she made the ride down to St. Louis with me, where we had a long visit. We started with Happy Joe's for dinner our first night there. The kids loved the games, but that place makes for an expensive dinner.
"Crusher" hug from Papa T. The kids love them.
Making breakfast with Papa T. Paige has some work to do on her egg-cracking skills.
It was super-hot there, so thankfully we spent lots of time in the pool.
Paige got in the big pool, but was also happy in here. We let her go with it.
LOVE these two.
And Jenn.
Gotta love a top-knot on an 18 month old. Too bad none of my kids can grow hair.
Slip-n-Slide!
Backyard wiffle ball. Brooke hit one out of the yard.
We tried to find a good splash pad in St. Louis. I feel like they're all over up here. At any rate, this is the best we could do.
The kids had more fun at the playground, though.
Later that day, we headed to Krissi's aunt's pool. While we were there, Paige gave Uncle Joel some love.
We had dinner with my grandparents.
A little driveway hockey for the little ones on the night Papa T took the big ones to Chuck E. Cheese.
I mean, how cute are they?!?
We FINALLY did the arch. My kids have been asking to go up in it for years - literally.
They all enjoyed it, but I think Brooke could have stayed up there all day.
Dinner that night. Paige and Uncle Joel bonding again.
We spent our last evening there at the Muny, seeing the Wizard of Oz.
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