Summer Lovin'

Summer is my absolute favorite time of year. All the seasons have beauty of their own but I love the heat that summer brings! I especially love that I live in the Okanagan Valley. Not to brag, but it is literally paradise in BC. I have been having a lot of fun so far this summer. A few weeks ago I got to go on a road trip with 4 other wonderful girls to Nelson. Only one of us had ever been there and the one girl who had been there grew up there, so it was great to have a tour guide. We had so much fun running around in the rain, playing games, talking, drinking tea, eating amazing food, hiking up to find a glacier yet never finding it, soaking in the Ainsworth Hot springs and even taking a "special" late night dip in the lake! It was a road trip that I will forever remember. It is so awesome how God brings people together to encourage one another and be friends. I didn't know a couple of the girls that I went with very well, but it was amazing how we all connected so well all because we all have one thing in common, God.

Amy and I soaking wet after running around in the rain

All of us getting out morning coffee before out hike in the rain

After I got home from Nelson, my mom, sister and nephews arrived here. That has been such a blessing. I absolutely love having them here. I get to sleep with Jacob, which is an adventure in itself with the way he moves around like he's dancing in his sleep and he talks A LOT in his sleep too. But I love it! I love waking up to a sweet little 2 year old staring at me with a HUGE smile on his face saying, "Mal Mal." He always is so excited to see me and I love it so much. And Micah is the sweetest baby in the world. He has the biggest eyes and he smiles a ton which is so adorable. I love that I get to be the aunt of these two amazing little boys. It has also been nice to have mom and Tara here. Some people have said to me it must be nice having mom home to have things back to normal, but I have to reply and say that this doesn't feel normal at all. Yes it is nice to have my mom home, but regardless if Tara is here or not, it never feels like things are normal anymore since Prestons been gone. It always feels like something is missing or that something is wrong. I guess it will just take time to get used to the new normal.

The cutest baby I know, Micah Preston

Jacob at the playground

Campfire in the backyard making some smores!

Another accomplishment of my summer was that I went water skiing. I got the opportunity to go on a boat with one of my friends and it was so much fun. I was a little timid to go skiing, but I figured that I might as well go considering I never get the chance. I hadn't been since I was like 13 so I was nervous, but I got up on the 3rd try and the wipe outs I did take actually weren't that bad. I'm just a weenie and can't hold on to the rope with my wimpy muscles! But it was sweet to be pulled behind a boat gliding on the water.
Lastly, I love Ellison Park so much! I went there today and it was absolutely beautiful. I was reminded of God's love for us. He has made this outstanding creation of lakes, trees, beaches and plants all for out enjoyment. Not only is it all for our enjoyment, but it all works together to help keep us alive. (I'm not sure how, but I do know that trees give us Oxygen!) I really don't want to take this summer for granted. So take some time to smell the roses and as you admire creation remember how much God truly loves you. "...to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge..." Eph. 3:18b-19a.

The beautiful Ellison Park


PS If anyone has a boat and would like having the company of moi for a day, feel free to ask! I will definitely be up for it! (Yes I am desperate)