All Church Bake Sale and Cafe

Today the teens going on this summer's mission trip hosted a bake sale and cafe at the church. Here is a picture of Kathee and Gideon eating lunch.

We Are Proud Parents

Tonight was Gideon's first opportunity to attend a congregational meeting at our church. Like his parents, who grab a book to take it along if there's a chance they may be sitting for a while, Gideon made sure he grabbed a book for the meeting. During the short meeting (20-30 minutes), Gideon was fantastic. He was quiet the whole time, and was even curious about what was going on up front some of the time.

The meeting was completed by 7:30PM, which is when Gideon is normally in bed for the night. However, we have a tradition of going out for pie after congregational meetings with a couple from our church. So out we went. Wondering how he'd do, but wanting to put it to the test, he was phenomenal. We left the place at 9:00PM. No meltdowns, no tears, just a happy boy who was yelling "bye-bye" out the window as we left the parking lot.

Certainly a lot has to do with his temperment, but let's hear it for Kathee's constant working with Gideon, Gideon's nighttime routine, his adequate sleep, etc, etc. We love it how the times when we get him out of routine, he is able to roll with it and do great. It was certainly a joy to be with him tonight. So fun!

The Cutest Kid ON THE PLANET!!!

The Ice Cream Truck Stops All

Here is a small glimpse of Gideon when he's being himself. He's a total spaz, and we love it!

Our Time At Mississippi Palisades State Park

Here we are at the furthest-out point of our hike, at the pavillion overlook where we stopped for lunch.

Today the three of us headed north of here to the Mississippi Palisades State Park. We hiked approximately 4 miles and had an amazing day! We saw one person and his dog and that was it, during our entire time on the trails. So good to be out in God's creation. We are enjoying going out this early in the season as no one is around, the birds are not all scared away, and we are able to have an incredible time just the three of us.

The 3 Amigos

The three boys in this picture are "The 3 Amigos." They were all baptized the same day, spend at least twice a week together in the church nursery, have play time together during our Monday night's couple's Bible study (where they play in the nursery), and Nathan even comes over on Thursdays to play with Gideon so that Nathan's mom can attend Bible Study Fellowship. These three are great, and it's awesome to watch them growing up together.


Nathan, Gideon, and Asher

Our Day Trip to Wildcat Den State Park

Today was an ABSOLUTELY great day for hiking. I looked up state parks on Google to find what parks are around our area so we can take in God's beauty in our area. It was a phenomenal day. We basically had the hiking trail to ourselves. The park was beautiful. I got to see some pretty great birds (we got to sit and watch a great horned owl for a while). We ate lunch on a fallen tree. Such a great day. Then on the way home I spotted a bald eagle and a few miles down the road an eagle's nest with an eagle on it. Our God is amazing, isn't he?

The Various Faces of Gideon

This is about an hour in to the hike, when I needed to put Gideon down for a bit, needed some water, and whatnot. Upon putting him down and grabbing the camera we heard, "Down?" and "All done?" repeatedly. I was wondering if he'd get mad and start crying, but he seemed to love the hike, so did great!

Gideon in the actual wildcat den. No, no, DCFS, there was no wildcat in the cave, nor did we leave him alone in the cafe.
Momma and Gideon inside the cave.
Papa and Gideon inside the cave.
Gideon chilling in the backpack inside the cave.
Just a cool picture.

Our Trip to Wildcat Den

I thought this tree was a good metaphor for marriage (so naturally I have Kathee take the picture and have my son and I in it instead). Same foundation. Same source of life and strength. Growing up on their own for a while, then fused together at an early point in life to carry out the rest of their lives being fused.

Our Day Trip to Wildcat Den State Park

Gideon and Momma walking to the bathroom after our 2-hour hike (Gideon was in the backpack).
Gideon and Momma checking out the waterfall next to the mill.
Gideon and Momma at the old 1870s bridge and mill.
Papa's attempt at a self-taken family portrait.