Summertime,..

 We had a very special visitor come our way in July.  None other than the fabulous and always energetic Elsa Harbison!  She had loads of stuff to do while visiting Muskogee such as shopping, lots of swimming, crafts, Cherry Berry visits, and her first ever self-manned fireworks show!  She had so much fun.  Since shooting off fireworks is illegal in the city limits of Chicago, she has never had the opportunity.  That just wouldn't do!  As Okie's we felt it our American duty to teach her how to pick out the best fireworks and how to safely set them off.  She loved it and although the boys were not present to enjoy the show, we had so much fun watching her let loose. What fun!  We are so glad she was able to visit and were happy to share our little traditions. 

Kanyon turned eleven this year.  He had a special birthday with family and friends.  After opening the many many gifts he received we took the kids to the swim park.  You may have heard of the intense and unrelenting heat wave that we have had since late June.  Well, its effected the water holes as well.  The pools of water at the swim park were luke warm at best which felt more like a warm bath rather than a refreshing cooling off.  But the kids didn't notice which is the most important and they had a blast. 

Yes, Kanyon had a wonderful birthday and yes he received an awesome 3D Shark Slip-n-Slide from his Aunt Cindy and Uncle Jim.  Very fun.

We are getting ready for school which begins Aug 11th!  Darrell and I are particularly excited.  LOL :)  The boys 'say' they aren't ready to go back but I believe they really enjoy seeing their past teachers and friends and wearing their new clothes etc...  They play cool and collected but I've heard nothing but questions about when they can wear their new clothes for the past two weeks.  Yes, we wait until the first day of school to wear our special new clothes. 

Darrell is trying to just get through these dog days of summer and is continuously nagged by me to stay hydrated and wear his sunscreen!  But the days are long and hot and he's been completely deflated in the evenings.  Although he doesn't complain, the heat is taking its toll on him.  As well as on our yard, what flowers we have left and the trees.  Its a desolate land around here and we are praying that the good Lord will send us some lower temps and some much needed rain.

We have a new addition the our wonderful family.  The Collin Seitz' family welcomed sweet Hudson into their lives.  We've been told he eats and sleeps and enjoys his big sister, Hannah. I don't know who will  have their hands full more..Hannah or Hudson!  We can't wait to see him in person and experience his personality!

**Be sure to check out our new pictures at the flickr.com link to the right. 

Hope eveyone is enjoying the summer and we hope and pray that you will keep us in your prayers as you are in ours.  

We love you, Susan    +