April Update... Finally!

Sheesh! It's been over a month since I blogged last! I can't believe it... We've been so busy lately that my blogging has fallen to the wayside, but I'm back! Glade already blogged about our hiking trip as a family, but I just have to blog about it too. What a great way to enjoy the extremely rare sunny weather up here in Washington. I LOVED getting out and soaking up the sun and breathing the fresh air. Plus, it was so fun to get the whole family together. Little Winnie was the best hiker in the group! April 24th was my baby brother's 24th birthday! I can't believe my little buddy is 24! I love my brother very much and I'm incredibly grateful that he is in my life. I am really enjoying this new aspect of our relationship as adults, and yet, still brother and sister. April 24th was also Maverick's first birthday. Yes, my puppy is one and yes, I went to a doggie bakery and got him special treats for his birthday and yes, I bought him a party hat, because I think a dog in a party hat is hilarious and I knew my husband would roll his eyes at me when he found out. :) (I was right.)

We leave for Africa dark and early on Monday morning, which is pretty unbelievable. Still a lot to do before we go and I've been super busy at work preparing to leave and training my new Inside Sales Rep who will be helping me manage my business. On top of all that we are two week into our church wide 40 day fast. All of us are giving up something for these 40 days in order to set aside more time to deepen our relationship with Jesus. A big focus for our church this year has been intimacy with Jesus. The church is open every night for prayer services for those who want to come and the Young Adults are hosting Tuesdays. On Wednesday nights, we are going through a video series teaching on Baal by Dutch Sheets. We've seen two out of five so far, but I would highly recommend you check it out if you are able. So far, it's pretty amazing and exposes a lot of what is going on spriritually in America today.

Here are some pics from April:

Here is our adorable niece Winnie enjoying the view (When the whole fam was over at our house today (5/10), she totally said "dog" and made dog noises for us, too. It was so precious!! I just loved it. That is the first word I've heard her say.)

If any of you know Matt, this picture is just hilarious!!!
Not a bad view from the top, huh?
The Fam :)
Enjoying the view after the long hike up
The Fam (for real)
Happy Birthday, Puppy!

Doesn't he look like he's thinking, "I feel stupid?" It's so funny to me!
Tuff came over to tell Mav Happy Birthday...
... and to eat his hat. Apparently, he thought the hat would be more fun to eat than wear...

Awww! Happy Birthday, Baby Brother! I miss you and love you more than you will ever know...