Nicaragua Mission Trip 2013

We had a long 8 hour bus ride to the village of Los Chilies from Managua. We stopped at a church on the way to eat lunch. 

Here is our awesome dental crew! I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Howell, Dr. Freeman, and Dr. Sydnia again. Dr. Kelley joined us this year too. 

Relaxing waiting on the first patient.

One of my favorite parts is holding the precious babies.

Look at all that hair!

I was excited that I got to pull some teeth and do a few sutures. 

The second morning in the village I decided to head down to the tent for children's church before we started seeing patients. 

The kids loved the clown! Nana Anna the clown told about the "Good news" while demonstrating the armor of God on this sweet little girl.

The kids sang songs in both English and Spanish. So sweet!

Several kids stopped by while on their way to school.

I went out for a half day with the witnessing team and the vet team. We came upon this beautiful home and garden. This lady obviously took pride in her home. 

We witnessed to everyone at this first house. One of the ladies told us that she was a believer but the rest of the family was not. She had prayed that morning for something good to happen and she sad we were an answer to her prayers. Six of the family members prayed and accepted Christ. My heart still overflows just writing about it. 

A little boy had made this himself. It was his favorite toy. I couldn't help but think how many trucks my boys have at home. If only I would have brought a couple with me. 

We were miles from the village in the middle of beautiful rolling hills. Dr. Kelley took out a few teeth while we were there. 

 There were a couple of houses together. We talked to the first family and the husband was not accepting of us. We left to go to the next house and the wife followed us. She had not said a word while we were there. Her husband was not too happy and he was circling the house wanting us to leave. I had left to go back to the dental clinic. However, the others stayed for a good while and before they left he prayed and accepted Christ as well. God was really wrestling with his heart. 

These kids were having school next to our clinic. I had brought a new nerf football that my spoiled boys said they didn't want. They were all super excited to play with it. I showed this picture to the boys when I got home. 

I was not planning on going back to Nicaragua this year but God kept tugging at my heart. Two days before the final deadline two of my patients back to back talked to me about missions for 2 hours. I couldn't say no.

Fall Soccer 2012

Little of This and a Little of That

Nolan had his very first eye exam so he could start school.

He did good!

One of our frequent places we stop, Chik-fil-a, had a dress like a cow day and get free food. 

So we did just that. Brittany came up with this quick idea and we enjoyed some chicken with good friends. 

These beautiful girlies all wearing Matilda Jane pretties. Ella wishes she could see her second cousins more often. 

She did it! Potty training 101 was a success! She rocked it out for just turning 2 1/2.

So proud of you Miss Ella!

We had fun at VBS! Ella's first! 

Kara talked me into training for our first Half Marathon. We had just finished our very first 9 miler!

The rain made it an adventurous run. 

Nana and Ella at Mello Mushroom.

I am telling you.... these kiddos love their daddy! I don't blame them because I love him too!

Nat, you are an awesome husband and dad!

We had some fun times at Southland pool this summer. These two really enjoyed being around each other. They both swim like fish at four years old. 

I had to sit in the very back of the van so we had room for Aunt Helen to go to dinner with us. 

Ella was not so sure about me sitting back there but holding my finger made her feel better. So sweet!

This is a rare moment these days for Nathaniel. He is almost 9 years old and hardly ever takes a nap but the lake wiped him out that day. 

Kids Triathlon

Nathaniel heard about the kids triathlon and he was ready to sign up.

I wasn't sure if he would follow through because I could not get him to practice. 

He either wakes up on or off and thankfully he woke up on the day of the race. 

The race included swimming 100 meters, biking 2 miles, and running 1 mile. 

This mama couldn't have been more proud to cheer him across the finish line. 

Nathaniel you did great! 

My littlest Man is 5!

I can't believe it! You are 5!

Your smile will melt any heart. You will always be my little miracle baby. 

You are one mischievous little boy! You can be so loving and sweet at times and other times you can be pretty mean.  

Lately, when you are mad at me you tell me, "I don't love you anymore!" And I say, "Nolan, don't say things you don't mean." And you yell at me again, " I really don't!"

Five minutes later, you usually tell me, "I love you mom."

Not sure what to do with you sometimes. 

These two cuties will melt your heart!

Not sure what to say about this one except thats your dad.

You had a fun party!

Yay! Legos! Thats one of your favorites. 

Can't get enough of my girl!

At 2 1/2 years old you are so smart! You amaze us everyday. You know almost all your letters and sounds. I am pretty sure you learned them from playing the starfall app on my phone. You are obsessed with iphones, puzzles, books, and diego. Dora and Diego go everywhere with us. They are part of the family. 

You are potty training and you have rocked it!!! So proud of you! 

You love going to the lake and riding on Daddy's boat. You always tell him, "Go fast daddy!"

My favorite part about boat rides is your snuggles. You always crawl up in my lap and hold on tight. 

It is such a joy to be your mother! You are just a ball of personality!