June Bugs, July Flies, and August Ladybugs

Remember June bugs? Those hard-backed, big green bugs that could fly. How come we don't catch those and tie them to a piece of thread and let them fly in circles anymore. Remember those days? How 'bout July flies, those over-sized, cricket on steroids bugs that make the most racket you've ever heard? Lily heard one tonight as we were leaving Granny's and asked what it was. That's what prompted this little review of summer. Hope you enjoy. And please remember that no matter what, God loves you and has a plan for you!

With a long, hot summer winding down, I thought it would be fun to review the memories of this past summer with lots of pictures. Yes, believe it or not, another summer's in the books (unless, of course, you check the thermometer which seems to scream I'm not finished yet!). School has started, kids are hurrying to class with arms full of notebooks, pencils, colored pencils, and pens ... and paper towels, tissues, baby wipes, and all manner of other items that I never remember having in school. Wait a minute, I digress. We'll get to that later. Let's start with school getting out back in May.


"Austin Receives an Award for Awesome Grades!"

It seems like only yesterday that school let out for the summer. Austin had finished the requirements for 7th grade and was subsequently awarded the privilege of coming back for 8th grade in the fall, but not without a few summer assignments. Now, that's another thing I don't remember from my school days. Anyway, four books to read and two projects to complete for Advanced Literature. Wow, I've been working on one book for probably 6 months now and haven't finished, but Austin had to read four in a mere eight weeks of 'summer break.'


"Kristin Graduates High School"

Kristin, one of Lily's "sisters," graduated high school in May this year. It seems like only yesterday that Kristin was babysitting Austin, spending the entire summer becoming such a wonderful part of his and our lives. We pray a special blessing for Kristin and wish her well as she begins a new chapter in her life. And Lily Grace says "Good job, Kristin!"


"One of My All Time Favorites, This Picture Earned Lily Grace a Place on Website for the Maker of the Dress."

Lily and Austin's grandfather, and my father passed away in May. I wish that I'd spent more time with him and that Lily and Austin could have known the man I knew before Parkinson's wreaked havoc on his very being. Please pray for a cure for that awful condition. By God's grace, the children did get to visit one last time in the hospital and I hope they'll remember their grandfather in the best possible way.



Austin played golf several times over the summer. He really enjoys the game. I wish I could take him more often, because I know the opportunities for that kind of activity will dwindle as he gets older and begins defining himself as a young adult.

By Memorial Day, we knew the summer would be hot, based on the way it started out, so we began dressing Lily appropriately. Check out the bathing suits in the pictures below.





Oh, we also allowed Lily Grace to renew a relationship with her favorite food - watermelon! This girl can eat some melon - is there a melon-eating contest somewhere?


"Gimme Some of Da Good Stuff!"




Austin and I got to see a couple of our favorite Christian groups in Building 429 and Hawk Nelson. We were able to talk with the artists of Building 429 after their show and tell how much their song "No One Else Knows" meant to us while we were in China. They were excited to hear how their music had ministered to us in a foreign land. Austin got to meet Jason of Hawk Nelson, easily one of the craziest guys we've ever met. They talked a little and Austin showed him a picture he'd drawn of them on the way over. Probably Austin's favorite night of the summer.

Oops, look at the time! Seems I'll have to finish this little summer review another night. I guess Summer is hanging on after all.

Love,
Jerry, Connie, Austin, and Lily Grace
Green, Party of Four ...