We had a wonderful summer break filled with wonderful memories. We spent most of the summer at the Rolf Park Pool, which we shortened to RPP. This place is amazing and I am really going to miss it next summer if we aren't still living here. As you can see there are two really tall water slides and they were great fun. The jungle gym is in very shallow water and it was just great for Matheson and Mae. I spent much of my time just sitting in the shallows with my hat and sunglasses on watching Matheson and Lindy bop about. Matheson has become an excellent diver. Each time we were there he would put on his goggles, and proceed to jump in the water face down and do the "dead man's float" until he could no longer hold his breath. I observed many a lifeguard scoot towards the edge of their chair as they watched this ritual, the look of concern spreading across their faces, and just as I was sure they were going to jump in to rescue him - Matheson would pop up for a new breath of air. He would then jump right back into the water and the whole scenario played over and over. It was fabulous entertainment! The RPP is also where Lindy had one of her big toenails ripped off by the women's restroom door. So, not all of our memories there are the fondest, but Louisa is already asking me when will it be open?

We had birthday parties for Louisa and Lindy over the summer. My dad bought a balloon animal making kit, and I'm not sure who had more fun with it - him or the children. It ended up being a real lifesaver because it was so yucky outside.

We spent a lot of time with our friends, The O's, and our Small Group really grew over the summer. All the kids went letterboxing with The O's just the other day, and they had a great time. I helped out with World Vision's "Step into Africa" exhibit while it was being hosted in our church. What an experience that was. If you get a chance to go on a free tour it's amazing what you learn about the AIDS crisis in Africa. It truly is a crisis, and I was saddened and astonished at the number of children deeply and tragically affected by this disease. I was also filled with hope that because of people like me or you that this doesn't have to stay the way it is. And I am deeply grateful for my own children and health, and to World Vision for bringing this to the world in such a moving and powerful way.