At the Beach

One day in early July, we ventured to the beach. Joshua loved playing in the sand, but wasn't so sure about the water. This was especially the case after the remnants of a wave knocked him over and started carrying him out to sea. Fortunately he only went a couple feet before his parents rescued him, but it was enough to sour him toward the salty sea. However, once he realized that water was necessary for making the sand stick together to make a sand castle, Joshua was more than willing to venture to the water's edge with his bucket in hand.

Sweeping

For anyone who's wondering whether or not Joshua still loves cleaning, the answer is yes. He continues to thrive on cleaning and sometimes makes a mess just so he can say, "Clee uh! Clee uh!"

Little Micah

For our readers who have been praying for little Micah Davis, the son of a family in our church, who has been battling a rare and aggressive brain tumor for a year and a half now, we wanted to let you know that his everlasting Father took him home this morning. Please link to the Davis family's blog for further information and more amazingly joyful, hopeful testimony in the midst of this sorrowful season. Thank you for caring for this family by lifting them up in prayer. Their faith through this long, wearying journey has been truly inspiring. They have constantly proclaimed God's faithfulness and goodness even in terrible hardship and pain. These verses describe the Davis' steadfast hope and patient faith, and this we continue to pray for them:

"Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you."

Psalm 33:20-22

A walk in the woods

A few weeks ago, Joshua and his daddy discovered a hiking trail within walking distance from our house. It's a well-maintained trail that runs along Seneca Creek. We've been back a couple times with each set of grandparents. We envision many memories from exploring this part of the woods (especially when the boys can walk long distances on their own).

Here is Grandma helping Joshua along. He did pretty well for the first half. It's amazing to watch him take in the surroundings. So much to see and hear!

And who knows what you'll find?

Now, the best part of the hike is the part of the trail that leads to a little beach covered with rocks. And what are these rocks good for, you ask? Why throwing them into the water, of course. The first time we came here, Joshua had to be pried away from this activity. It so fascinates him.

First, comes the selection of the rock. Only the finest in shape, size, and hardness will do.

Here's one that looks pretty good.

The throw...

Ker-splash!

4th of July

We celebrated the 4th of July with Grandma and Grandpa Kinsinger. There was a parade right outside our house! While it was no DC Memorial Day parade, the flags we acquired from the earlier event came in handy.

Joshua cheered loudly for the band and the horses.

He also decorated the curbside with flags.

More Happy Birthday

June and July are big birthday months for the Kinsingers. Grandma and Grandpa Kinsinger, as well as Aunt Renee all celebrated birthdays during our week together in July.

Happy Birthday

Oddly enough, Joshua and David are not the only ones in our household getting older.