Hello Summer!

 The school year is over and we have kicked into official summer mode this week!  A big thank you to all our veterans including our niece, Dawn, who just returned from Afghanistan two weeks ago.  We had the opportunity to go to a welcoming home ceremony in Pierre that was an eye-opening experience as to what these soldiers go through both in their military operations and their assimilation back into civilian life.  The above picture was taken by Darcy at a local state park just after a thunderstorm.  Below, Daraby is hanging out enjoying life. 

 A good Memorial Day nap!

And a good Memorial Day ride!  This is a mare named Diamond that we picked up from Darcy's family and she is coming along nicely.  This was her 5th ride today.

We added another member to the family and no it doesn't have to do with adoption but it does fit into our family criteria-his name is Dally.  We bought Dally (that was his name before we bought him for those who think his name is too good to be true) last weekend out in Rapid City.  He will be Darcy's horse and hopefully the girls' horse in the coming years.  He's 19 and has a pretty calm personality but still has a gas pedal when you want it.  He was owned by a family for the last 10 years where he was used as a beginner horse for their son who then started roping off of him. 

We have lots of great plans for the summer but really are trying to ready ourselves for adding another child to our family.  As many of you know, we are in the process of adopting an infant.  Our profile is being shown to birth parents and only God knows at this point when and how this will take place.  Thank you for your prayers along the way and we urge you to keep praying for us as God continues to teach us about his plan for our life.  Isn't it a blessing for us who know Christ as our Lord and Savior that he continues to do a good work in our life to carry out unto completion (Philippians 1:6)?  Sometimes Darcy and I scratch our heads and wonder what in the world is going on but we know that God is at work and try humble ourselves before him. 

By the way, it is our anniversary tomorrow so thank you for the 8 wonderful years of marriage Darcy!  A couple of states, houses, jobs, kids, and animals later and here we are.  Praise the Lord for his goodness and grace.  Well, at 11:25 pm I'm going to have to end it here.  Thank you for tuning in! -Andrew