Table Rock State Park, in Forest, S.C.

This morning we decided that we would go on an adventure after church, and check out Table Rock State Park. So after the (fabulous) service, the five of us, and Lori, our trusty GPS navigator, headed to the northwestern corner of South Carolina. We had no idea where we were going, but Lori did, and she has never steered us wrong. (Except that one time in Charlotte, NC, but I don't think that was entirely her fault.) After driving about 45 minutes, we reached our destination. Table Rock is a beautiful place on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent the afternoon exploring the hiking trails, and swimming in the waterfalls. We managed to escape to the car right as an afternoon cloudburst past through, scared all the people away, and left the park empty when the sun came out 30 minutes later. The kids had so much fun at a waterfall area, and Luis even took them to stand behind that waterfall. They thought that was just plain awesome. Lily wanted so badly to be with her Dada and brothers in the water, but her cast is still on for 3 more days. Luis did carry her in a bit, so she was happy. She is most definitely a "Daddy's girl", and not afraid to show it. One fun thing I learned is how much Luis enjoys hiking. We have never really had a chance to hike, since Arizona was too hot, and the Lowcountry has snakes, alligators, and gnats. I will say I think I prefer gnats to the monstrous mountain mosquitoes that I saw today-they were a scary sight. One bite from them, and you're blood is drained! We stopped in a nature observatory where they had local wildlife in display...mainly snakes...which the boys thought were super cool (me, not so much). The lady working there told me that the bears stay up in the higher elevations...but I had a hard time believing her, since there were "bear-proof" trash cans everywhere...anyway, it was a great, off the cuff outing, and a place I know we will definitely visit many times. Here's some pictures from today.

School's Out! (well, almost)

We are winding down the first school year here in Anderson County, and it has been such a wonderful year! Josh did so great transferring from being home schooled to third grade in the public school. He finished out the year making A/B honor roll for the whole year, highest average in math and math concepts, won the Panda pride award for citizenship, and received fitness reading recognition. He is a great all around student. He's made lots of new friends, and played soccer and baseball. He's sad that many of his friends will not be in the same class with him next year, but he is happy that he is in Mr. White's class. (He was hoping to get him for fourth grade!) Jonathan loved Kindergarten, especially his teacher Mrs. Jones, and his buddies Morgan, Taylor and Andrew. He loved art and music, and hated PE (but I think it was more because of the teacher than the class itself). I was very pleased with the schools here in Belton-they were much better than I even anticipated.

Here's some pictures from Jonathan's awards day today. His teacher named him an "awesome athlete". He's all over the place, but that's my Jonathan!

My children each bring me unique joy...Jonathan is my sunshine!

NANI

WE WANT YOU...

TO KNOW WE'LL FIGHT ANY GIANT

CLIMB ANY HEIGHT

 TRAVERSE GREAT DARKNESS

 AND CROSS RAGING SEAS...

To wish you a Happy Birthday!

We love and miss you so much and can't wait to see you soon! Hugs and kisses from all of us on your Birthday!

Love:

Leslie, Luis, Josh, Jonathan and Lily

Let Freedom Ring

Have you ever had something happen, and you knew God was speaking directly to you? I did today, as I heard this song on the radio. My heart was stirred as I thought about someone who I know that lives this life. I am praying that true freedom comes one day. Why would someone choose to hide instead of being set free? I guess the initial embarrassment of disclosure-the fear of being "found out", paralyzes many. Today this person realized that her wall was transparent. What a perfect opportunity to knock it down once and for all!! This could be the beginning of healing that is a long time coming. I say a few moments of feeling humbled by the admittance of sins is a small price to pay for true freedom. Don't let this opportunity pass. Be brave, my friend-Let freedom ring!

Here are the lyrics:

Healing begins

So you thought you had to keep this up
All the work that you do
So we think that you're good
And you can't believe it's not enough
All the walls you built up
Are just glass on the outside

So let 'em fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Afraid to let your secrets out
Everything that you hide
Can come crashing through the door now
But too scared to face all your fear
So you hide but you find
That the shame won't disappear

So let it fall down
There's freedom waiting in the sound
When you let your walls fall to the ground
We're here now
We're here now, oh

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark

Sparks will fly as grace collides
With the dark inside of us
So please don't fight
This coming light
Let this blood come cover us
His blood can cover us

This is where the healing begins, oh
This is where the healing starts
When you come to where you're broken within
The light meets the dark
The light meets the dark