Day Four!

Herb is the cook of the day!
Lauren loves to play soccer with the "boys".
Family time...only Caydie is not here.
The boys playing cards. (Tyler and Bob)

The big boys are supervising.

Day Three!

Early morning at Oma's. We thought it was 8:00 am...but it's 5:30 am Dallas Time!
Oma is calling all the relatives to come over!
She's boring Austin.
Once again....I have to kick Oma out of the kitchen. She likes to be in charge.
The relatives have arrived!

Day Two!

Breakfast in the hotel - The spreadsheet went to heck - we drove until 1:30 AM...so we didn't get as early a start...but I think Lauren was still tired.
Crossing over "to the other side". Entering Canada!

Tailgating at the gas station - we need a snack.
Lauren and Ashley get a drink!

Day One!

We left at 5:30 am - McKinney time - so for those who are following the spreadsheet - we are on target! Our first big rest stop was at Cracker Barrel so Austin could rock a little. Too early to eat lunch (we just finished breakfast in Oklahoma) - but we are now in Missouri! We were able to "shop" the snack box. The chocolate cookies were a tad messy, but still edible. Once we leave the "heat" I don't think it will be too bad under the truck cover.
Late lunch made Austin and Lauren King and Queen of our table!

We were able to sit outside and enjoy a cool respite from our 103 degree heat of the last week. Lauren was able to play on the playground and expend some energy before, once again, getting back in the car!

We were able to see the St. Louis arch as we flew through St. Louis. It was raining....but the air was cooling.

Lauren is learning to read a map and is helping Bapo navigate his way through all the city traffic.We saw this out in the middle of a field in Illinois...it says to go to www.crossusa.com. We haven't had a chance to check it out yet...but is on our list of things we'll do when we arrive.It was very late when we stopped for dinner and Bapo had to take Austin outside so we could finish eating. He was getting very vocal!

For those of you who are looking at the spreadsheet - we are WAY off! We traveled to Ft. Wayne, IN last night (way past our first night's stop) and it is now 8:27 AM (Eastern time, which he did not account for losing an hour)...but we are once again on the road. You'll have to adjust your own column H and I to readjust for the time! HA! LOL~!

Packing to start Vacation!

I gave Lauren the camera to document the progress that was happening outside...was it all going to fit? I think Mike has his doubts.
But...after much jamming, cramming and stuffing - I think all our bags, baby items, art and scrapping stuff for the car was loaded. B.J. and Mike are quite proud of their accomplishments!
Wonder where we'll put what we bring home?

Ashley thinks she can jam one more thing in the back!!!!!

Happy 4th of July!

"...you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another," Galatians 5:13

When I was very young my Dad would bring home sparklers and firecrackers for our 4th of July celebration. In those days we were able to shoot off fireworks in our back yard! We could hardly wait until it got dark so we could begin the nosey part of our celebration. I remember the excitement of holding a sparkler and twirling it round and round (with my Dad's supervision). The older kids were able to light their own firecrackers and throw them in the air. We thought that was the most exciting part of our celebration. I also remember a time when my Dad's cousin had a firecracker explode in her hand. She was only a few years older than me...but in my eyes she was one of the "bigger" kids. She had to go to the emergency room...and we all were reminded again (by our parents) just how dangerous fireworks really were...even sparklers!

Paul is reminding me that as a Christian I am free in Christ. I'm free of the oppressive reign of sin in my life. I am free from eternal bondage to Satan. I'm not only free from some things, I'm free to do some very exciting things. I'm free to hold the light of Christ high against a dark world who doesn't know Him. I'm free to enjoy the excitement that comes from lifting Him high in praise and adoration.

However, with my freedom comes a word of warning! Paul reminds me that being free means needing to take certain precautions. But...knowing I'm free from eternal damnation doesn't give me the right to take sin in my hand and draw it close to me. Being free means I make every effort to make right choices to not hurt someone else or the cause of Christ. Being free from the penalty of sin means I read Biblical precautions about my flesh. In other words, until I die and go to heaven, I'm still going to be faced with some pretty dangerous temptations. Those temptations are like fireworks. If they're not handled properly they can explode in my hand and cause hurt and damage.

What fleshly temptations might I hold too close? To love myself more than others. To make choices in my own best interest rather than others. To serve my needs and desires at the expense of not meeting others. Yes, Paul reminds me, "...you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another," Galatians 5:13.

As I celebrate America's freedom today, I recognize the responsibility such freedom demands. Our national freedom doesn't give us the right to hurt or exploit others. As God takes our freedom to a higher, spiritual level, how would you answer this question: "How's your freedom working out for you? How's it working out for others?" Happy 4th of July!