A walk through the woods, crunching over dried leaves, and viewing the changing colors. Rachel and Paul drove to our area for a day trip, and this was one of the group activities that we enjoyed. We caught a glimpse of the departing harvest machines, so this was freshly cut corn.

It must be at least 12 years since I've visited Point Beach State Park. I was first introduced to it when I was dating John, so of course it's remember- ed as a beautifully romantic setting. We stopped there for a few hours last Thursday, since we were in the area (visiting two of John's customers). Lake Michigan is so pretty...like our own small midwestern ocean.

John does a lot of driving around Wisconsin to visit his customers. I joined him on Thursday and after his visit we lunched at the local diner. So quaint! I ordered the Lunch Plate Special of meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The other special was liver-n-onions (no temptation on that one).

John and I have agreed that we love camping. Things are always better, though, when the weather is beautiful. The first night we scrambled to set up camp as dusk was settling. Then it started to mist and drizzle as we heated soup on the Coleman stove, but we were protected with our huge tarp. As we were just about finished with supper, the

poles, straps, and bungee- cords 'gave way' and the tarp crashed down on top of us. We laughed and sloshed through the puddles and dodged raindrops in the dark as we tried to correct the problem. Friday proved to be a glorious day, both in weather and relaxation. The last day was cloudy and grey, but we went on a great hike to some other lakes and made tin foil dinners before the drizzle started again.

Last night.
Camping.
At the lake.
John standing at waters edge, soaking in the calmness after the sun set.
Aaaahhhhh...

My good friend Karen and her husband Pete went before a judge on Monday and legally adopted their son Zaldy. Last July they had picked up 8 year old Zaldy in the Philippines. Karen and I have been getting together for coffee for YEARS and this past year she has shared how her life has been turned upside down. She and Pete have experienced laughter, joy, bonding, and love with their new son, mixed in with some rough adjusting times. I have loved seeing growth in all three of them. God had been molding and shaping and bringing them together as a true family. Congratulations friends!

We ended our summer with a Family Fun Day, trying out the roller coasters at Six Flags Great America. The six of us, plus Luke's girlfriend Niki, traveled to Illinois on Saturday and wandered the park amidst a perfect weather day. I was so pleased to watch everyone be flexible, understanding, and accommodating. (My boys are so grown up!) My favorite coaster was Spiderman, and my least favorite was Raging Bull. I discovered that I'd rather do twists and loops than super-high straight-down drops. A tiring day, but a great adventure.

A nice, big, fun cele- bration yesterday. Travis and Luke share a birth- day...born exactly two years apart, they turned 24 and 26 yesterday. It was great to have relatives and friends to share in the party. We watched old home videos and laughed and laughed. Julie made a decadent chocolate/ peanut butter layer cake. The guys shot off lots of fireworks while the girls watched and clapped.