Back in 1999 John started a new business -- an indoor golf driving range. We owned it for 4.5 years, and it was... an experience. The whole adventure was used by God to form and change us. It took us into debt, and then kept losing money. We were flabbergasted when GOD brought someone to buy the business. It was a beautiful relief when we stepped away from it.

A few months ago the owner ended the business, and last week the Dome was deflated and taken away. The first picture shows an optimistic John inside the Dome in April of '99. The second picture was taken last week.

One of the positives of the Dome is the laughter it now brings as the family discusses the "putting up" process. They built and connected and inflated the Dome in January 1999, in sub-zero snow and ice. It was absolutely rough and awful, but John, my Dad, my brother, and our boys like to recollect and hoot and holler about the trial it was.

John's brother Pete recently moved up to a cabin on a beautiful lake in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We went to visit yesterday, since brother Dave was visiting from Ohio. A neat time to share in each others lives, and the guys did a little fishing. Gorgeous weather!

Today is Madalyn's birthday. She is 3 years old! This niece is a little sparkplug, filled with energy and spunk. Her favorite phrase is "I can DO it!" So, no need for anyone to open the patio door, help put her clothes on, guide her in a board game, or catch the frog that her dad pulled out of the pond. She put a deathgrip on the frog and then proudly said, "I did it." Maddie and her siblings have been staying at my parents for the past 10 days and it's been fun to be with them. We were encouraging little Zeke to take some steps, and then Maddie steps up and asks, "Auntie Sarah, let ME be the baby." So I open my arms and say, "walk to me, baby" and she runs forward full force and knocks me on my back, hugging tightly and saying, "tickle me!". Such precious moments. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE!

Luke came home for 2 days! It was nice to chat with him and hear his news. There was a new skate-park close by and he wanted to try it. We stopped by to watch and were reminded of the scrapes, bumps, and crashes that come with skating. Luke is working in Madison, and will start his 4th semester of college in September.

Three glorious days of family time! My 3 siblings were in town and we celebrated my parents 40th anniversary. Here are some highlights: beautiful weather - my 8 nieces and nephews playing outside all day long - dirty faces and feet - Hearing hysterical laughter, then 5 minutes later handling an "owie" or a disagreement - guys constantly giving rides to the kids on the three 4-wheelers - my dad driving the ATV, dragging an innertube around the grass and the kids jumping on to ride - Sprucing up the nearby pond and putting the canoe in - catching frogs and turtles - My mom providing tons of meals and snacks - Fun visiting as we sat around the campfire

The casual anniversary party was a simple, sweet affair. It was a joy to honor our parents love and commitment. We celebrated Ezekiel's 1st birthday, and received the news that my brother Abe and his wife Jessie will expect a fifth child in December!

John wiped out on his bike. He was out on a 13 mile ride, but as he neared home and was crossing a busy street, he flew off and scraped up his body. The front tire was ruined, so he called me from his cell phone to bring the van. I was amazed that there was no concussion, and no stitches needed. He was sore for 2 days.






I've been doing many phone calls and house visits to the Junior High Hmong kids who I'm taking to camp. There are forms to be signed, papers to be dropped off, and questions to be asked. Anna is going to camp next Sunday. Here she is with her younger sister. We know Anna pretty well since she's been coming to Awana for 3 years. John and I enjoy Anna's bubbly personality, confidence, and desire to follow God (despite family resistance).

I have a teeny tiny vegetable garden out back, and it's so exciting to see things growing! John helped me protect the plants with massive amounts of chicken wire, so the deer and rabbits are not able to indulge. I sampled my first cherry tomato...so good! I planted many varieties of tomato plants, along with green beans, cucumber, and peppers.