The Heat's Final Game

I am so proud of the Heat!!

They played so well this year.

We couldn't have asked for a better team or a better coach.

I only have good things to say about this whole soccer experience.

Although tonight's game was disappointing for them,

They have no reason to hang their heads low.

They played their hearts out.

A tied game + "sudden death" brought their season to an end.

Warm ups before the game (#5 is my girl!)

 I didn't take any pictures during the game.  It was way too intense! :)

A 3-3 tied game went to a 2-2 goal kick tie and ended with a 0-1 goal kick win for the opposing team.

A disappointed team . . . But they played great & their parents are so proud of them!!

Coach giving C her medal

He gave her some encouraging words.

Coach Paul & C

And she met some great friends too.

Another friend for life. :)

Love this smile!!  She has every reason to be happy!

I asked her if she was glad she played soccer this year.

Her answer was an emphatic yes!  

She loved her team.

She loved the game.

She loved her coach.

And she loved making new friends.

For the last time this season:

Go Heat!

Baptisms on 10/21

Who would have guessed that a family from Congo, Africa would have had an impact on children in the US?

Every decision and action you make makes a difference . . . whether the impact takes place now or in the future.

The Echems chose to have complete faith in God in Africa in 1964,

and that stand impacted my kids in the U.S. 50 years later.

The Echems showed complete faith in God.

In turn, inspiring my children to realize their need for Jesus.

God is amazing!

Sunday, October 21st was the day they publicly acknowledged their faith in Christ.

Matt & I are so proud of them.

It's not easy in today's world to identify yourself with Christ.

I had them memorize Romans 1:16 in preparation for this day.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ,

For it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,

For the Jew first and also for the Greek."

Waiting for the Baptism service to begin

Nervous & Excited

Waiting on the girls side

Pastor asking C if she has accepted Jesus as her Savior.

Gv publicly announcing his faith in Jesus

K was so nervous.  He did such a great job.

Love the look on his face here - Enjoying the moment.

We appreciate everyone who came out to watch three of our kids (and 5 other people) get baptized.

Below is a little video of their baptisms. (about 2 1/2 minutes long)

Heat vs Greystone

Just a couple shots of Courtney playing today's game.

The Heat won their 5th game.

They are now 5 - 1.

Two more games to go in the season.

Go Heat!!

She's so cute.  She always puts her arms up when trying to defend the ball.  She insists she doesn't. =)

We've been working with her to be a little more aggressive.  Love this shot of her.

After being illegally slide tackled and knocked down pretty hard a few minutes before the end of the game, Coach Paul carries her through the line up after the game.  (center)  He's such a sweet guy!!

Block Party

Ever since we have moved into our neighborhood,

Matt and I have been talking about having a block party.

It's been two years, and we hadn't done it.

So, that was it.  

We were determined to do it.

Or should I say, Matt was determined to do it.

I would love to say that I was the driving force behind this party,

but I wasn't.

My sweet hubby took the reins.

He did a great job too!

We had such a great time getting together with our neighbors.

It was good to see neighbors introducing themselves to other neighbors for the first time.

Matt & I enjoyed hanging out with friends, eating & just plain ol' having a good time.

 

Kids sitting by the fire.  We were having a southern chill that day. (60 degrees)

But cool weather wasn't going to stop our fun.  "Get your snow cones here!"

The kids were more than happy to line up.  And then Mr. Matt gave a challenge.

"Whoever puts an ice cube down their parents shirt first gets the first snow cone.  Go!!"

This sweetie just found a parent (wasn't hers) and jammed the ice cube down.  You're a good sport Mr. Greg!

Eating snow cones while warming up by the fire.  Yep, we're in Alabama!

On their second round of snow cones.  (I found a snow cone still in it's ice form under the firepit while cleaning up after the party. haha!)

Neighbors getting to know neighbors. Yay! =)

 It was a success!

Another picnic is in the works for Spring 2013!!

Hopefully the temps will be just a tad warmer then. ;)

Georgia Aquarium

Up early and on the way!

Arriving in Atlanta.  Dreary.

First things first.  Seeing the frogs!

Kiddos

His most favorite.

Checking out the fish with Grammy & Papa

Moon Fish

Beautiful colored fish

In the theater ready to watch "Deepo".

On the moving sidewalk going through the glass tunnel.

Glass Tunnel

Grammy & Papa

Grouper

Manta Ray

Best Buds

The fam

This is how thick the glass is.  This particular glass wall holds back 6,300,000 gallons of water.  Wow!

Another Manta Ray

Sweet Babe nervous about the impending show "Dolphin Tales".  There were warnings of loud noises and bright lights.

Grammy & Papa at Dolphin Tales

Just pretty

Fish swimming over our heads

Taking his home for a walk.

He could light up our house and  then some. :)

K&C in the background in one of the portals

More fish/sharks swimming overhead.

Touch pond

He was crabby. Badumbum-cha! ;)

Love this shot of them and the Beluga Whale

And a star was born.  I'm here all night people!

On their way to see the penguins

And only one was large enough to be seen through the portal.

More touching pond fun.

This veteran saved a ton of money on tickets.  Thank you Dad!!!

On our way out of the museum.  We intended on being there for only 3 hours.  We spent 5. :)

Me and my babes

An exhausting day.  He couldn't even finish eating his apple.

They cracked us up sleeping.  Mind meld.

Around Anniston, AL.  Beautiful ending to a wonderful day.