Photos and Marshmallows

On Saturday, August 24th, the 'big kids' were gathering here for dinner so Garrison and Melissa could join in the birthday celebration. We realized this would also be a wonderful opportunity to get a family picture for our upcoming Orphan and Adoption Conference speaking engagements in September and October. As usual, all the kids were for it!

When Jael learned she was going to "Ol' Man and Gamy's" she said to her mom,  "Marshmallows". Jen was perplexed, then realized with investigation, Jael remembered having s'mores at our house and wanted to have "marshmallows" again...so we did!

The first photo of the evening was Hadassah...

...doing her 'new trick'!

Even Pip got his photo taken.

We tried to recreate a 'pose' from 8 years ago, but the glare was too much. 

So we all moved outside...

....including the couch!

After the 'together' pose, we separated into 'families'. 

 For this cause shall a man leave father and mother,

and shall cleave to his wife.

Matt 19:5

And...

So ought men love their wives.

Eph 5:28

We took this fun photo too!

Somehow, Jael ended up on the swing.

It kept her busy while other photos were taken.

The two newlyweds plopped themselves down on the couch first.

Next came the little sister and her man...

...who was not to happy with our posing him. 

Lastly, came the dad and mom with their girls.

Yay, both girls are smiling...at the camera!!

Just for fun...

Sisters Forever!

While dinner was being started, Garrison took his wife for a spin.

They arrive home safe!

I enjoyed sharing our adoption stories with Jessica. 

He forgot to put on his Hawaiian shirt! 

Time to start the fire-pit... 

...then a few games of horseshoes. 

The 'womenfolk' chatted by the fire. 

How many guys does it take to judge a horseshoe's distance?

7...because the photographer, Nathan, joined them. :-)

Had to stop the game briefly...

a huge spider was building a web above our heads.

Dad dispatched it to greener pastures. 

These two have a lot of fun together. 

It was getting dark... 

...but that did not stop these challengers

Iphone to the rescue for measuring distance to the stake. 

Brothers, but fierce competitors! 

Finally...

Jael could have her marshmallows! 

With the flash...

...without the flash. 

A wonderful ending to another wonderful family gathering!! 

To God be the glory!