Team Finnestad is on the Case!

There are alot of things on the list of activities my kids would like to accomplish this summer. "Catching Robbers" was not on that list, though I have a feeling that particular event will be one of their most memorable summertime activities!

While riding bikes and scooters around the church parking lot this morning, we noticed a suspicious car with two individuals taking turns walking around the church while the other stayed by the car. Not sure exactly what they were doing, I continued watching the kids and pushing the stroller around, while keeping a close eye on the guys. I had already mentioned to the kids to stay away from that section of the parking lot as I wasn't sure what they were up to. But once I saw one of the men attempting to carry a large projection unit out of the back of the sanctuary, it became very clear what they were doing.

"Finnestads - right here!" The kids were immediately at my feet as we started heading towards the car. Praise the Lord my HOME PHONE works from all the way in the parking lot, so I dialed 9-1-1 while Abby & I repeated their license plate over and over until they answered. The dark haired "perpetrator" saw us coming and ditched the projection unit behind a bush and headed for his car. They made a speedy get-a-way, but not before we were able to communicate what was going on to the 9-1-1 operator.

We went into the church to tell Vicky what had just happened. The staff came rushing outside and the police were there within minutes. The kids were so excited to be able to share what they saw with the police officer. Abby was even able to attempt to identify the men with me via photos a second police officer brought back to the scene. Although the "perps" haven't been caught yet, the license plate information matched the description of the car registered. We're hoping that all of that information, in addition to some other evidence they left behind will help lead officers to the bandits.

What's amazing about all of this (talk about God's Sovereignty)- we normally wouldn't have been riding in the parking lot. We had originally headed out to our cul de sac. Our neighbors were out front and since Aliya has been battling fevers since Sunday afternoon, I didn't want to expose them to anything. So we decided to head out back instead. Crazy!

Coolest Cast EVER!

Thank you Jesus for the Medical Marvels who invented the coolest cast possible for a very active 5 year old boy in the middle of summer - WATERPROOF!!! Can you sense our excitement? I am giddy like a school girl :) Les Gove Waterpark...Grandma's Swimming Pool....Lake Wilderness....Neighborhood Waterfights...Waterballoons...here we come! Josiah is armed and ready (no pun intended).


Now on to the details: The doctor commented on what a tough kid he was. Most of his patients won't let him touch the site of the break, but Josiah hardly grimaced while the Doctor manipulated his. We've always joked that Sy could take one of his limbs off and hardly notice. He only has to be in the cast for 4 weeks, followed by approximately 2 weeks in a brace. Yahoo!!!

Preparing for our Foundation

After nearly two months of waiting (and numerous months of planning previously), we finally have permit in hand for the addition on our house. We officially broke ground this weekend, cutting down bushes...
and removing the existing deck, to prepare the backyard for contractors to lay the foundation...

The kids are thrilled to "work like a team" to build our home, wanting to be involved in every aspect of the project - from design to completion.






As we began working, these two verses came to mind:
"Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." Psalm 127:1

"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Our prayer is that as we build this temporary home of wood and nails, we will be investing even more in the eternal, Christ-centered foundation of our family. So many lessons to learn...so much work to do!

Daddy Daughter Backpack Trip

Abby went on her first official overnight backpacking trip with Daddy this weekend. They hiked to the Upper Greenwater Lakes with Steve and Cami Smith. The girls were fantastic hiking companions geared with full packs, positive attitudes and the energy they needed to get there. This is the same hike Jimmy took the boys on last year with Grandpa Finnestad, although this time they hiked a little farther up to the 2nd lake before setting up camp.


They made it home just in time to join in the 4th of July Festivities...needless to say, Abby was EXHAUSTED by the end of the day. We actually had to go into her room at 9:45 am this morning just to make sure she was OK!

Fourth of July Festivities

First, I must start off by saying I have the most amazing neighbors ever! Secondly, the Fourth of July in our neighborhood is a blast! This year's block party began with a Patriotic Parade. The kids dressed-up and marched around playing instruments and singing the Star Spangled Banner.From there it was off to the obstacle course. The kids had to fish two objects from a pond, bat a ball into the basket, ride a hippity hop in between cones across the cul de sac, perform a beanbag toss, go down a slide into a pool where they then found a pair of goggles to put on, add a lifejacket, jump into a pool of bubbles, carry a water-balloon by spoon to one of the dads, jump into an inflatable boat and slide down the monster slip and slide. Whew! They loved it!! Even Josiah got to ride the boat down the slip and slide (with his arm bagged up and duct-taped)The kids weren't the only ones enjoying the slip and slide...

We had an awesome pie eating contest...

Which then turned into a pie throwing contest...
We had no problems cleaning that up, as next on the agenda was a water fight!

After some yummy food, the kids (and adults) were treated to a well presented history lesson by our next door neighbor Craig who is a Chief in the Navy. He explained the significance of the holiday we were celebrating and the freedom we enjoy in our country. He then had the kids help participate in a respectful resigning of an American Flag. His sister-in-law read a script in between each segment of the ceremony.Hanging the new flagCertainly a very memorable Independence Day!
God Bless America!

Getting So Big...Literally!

Wow Jonathan is really growing up all of a sudden ~ and not just in abilities. I'm happy to say I had him on the scales a couple of days ago and he weighed in at 19 lbs. Granted he was fully clothed, but by my standards that is fantastic considering he's been so low % wise on the growth charts and I've been doing everything I can think of to put some weight on my peanut. Needless to say, I'm not as worried anymore. Although his breathing has gotten noisier again so I will be calling his Dr. just to verify that it's typical to have happen.

It's been a big couple of weeks for him. He is officially crawling everywhere...He's pulling himself up on everything...
Even greeted me at naptime the other day...
He's learning how to feed himself...(ha ha) And one of my favorites is hearing him say "Mama" when I walk into a room or he wants to get my attention. I don't know how to capture that one in a picture, but I have most certainly captured that one in my heart :)

Do the Math

Josiah + Monkey Bars + No Fear = He meets with the Orthopedic Dr. Monday (ironically the same one who just treated James). We're hoping for a cast that's not quite so cumbersome. Then again...nothing seems to be slowing this little guy down. Are you surprised to hear he's still attempting to climb trees, play on the swingset, or ride a scooter like that? And can you hear Mommy yelling in the background "Josiah! STOP...That is not safe!"