We felt especially fortunate that we were able to follow through with our summer vacation plans to California. We left June 11 and arrived just in time for the first week that our lodge was back for business. We found everyone to be eager yet cautious. We were especially thrilled to visit Yosemite for a day. I hope to return there for a longer stay in the future, but we were thankful that our kids were able to enjoy this part of God’s creation. The desire is deep within my DNA for “my people” to see different aspects of God’s created order and we did just that. We met some great people and experienced beautiful creation. If you want to see some pics I took you, can see previews below or you can find the better-looking versions here.

As we wrap up the oddest school year ever, our family is preparing for our firstborn, Cloe, to enter her final year in High School. Even though we had some loss of activities and some expectations dashed, we have been supremely thankful to God for his provision and the eternal hope we have in him. Plus, we got a good jump start on my daughter’s senior pics. Since I am taking the pics, we are going to have several sessions. This gallery is from the first of probably four outings.

And, not trying to sound cliche, but it has been a pure joy to watch my daughter mature into such a wonderful person. I am so thankful that she pursues God with a soft heart and wants to do what is right and good. She has developed a robust, Christ-centered worldview but loves people where they are. She also always looks to the interest of others and is trustworthy, resilient, funny, and just a pretty great gal.

See the rest of the photos right here.