Blessed.

Though this season has been one of many challenges and a true test of our faith and patience in God, it has also been a time of rich blessing. A time when we can focus on how God is working in our lives, and a time we can wholey seek Him, the Giver, and not just His gifts. I'm thankful that during this season His Word has seemed richer and sharper and cut even deeper. I continue to better hear His still small voice and feel His presence in quiet times with Him as well as worship time at church. I know all this is a blessing from the One who gives and takes away.

One way in which God provided for us was an opportunity for Matt to do some work on my dad's farm. We went to De Smet for one week, where Matt worked tearing down an old 1957 wooden grain bin. It ended up being a very hot, humid week for Matt-but he was gratfeul to be outside doing work.

On Wednesday during the week, Auntie Amy came over with cousins Mayah and Katlyn to play. We thought it would be fun to run through the sprinkler...though Katlyn was the only one who fully enjoyed it!

Mayah was reluctant, so she ran through with her mommy!

Ella enjoyed it for a brief period, but was never too sure of the idea!

The party eventually moved over to the swing set...

Poor Nathan just wanted to watch. We discovered later that he actually had a temp of over 102; he was in bed for the night at 5:30 that evening. We can't seem to take a trip to SD without someone getting sick!

Ella took a liking to Papa's crossword puzzles. Just like Papa she would "do" her puzzle every day...though I do see here she is "checking her answers" as I like to call it.

Also, most days, because of the heat, we would visit Matt for a mid-morning and mid-afternoon water and snack break. Both kids really enjoyed the ride over in the pick-up (no carseats!) and playing on the old tractor daddy was using for his work.