Every year our church has a picnic at Camp Chautauqua in Franklin, Ohio.

http://www.thecampbytheriver.com/

There are several highlights to this annual event, not the least of which is the giant zip line!  While not all the children (or parent’s for that matter) take advantage of the opportunity, those that do have a great time.

It is always enjoyable watching Caleb make the climb up the pole.  There is little that slows this little man down!

And once you have gone up, you must come back down!

Ali waited patiently with our Pastor’s wife for her turn on the line.

And takes a few glamour shots with her adoring fans.

These two chose to watch rather than participate.

Ali finally made it up on to the platform for her trip down the line.

Luke also braved the pole, but it did take a little more time for him to decide that he was on board.  He is brave, but he is rarely the first to try something.  Make sure no one dies first and then he is willing to try it.

But he certainly looks like a pro!

Maxwell tried his hand at pickle ball with one of the local pros instructing him!

However, sometime you still miss even with great instruction.

The campground has a large pool which is sometimes on the cold side.  But that did not keep these beauties from enjoying the aquatic activity!

Mia looked especially cute!

We ended the afternoon at the camps bowling alley!  They even had options for Leah to play!

Although, in typical Leah fashion, she didn’t want the assistance.  If everyone was holds the ball in their hands and sends it down the lane, then that was what she was going to do also!

Ali gives the old bowling ball a spin down the lane.

 

Action shot:

Brittany had a little shadow with her throughout the day who also helped her with her bowling game.

Nick tried his hand at beating Pastor Kevin at Foosball.

Every year we have a great time at this event, and this year was no different.  Thank you, New Covenant Church, for providing us the opportunity!

Cameron

Today we had the opportunity to take the new girls to Warren County Probate Court and have their names legally changed and an Ohio Birth-Certificate issued.  It is the final part of the process of adopting them and we are now complete!

I am not sure how many times they have to send out Probate Court notices in triplicate!

The process was overseen by Chief Magistrate Carolyn Duvelius, who is always such a kind and caring public servant.  Unfortunately, SOME of our children have had to opportunity to see her more that others (read that: underage traffic violations).  But she has always been kind and fair.

In addition, Warren County Probate & Juvenile Judge Joe Kirby came by to visit and take a picture with the family.  He has been a wonderful asset to our family over the years, helping us with adoption paperwork and being overall supportive of the growth of our family.  He is not just a great judge;  he is a great man.  So happy that we got to see him today.

In the past, the judge would give each of the kids an American Flag at the end of this court appearance, but Judge Kirby decided to do something different when he came into office and commissioned a commemorative coin, which you can see below.

On the front side is the Court of Warren County Ohio Seal and on the reverse side is the State of Ohio, Judge Kirby’s name, and a quote that reads, “Family … where life begins and love never ends.”  It is a pretty awesome way to remember the day.

Time to close the door on this adoption and move forward to the next!  God has made this process so very rewarding.  It is always a blessing to follow His will.

Cameron