lighthouses, lakes, and skipping stones

just a fore-warning-this post has many pictures.

i've been looking through them over and over again: i still can't believe they were here in Storm Lake! The three days they spent here were some of my favorites.

the two men in my life: my daddy and my husband. two godly men that reflect the the Lord.

I am one blessed woman, having these two amazing men's love in my life.

i can't express how much i just love them.

my daddy is full of wise counsel and does it with so much love.

[daddy testing out the pulpit]

my mom. she is full of laughter and joy. she is so wise in her ways from following the Lord all these years. I think hearing her encouragement on how to be a wife and take care of my home and husband is some of the best advice I've ever gotten, because she not only shares this wisdom with me, but she lives it, and both Ryan and I see it. I love talking to my mom. I love her input. and her contagious laughter.

[mom wanted to see the church from ryan's view at the pulpit.]

[she was trying to skip stones on the water.]

my lil sister and i have had many years and summers together, just the two of us. i think not spending the summer with ashley will be what i miss most about going home for the summer. Ashley and I can entertain each other for hours, and no matter what we do, it's just fun because we're together. we stayed up late, camped out in the living room, took tons of pictures, and played outside together. It was so cool having her here in Storm Lake in my own home! I think a summer month with her in Storm Lake needs to be planned and played out.:)

[mom and dad took us out for a big lunch at a yummy mexican restaurant.]

[sweet sisters]

we spent alot of time by the lake, skipping stones, taking pictures, and talking. we try and savor every moment we have together. our family is pretty simple: just put us together and we're happy.

[skipping stones. mom and ashley attempted. dad, ryan and i were successful.;)]

walking as a family by the lake. parks in storm lake are so well maintained and pretty!

[incomplete: we're missing one gamboa girl. but it's a nice picture anyways.]

on their last night, ryan cooked dinner-fabulous fabulous steaks.

ashley and i switched turns sitting in the middle of the front seat. we liked having three people in the front. it was fun.

aren't my parents cute?

after having the family here, we feel refreshed, encouraged, and uplifted. it was a blessing to have them here, and we were sad to see them go. although the apartment seems so quiet now, it's a treat to think back at the beauty of the family's encouragement and love. can't wait til the next time we see ya'll!

we love you, mom, dad, peyton, ashley, and ate!

i am so thankful for my family.