June 10th, 2008

Donna put together an outing on Thursday in honor of Zachary’s birthday to the Skirball Center to see the Noah’s Ark exhibit! It was so much fun! The boys could touch everything, climb on things, build things and run around experiencing the place. It was a great experience and we left wanting to go back again. Thanks for inviting us, Donna!

 There were pumps to pour rain and make the boat float. Brennan loved the wind tunnel! Zachary really enjoyed making the flood! Seth’s turn making the flood. Jerome cranked the wheel to make the animal “climb” the ramp. Seth putting the animals on two by two, but different kinds. Ha! glad he wasn’t hit in the face with a wooden animal! Seth enjoyed the butterflies and bees. So fun! Grandma helping Seth make the giraff’s neck move. Brennan and Jerome helping Jesse build the ark wall. It was kind of like a puzzel. Look! they got it! There was a whole wall of puppets! I’m not sure what the trap door in the ceiling was for, but Seth and Zachary enjoyed them! Noah’s Ark! With animals enough for everyone. Uncle Scott gave Ian a bear to play with…until he tried to eat it. In the water bridge between rooms. Auntie Well and Brennan climbing the ramp up to feed the birds. The younger ones really enjoyed the play food Zachary on the heights! Story and puppet time! I love how Seth kept his hand raised. :-) Everything here was made out of recycled material. A turtle made from recycled basketballs! Seth put the veggies on the fire instead of in the pot. Ian finally got out of his carrier! Last stop, the craft table. Lunch time! And the misting fountain on our way out. What a fun day!

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June 9th, 2008

We knew about each other long before we met. Most of Peter’s family had met the Timinskas’, and Donna and Scott go to church with them along with some of our other close friends. It wasn’t until Nick and Peter introduced themselves in class one day last semester that the pieces all fit together and faces were put with names. They invited us to their house for dinner so the guys could study together and the wives could visit. It was a privilege to get to know this family and hear their story and history. Then Saturday we had them to our house for the school’s out! barbecue and we grabbed some shots of their family.

Nick and Alina, you have a beautiful family, a wonderful story, and we’re so glad to know you!

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June 5th, 2008

Well, CSUN’s spring semester is over, at least, so we’re celebrating! Peter was home with us all last week after getting back from the east coast and it felt like a real holiday. He had a barbecue on Saturday and a classmate and his family over to help us celebrate. Peter really enjoyed himself! He grilled all afternoon and then got out his chocolate fountain…he’d do it every weekend if we could afford it! It’s nice to see Peter having fun and able to enjoy those around him.

 I only got a few shots for memory’s sake. What a spread it was! He set up the grill on a couple old drums. Happy summer, babe!

 Ian toddled out to Seth’s tractor in the yard and got on it backwards. :-) He just sat there bouncing and making motor noises until he heard an airplane. and mommy called his name. :-)

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June 2nd, 2008

Scott lost his dad today.

Zachary and Brennan lost a grandfather.

Donna lost a father-in-law.

And Shirley lost a husband.

One man touched many lives and is loved so very much.

I love you, Barlow family. Please know that you are all being lifted to the throne of Grace in our prayers.

Hope to hug you soon.

 Paul Barlow

 Paul and Shirley with Donna and Scott on their wedding day July 31, 2004

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June 2nd, 2008

We arrived from Atlanta a little before midnight on Sunday and hugged Pete and Sarah for the first time in six months! We had discussed it before we got there, but I was stilled floored that Pete and Sarah gave us their bedroom and slept on the couch and floor downstairs, and moved their girls into one room for our boys to have the other. They also hosted us on their seventh anniversary, and threw a Memorial Day barbecue! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed every minute with you guys! Missing you so much now, though.

 Sarah playing with her girls and my boys. Avery looking at her baby book. She has a beautiful book her mommy is making for her! Peter took the boys on a walk in the evening after the girls had gone to bed. Seth first time on a bike! He did great right away! and only needed a little help steering… he even figured out the brakes by back peddling! And it didn’t bother him one bit that it was Kyla’s princess bike! :-) Ian loved his perch! I was still trying to get some walking shots so he was put down. He was still pretty unsteady… But he caught his balance and walked to Sarah! Sarah was at Ian’s birth a year ago! And she is now a Bradley birth class teacher! Ian tried to snag Pete’s glasses But Pete was faster. :-) Happy anniversary Pete and Sarah! Your marriage is a beautiful thing to watch! All the kiddos! Seth, Ian, Jerome, Kyla, and Avery. Sisters! Kyla and Avery. Avery! Seth and Avery at the play table right before bedtime on our last night. Homemade playdough and blocks! Fun times! Sweet Avery Jerome climbing on the Davis’ porch! Sarah, thank you for opening up your home to us and for your precious friendship! I love you!

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