The 5 Lavins

Happy Fishing!

July 1, 2009

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In June, Dad and Josh took a special father-son trip to Lake Texoma. They joined Dad’s best friend, and several other guys, for a cool fishing experience!

P1010909.JPGJosh and Dad out on the lake. Lake Texoma is an 89,000 acre lake on the Red River, shared by Texas and Oklahoma.

P1010879.JPGthey went out at dawn

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beautiful picture! see the moon?

P1010907_2.JPGDan and Josh

P1010913_2.JPGand they did catch fish! Lake Texoma Stripers!

P1010908_3.JPGDan and John – thankful for the blessing of lasting friendship!

And we are thankful for our Dad… we know this is a little late to be a Father’s Day post, but we are truly grateful for our Dad and the great example and guide he is to us!

Journey to the Heart

June 20, 2009

DSC08763.JPGJennifer and Jaimee recently returned home from an incredible experience with girls across the country! They were leaders for a girls Journey to the Heart, a 10-day retreat with the theme of loving Jesus with ALL your heart. 

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It began at IBLP’s beautiful headquarters in Chicago. 

DSC08658.JPGWe were treated to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes with some of the staff girls… Sharon, Lauren, Laura, and Laurie. :)

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Another pic from headquarters. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

DSC08664.JPGThe majority of the trip was spent at the Northwoods conference center (Upper Peninsula of Michigan). 

DSC08695.JPGOur team stayed in the Wolf Lake cabin – we made many happy memories together. 

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View of Wolf Lake from our cabin on a bright and sunny morning.

DSC08677.JPGKelsey, Jennifer and Holly

DSC08669.JPGon the 4 mile walk around the lake

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Natalie, braving the mosquitoes. They were all over!

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Up at the lodge… the back rubs felt so nice!!

DSC08709.JPGWe had a whole day set apart to “delight in the Lord” – to search His Word for meaningful verses, share truths with one another, spend time in group prayer, enjoy God’s creation, and much more. In the afternoon we enjoyed quiet time with God out on the lake. Evelyn, Holly and Madison – ready to go kayaking for the first time. 

DSC08726.JPGOne of our favorite things to do up in the Northwoods!

DSC08738.JPGWhile on the lake, we heard two eagles calling to each other. This one landed at the top of the tree. It was a treat to see one so close!

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so much fun

DSC08774.JPG with Priscilla (another team leader) at Bond Falls

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beautiful!

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at the top of Bond Falls we got together to read on one of the “hearts” – all week we searched about wrong heart conditions and then the attitudes of a good heart. 

DSC08798.JPGenjoying Mackinac Island Fudge ice cream!!

of=50,590,442_2.jpeghaving fun in the gym

DSC08809.JPGOur 11 girls were such a blessing to us! It was amazing to watch God work in all of our hearts – several gave their lives to Christ, others were freed from bondage, and many saw God answer prayer in a real way. It was truly a wonderful time.

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Inspiring girls to embrace their curls! Jaimee and Amelia

of=50,590,442_2_2.jpegone of the girls left a day early, so we all had fun one night visiting with her on speaker phone!

DSC08848.JPGBefore flying home, Ruthann gave us a quick tour of Hinsdale! Although it was raining, we found it a most charming little town. One day we’ll have to return!!

DSC08868.JPGWith Ruthann and Laurie

We’re so thankful the Lord allowed us to go on this Journey!

Showers and a Birthday

May 31, 2009

DSC08547.JPGLast weekend we attended one of Becky’s first bridal showers! It was a special time. Lynette, Becky, and Becky’s mom. 

DSC08553.JPGOpening her gift from Jaimee

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The picnic basket and quilt that Mom made

DSC08549.JPGpairs of sisters!

DSC08556.JPGOn our way home it poured!! Coming down our street, we were surprised by this rainbow!

DSC08607.JPGYesterday, we gave a baby shower for our friend Lauren. Here is Lauren and her mom. 

DSC08588.JPGmany girly decorations

DSC08593.JPGthe cake! Jaimee did a great job adding the finishing touches.

DSC08601.JPG“Guess Mommy’s Tummy Size” :) Checking to see how close her team guessed!

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It was a very sweet Mother-Daughter shower with the girls from our Bible study group. 

DSC08633.JPGToday we celebrated Josh’s birthday!

DSC08635.JPGblow those candles out!

DSC08634.JPGCute Essie joining in on the fun!

DSC08619.JPGHappiest of Birthdays to you Josh. We love you and thank God for you!

Mother Dear

May 10, 2009

DSC08414.JPG‘Twas the night before Mother’s Day, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring… well, except for two girls! We were finishing part of Mom’s Mother’s Day gift in our tub! Secrecy was essential. :)

DSC08433.JPGpotted plant, complete!

DSC08428.JPGspecial apple coffee cake for Mom!

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unfortunately, we didn’t obtain these from an obliging field! 

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Our wonderful dad with our very special mom

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Sweet little Essie is recovering inside from a cervical disc problem. She has been quite the trooper!

DSC08446.JPGall the girls :)

A Wonderful Week in Colorado!

May 7, 2009

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On our way to Colorado! Here are some of the huge windmills that you can see in West Texas.

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A field of yellow wildflowers on a Texas ranch.

DSC08155.JPGOne of the main reasons for our trip was to attend the wedding of our dear friend, Joelle!

DSC08183.JPGJoelle and Bryan – the cute and very happy couple!

DSC08168.JPGJohn and Lynette at the reception

DSC08169.JPGJaimee and Jennifer

DSC08175.JPGso special to be with Meagan again!

DSC08195.JPGthe memorable farewell!

DSC08201.JPGOur next stop was to visit our sweet friend, Meagan! and the rest of her family of course. Here we are with Will, Sophie and Madeline. 

DSC08206.JPGTwo wonderful mothers and two cuddly twin girls. 

DSC08208.JPGThen we stopped to visit another friend, Jake! He made us some yummy lattes and we enjoyed the fellowship with him and his family. 

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The last several days of our trip were spent in Keystone!

DSC08232.JPGOur first morning there, we woke up to a winter wonderland!!

DSC08266.JPGDad had too much fun blasting us with snowballs. :)

DSC08248.JPGTaking a walk on a snowy morning. I guess only Texans would want to take a walk in weather like this!!

DSC08251.JPGposing on the bridge

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Look at all that snow! 

DSC08255.JPGbrr!!

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By noon, almost all the snow had melted… here we are taking another walk by the river.

DSC08303.JPGAnd yet another morning walk!

DSC08353.JPGWe were so blessed to stay in our friends’ condo. Thankfully, we didn’t see any real bears around!

DSC08348.JPGCruisin’ in Breckenridge!

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A frozen lake – Lake Dillon.

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As we were driving up to Loveland Pass, we stopped at Arapahoe Basin and were surprised to see that they were still open for skiing!

DSC08318.JPGWe had fun watching everyone ski and snowboard!

DSC08339.JPGwhiteness!

DSC08340.JPGWe found a new bike trail for Josh! :)

DSC08375.JPGicicles, blowing snow, and a beautiful blue sky

DSC08365.JPGGod’s creation is breathtaking!

DSC08383.JPGFinally made it up to Loveland Pass – at 11, 990 feet! Truly amazing. 

DSC08381.JPGJohn had to get out at the top where it was 31 degrees!

DSC08378.JPGHe enjoyed talking with some back country skiers. They’re getting ready to enjoy their three-mile adventure flying down the mountain. 

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If you look closely, you’ll see the two skiers at the top center of the picture. 

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What a great trip the Lord allowed us to experience! We loved each day in cool, beautiful Colorado! Now we’re happily back home, where today’s high was near 100. :)