Yosemite- Round Two!
So we are headed to beautiful Yosemite National Park with 4 other families from church for a challenge of a lifetime. For the past 4 months we have been hiking together to get in shape for the infamous Half Dome! It will be a 14 mile all day journey up steep granite stairs alongside a rushing waterfall and topped off with a vertical climb up cables to the peak of Half Dome. The planning and preparation has brought us all alot closer together, hopefully the journey doesn't drive us apart. :0)! The photo above was taken atop Alan's Peak in Montano De Oro State Park. It was an 11 mile, 5 hour prep hike. Good Job Guys!!!
Here is one of our newest members of our crew. Isaiah wanted to have laying hens so we ventured out and bought 1 dozen hens. He has been taking great care of them with their feed, water, and heat lamp. They almost have all their feathers now and soon they will be in the big girl coop down in the barn.
This Spring brought baseball again into the Close home. Isaac and Josiah played on the first Coastal Christian Baseball team in 9 years. Isaac was able to convince 10 boys to play baseball who had never played in their lives to join him and Josiah on the diamond. It was a learning year and such a joy to see the boys overcome their fears and become awesome team players. Isaac was awarded MVP and Josiah was honored with the Coach's Award. Joel was an assistant coach and Gary filled in as well. Way to go CCS! So proud of all you boys!!!Joel got his first real job working at Vons grocery store. He is a great Courtesy Clerk and he makes everyone smile and keeps the place looking nice. He always looks so handsome going to work in his shirt and tie. He graduated from High School and has started Hancock College. Alot of firsts for Joel and we are very proud of him. We are celebrating his Graduation on his birthday in July.
Isaiah made the Condors Club Soccer Team. He played for 2 months and did wonderful. He did a header across the field that was an assist for a goal! He increased his speed and foot skills. The coaching was awesome and encouraging. But after a few months he realized he is not a "one sport" boy and wants to try Flag Football. His first passion is lacrosse. Georgia was his introduction to that great game but until it comes west of the Mississippi we will just have to enjoy it on TV.
We all survived an outage with Gary. He worked alot of overtime but still managed to make baseball games and some hikes. We have done some home improvements and were able to visit the Close Family in San Jose for Marilyn's 70th Birthday. It was great fun having all 12 of us together.
Sammie has found a job as an Administration Assistant for a software company. A volleyball buddy hired her to help out in his office. It is great hours and fun experience. She learns so much and feels like an adult. That is good since she is now in her 40's.
So God has been so good helping all of us get plugged in and adjusted to our lives again on the Central Coast. It never ceases to amaze us to see His blessings and His leading and the joy and adventure in following Him.
Until next time! Joy in the Journey!
