An Amazing Gift

Jim asked our friend, Nolan Lee, to paint a portrait of Josh and Micah as a birthday gift for me. Nolan is an amazing artist and he and his wife Brooke are a real gift in our lives. We are blessed to have them living in Menlo Park right now, but our history with them goes back to when Nolan was in junior high school. If you would like to see his work you can see samples here: http://www.nolanlee.blogspot.com/.

Nolan painted this picture from a photograph I took of the boys up at Point Reyes. I think he flat out did an amazing job! He captures the essence of the boys, in the little things of Josh holding onto his sleeve and Micah sidling up to Josh - just to be sure of him. It is a priceless gift and one that will always hang in the Candy household. Thank you Jim for the wonderful idea of having Nolan paint something. And thank you Nolan for the care, time and love you put into the painting. I love it.

Strawberry Picking

There are a few activities in the Bay Area that are starting to become family traditions- strawberry picking is one of them. Each year around Father's Day, we've headed to the coast with our eyes set on amazing strawberries. Swanton Berry Farm grows organic berries right along the ocean. It makes for a beautiful day complete with ocean views and full bellies.

Girls Weekend

Back in May some of my friends from our Fuller Seminary days came up for Girl's Weekend. I can't express how blessed I am to have these women in my life. They are inspiring to me and I truly treasure their friendship. Thank you, Lord, for such a gift!

Rancho San Antonio

We just got back from a fantastic trip to Idaho and Glacier National Park. I'm working on putting together some pictures from the trip but thought I'd post a few others from earlier summer activities.

Right before school got out Micah and I visited a farm with some buddies. Rancho San Antonio isn't too far from our house so I have a feeling we'll be visiting often!

"Which farm animals like to eat carrots?"

Micah enjoying the smell of the chickens. Ha!

This little guy wasn't shy about letting the kids know this was his turf.

I always think it's a good day when you see a cow.

Bike Rider!

Micah learned to ride his bike without training wheels! Way to go Micah!

Daddy You Are Loved

Jim was busy giving one of the sermons at our church on Father's Day. So we sent him out for a day of fishing the Friday before Father's Day. It's hard to believe it was the first fishing day trip he has gone on in Northern California since moving here 2 years ago! It is a two hour drive to the closest trout steam but the drive was well worth it. Jim had a great day complete with a few fish on the end of his line. This picture is from the card we made Jim for Father's Day. Happy Father's Day, Jim!

(If you want to hear Jim's sermon: http://sanc.info/messages/series/Grace_Happens/What_Free_Really_Costs/#1277017200.)

Hidden Villa

Before school got out, Micah and I had a chance to visit a few of the nearby farms. Hidden Villa is an educational farm with flower gardens, vegetable gardens and a variety of animals. I went a little overboard with pictures...