Clearlake 2011
My family is re-instating the annual tradition of vacationing at Clearlake!  (Something we started doing when I was 9, and haven't done in the past few years...)
I do not think I have seen Scott smile so big in a very long time as we dragged him across the water on the tube!
It was So fun having the kids here.  Maddie (our niece) got on the tube a couple times with mommy, and she got to drive the boat with Grandpa.  Zack (our nephew) didn't leave the motorhome too much, but I don't think he minded all that much as he had lots of loving.
Kona LOVED the lake and we now call him our Clearlake water puppy!  He had a blast swimming, and we couldn't get him out of the water.   (Failed to get pictures of this-darn!)

Precious dolly with her life jacket up around her ears...  she's becoming a boat girl!

The family at breakfast.  (Not sure what the strange mural is behind us)

We attempted to get on the tube together.... key word: attempted.

Happy Maddie, Happy Papa.

Lots of loving and holding this little one.

What a good looking couple!

Dad doing one of the many things he does best... BBQ'ing chicken!

Can I get in the water now... please daddy!!

Grandpa reading to Maddie a book about household electrical work... she couldn't get enough.

Stay off the rocks!

 

"This is how we Wash the Dog, Wash the Dog, Wash the Dog.  This is How we Wash the Dog in the Persicke House..."
Some people wash their cars in the front yard, we wash the dog.

Baby Zack - June 1st, 2011
My brother's son entered the world on June 1st.  We are so thankful for the birth of this healthy little boy.  His mommy, daddy, and big sister are so thrilled with him.

Happy Daddy!

Sweet Mommy and Daddy and baby Zackary

Gardenia
A friend has a large Gardenia bush that was in full bloom last week.  Since the flowers do not last long she clipped a bunch of blooms to share with friends.  These blooms are not only beautiful, but the aroma is like no other.  We enjoyed their sweet and simple fragrance for about 36 hours.
Simply heavenly. 
I often wonder why God didn't create these flowers to last longer?  Why is it that some of the best smelling flowers have the shortest life? I am sure there is some scientific explanation for this. 
I like to think that the reason the beauty and the scent last for such a short time is because God wants us to stop and take a few moments to enjoy them.  We wouldn't be nearly as thankful for them if they were always there.  Just like each moment in our lives, they pass.. often all too quickly.  We need to pause, breath in the fragrance of the moment and be thankful for it.
#942 Gardenias in full bloom