Hazy Skies Over Reno

They say there are 800+ wildfires burning in different parts of Northern California right now. Yesterday we began to smell the smoke and see the smoky haze in Reno. Today it's even worse. In fact, you can't even see more than a faint outline of most of the Sierra Nevada mountain range on the west side of Reno the smoke is so bad. They're encouraging people to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid breathing the smoky air and it probably won't get any better until Thursday or later. Please pray for rain in the areas affected by the fires, for the firefighters and for the people and animals directly affected by the fires and thick smoke in California. It looks to be another record-breaking year of fires in CA/NV. (photo is of smoke from a fire near Watsonville, CA about 90 miles south of San Francisco)

Judah's Latest Adventures

Judah has had a full month of "firsts". He's gone to his daddy's first Triathlon where he jumped in a bounce house and went camping for the first time. He's gone to the movie theater for his first theater experience (he did great!) and watched Kung Fu Panda. He's seen emus up close and personal. He's gone to his first swim lessons. He's also tried on his dad's shirt all by himself and gone to see a professional criterium bike race in Truckee, CA. He's been a very busy little man.

No Fear...

Some friends threw a pool party for their daughter's 5th birthday yesterday. It was Judah's first time swimming. Steve got in with him and let him kick and splash, threw Judah up in the air and caught him, etc. They were having a great time together. Judah just didn't want to get out of the water. After a while, the cupcakes were served so Judah took a break from swimming for a snack (one of his fave things in life!). Shortly after cupcakes, Judah decided he was ready to swim again so he jumped right in--without mommy or daddy!!! Since I was fully clothed, I called Steve, who jumped right in to save Judah. It was a scary moment for us and we are so thankful that Judah was alright. In fact, he didn't even seem to be phased by the whole thing. He still showed no signs of fear of the water after he was under and couldn't get back up for several seconds. We already had Judah signed up for swim lessons, which start next week, but we're extra glad now to be able to start teaching him some basic swimming skills. Thank you, God, for keeping my baby safe in your arms and thank you, Steve, for moving so fast on the pool deck!

The Chip

Steve took Judah for a bike ride the other day so I could get some things done at home. While out, they stopped at Subway for some dinner and Carvel for some ice cream. They brought what was left of the subs home so I could have some dinner too. As I was getting the subs out of the bag, Steve said, "There's a chip in there somewhere." I said, "A chip?" "Yah, Judah saved you a chip. Judah wouldn't let me eat the last Sun Chip because he said it was mommy's chip." So, my sweet and thoughtful little son saved the very last Sun Chip because he wanted me to have it. Is that cute or what?!

Odds and Ends

Here are a few pictures of things we've done recently.

1. Steve rode his bike up to the summit of Mt. Rose. It was warm enough for shorts and short sleeves but, as you can see, there is still a lot of snow up there.

2. Judah and I met Grant and Annalita and their mommies at the Sparks Marina.

3. Judah contemplating life (or whether he's going to go down the slide or not).

4. Judah cooling off in his turtle pool.

5. Judah and I in Nevada City, CA on a very hot day. Judah, however, is looking very cool in his cowboy hat.