Lawn Makeover!

We have been busy taking care of some much needed home repairs for the past several months. We have gotten a brand new roof, sprinkler system, a patio poured in the backyard and most recently, brand new grass!!
We have had the worst problem with chinch bugs this past year. They invaded our lawn and devoured ALL of our grass!! From what we were told, chinch bugs begin eating away at the root of each piece of grass, cutting off the nourishment supply so, therefore, the grass dies. We killed off what little grass was left after the chinch bugs ate their fill. This past week, he had brand new sod layed down in our front and back yard....yay!! I can't believe how the new sod has drastically changed the overall appearance of our house for the better! I am so glad to finally be rid of all of that dead grass and dirt.
In addition to the new grass, we are in the process of planting some flowers and decorating specific areas with wood mulch. After all of that is done, I will post some more pictures.
Here are some before and after pictures of our lawn.

*************************BEFORE**********************************








*****************************AFTER********************************

Our July 4th Vacation

Steve had two days off in a row this past week due to the holiday. So, we decided to go to a hotel with a pool and hot tub for a couple days (it's off season in FL right now so hotel prices are LOW!). We actually got upgraded into a suite and it was nice!! The weather called for rain and thunderstorms all week so Greyson prayed and asked Jesus to "close the rain up" before we left. Guess what?? We had beautiful weather! Thank you Jesus for answering Greyson's sweet prayers! We really did have a great, relaxing time. We got to the hotel on Wednesday night (church was cancelled), swam for several hours and went out to eat. Both boys were zonked out by the time we got back to the hotel! The next morning we got up and went to breakfast and then went back to the pool for awhile. That night we went to see the fireworks at Sand Point Park just down the street. The next morning after breakfast we did some more swimming and came home that afternoon. Did I mention that we had a GREAT time?? Sometimes it's just so nice to get away for a couple days and relax with your family.
Here are a few pictures of our vacation.

Cael getting geared up for vacation just before we left


Cael enjoying a snack on Greyson's bed in the hotel room


Pizza anyone??


Greyson's all ready for some serious swimming!


Cael wasn't thrilled about wearing the life jacket


Greyson "diving" into the pool


Daddy and Cael are all ready to swim


There's nothin like a good nap in the pool!


Greyson & Cael sharing a special moment in the hot tub


Greyson in the bathtub after his fun filled day in the sun


The boys having a snack before bed


It's the Hurst Boys in Wrestle Mania!!


They just can't get enough!


Greyson and Cael at their 'sleepover' in the hotel room


Daddy and Greyson at the fireworks


The fireworks are coming from THAT direction!


Never fear! Fire Chief Cael is here!


And Fire Chief Greyson too!!


Mommy & Greyson enjoying the fireworks show

Summer Camp

Well, we just got back from summer camp with the teens this past weekend. We had such a wonderful time! We went to Word of Life Youth Camp in Hudson, FL (just north of Tampa). We went there last year as well. Their entire camp program is absolutely amazing! From the awesome chapel services, speakers, activities, etc., they do such an incredible job making camp week such a fun, memorable one for the teens. One of our teens made a decision to accept Christ, a couple of them rededicated their lives to Christ and several of them made purity commitments.
Steve and I had a wonderful week there as well. We stayed in the conference center, which is much like a hotel. We had activities and programming that was geared just for us, while the teens were off with their counselors following their own itinerary. We got to know a lot of different pastors, youth pastors and youth leaders. It's always refreshing to share ideas, stories and advice with others serving in ministry.
Below are some pictures of the teens enjoying themselves at camp!

Julia, Jodi, Travis, Kate and Kimberly after a 'riveting' game of tennis


Here's the Westside boys!


AND...the Westside gals


The girls havin' some fun in the pool


Ethan and DJ hammin' it up for the camera


The campfire - held the night before we left. Many teens made decisions to accept Christ and redidicate themselves to Christ at this service.


A group picture taken at the camp entrance


Sarah was so wiped out from her exhiliarating week at camp that she zonked out on top of the luggage on the way home