A Summer of Firsts: Buddy & Sis

Some summers come and go, but others become milestones you'll never forget. This has been one of those summers for Buddy and Sis—a season filled with firsts, growth, laughter, and memories that have reminded us how God works through ordinary moments to bring healing and joy.

When the school year ended, we weren't sure what the summer would hold. Looking back now, it's incredible to see how many new experiences were packed into just a few months.

One of the biggest highlights was Vacation Bible School. They sang with excitement, played games, made crafts, memorized Scripture, and discovered that church is a place where they are loved and welcomed. The smiles each evening were worth every late bedtime.

Not long after VBS came another adventure—Lake Springfield Christian Assembly (LSCA). Packing a suitcase for camp was a first all by itself!

Buddy and Sis made new friends, tried new activities, worshiped with hundreds of other kids, and spent a week learning more about Jesus. Watching them return home with stories, songs, and excitement for what they learned was a blessing.

Summer also meant lots of time outside. Our chickens quickly became part of the daily routine, and helping gather eggs turned into one of their favorite chores. They learned that gardens don't grow by themselves, watering plants matters, weeds grow faster than vegetables, and sunflowers can grow taller than they ever imagined. They loved checking the garden every day to see what was ready to pick.

Buddy reached a huge milestone this summer—he learned to ride his bike without training wheels! There were a few nervous moments, plenty of encouragement, and a lot of determination, but before long he was riding confidently across the driveway with the biggest smile on his face.

Another unforgettable memory came through Basecamp, our boys' discipleship group. Buddy spent time fishing with Collin and other men from church, enjoying what every little boy needs—time outdoors with godly men who encourage, laugh, and teach by example. During one fishing trip, he proudly caught his first two fish, and you would have thought he'd landed a world-record bass. His excitement was contagious.

We also packed up for our first family trip to Jellystone Park. Swimming, camping, playing, and making memories together gave us time to slow down and simply enjoy being a family.

The Ashland Library's Exotic Animal program was another first. The kids were fascinated seeing animals they'd only read about, asking endless questions and soaking up every minute.

Church has become more than just a place we attend. It's becoming home. Faces that were once unfamiliar have become friends. The kids have found people who cheer them on, laugh with them, pray for them, and remind them they belong.

Sis has discovered another passion this summer, too. She loves fixing hair and has been practicing every chance she gets. Whether it's braiding, styling, or convincing anyone nearby to be her customer, she's developing skills while dreaming of one day becoming a beautician. Watching her creativity and confidence grow has been so much fun.

Throughout the summer, Buddy and Sis also looked forward to their weekly classes at Ugottawanna Mixed Martial Arts with Mr. and Mrs. C. Week after week, they learned new techniques, practiced self-discipline, built confidence, and celebrated each new accomplishment. It became much more than learning martial arts—it was another place where caring adults invested in them, encouraged them, and helped them grow.

Along with their time at MMA, they also enjoyed a special sleepover with Mimi in Pittsfield, making memories filled with laughter, games, late-night fun, and the comfort of spending time with family.

These experiences reminded us that healing often happens through consistent encouragement, meaningful relationships, and people who faithfully show up week after week.

The summer has also been full of simple joys—ice cream socials, watermelon, painting projects, making new friends, laughing until our sides hurt, helping with chores, and spending long days outside. None of these moments seem extraordinary on their own, but together they've built a summer we'll always remember. And ALL the swimming. Whether they were splashing around with friends, cooling off at BeBe's pool, or making memories at Mimi's, they never passed up a chance to jump in the water. Every swim brought more laughter, more confidence, and more opportunities to simply be kids.

They played games, practiced swimming skills, chased each other around the pool, and ended the day tired, happy, and already asking when they could go back. Those carefree afternoons reminded us that some of the sweetest memories aren't found in big adventures, but in ordinary days spent together with people who love you.

When children enter foster care, it's easy to focus on the difficult chapters of their story. But we've learned that healing often looks like a collection of small victories: riding a bike, catching a fish, packing for camp, caring for chickens, serving at church, making a new friend, or discovering a dream for the future.

Those "ordinary" moments become extraordinary because they're building confidence, trust, belonging, and hope.

We're incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of Buddy and Sis's journey this summer. Whether you volunteered at VBS, welcomed them at church, spent time with them at Basecamp, served at camp, encouraged them, prayed for our family, or simply smiled and made them feel seen—you've helped create a summer full of firsts.

As we head toward a new school year, our prayer is that these firsts become the foundation for many more. God has been so faithful, and we can't wait to see what He has planned next. 💙