And Just Like That: She's Five

Mercy's fifth birthday was quite the celebration in the Zenz home. Five years. A half decade. Wow!

Mercy had very specific requests for her birthday this year, including huge pancakes for breakfast, a jewelry cake (to represent her newly-pierced ears), and a party with friends. Check, check, and check.

The pancakes

The jewelry cake

The five-year-olds...birthday buddies for several years now

Decked-out birthday bike

Celebrate!

We love you, sweet five-year-old girl. You light up our world. You make us laugh. You level us. And your heart...oh, your heart. How it quiets us and, at the same time, stirs up joy we didn't know was there. Happy 5th Birthday, Mercy girl.

Whee!

On a recent camping trip, E's hair got a little wild while she played in a hammock. Oh, the giggles.

Lately

Here are some recent shots of Zenz Life. It's been a rich, joyful summer for us. Thank you, God, for your good gifts. Thank you for your sustaining grace as we keep learning to love each other well.

A recent two-summit backpacking adventure for A and some friends. Beautiful.
My last few Sunday mornings have looked like this. And it has been so, so refreshing. Thank you, A, for loving me and letting me breathe deep.

Welcome, fall.

Michigan

We had a wonderful family vacation in Michigan in August with the rest of the Zenz clan and some dear friends. We love you all! Here are many, many photos chronicling our summertime adventures.

Get it, Brady.

Julie, H, and I are pretty excited about what's in front of us.

That's my girl.

The classic H stance.

Walking to the candy store up north

Sweet, comforting sister

H really trying to hold it together for the cousin photo shoot

Family!

Cousin Love

I cannot. stop. giggling.

H tries out her new walking feet. On a picnic table. And I took pictures of it. Oh, the third child.

So big!

And a little flair to end the show

Us

The annual birthday celebration for M and E!

Walking as Primary Mode of Transportation: Check

August was H's month to seal the deal with walking. It's definitely a toddle, as evidenced in this little clip, but it qualifies as a walk. Cutie walker, we love you. Hold your head high in this world, baby girl. You are a child of the King!