San Diego's Dog Beach

Boomer retrieving his toy at Dog Beach in San Diego.

Last week, I officially finished with the Airline Career Pilot Program with ATP. I passed my double check ride, and I am now legal to teach people how to fly in single-engine and multi-engine airplanes, and I can teach them how to fly by reference to the instruments only. I did a phone interview with ATP and was offered a job as a flight instructor for them, as long as I am able to do well in their standardization course at their headquarters. Please pray that God will provide for me to be able to do well in my time when I'm there.

Erin is doing well at her job. She finally got to switch over to working in the day time. It's amazing the difference that it can make when sleep happens at night! She's been a huge support, and I know that I wouldn't have been able to make it this summer without her unwavering love and encouragement.

We decided that we really wanted to spend some time at the beach before I had to start working at ATP with no time off, so we picked none other than San Diego's Dog Beach, in the Ocean Beach area. It's about a 6 hour car ride from where we are here in Arizona. Here are a few pics and videos from our trip there. Yes, it's true - we did plan a vacation around the silly, wet, stinky, lovable pooch. But I'm not sure who had more fun...Boomer or us!

Nathan, Boomer, and Erin at Dog Beach

People and dogs enjoying the sand and surf

Boomer bringing it in

Did you say "Give?"

The love of a dog displayed

Boomer getting beat out for his toy by another dog

Boomer soaking it up in the sun and surf in Southern California

Boomer and Nathan in the surf at Dog Beach

Boomer and Erin looking very "Southern California!"

Sweet old golden retriever that kept hanging out with Boomer, wanting to chase the toy but just couldn't.

Nathan and Boomer on the beach

Boomer retrieving his toy, and then giving a shower to anyone in his vicinity.

Boomer at the beach when we first arrived.

What a great place! We definitely enjoyed our time there! We needed the refreshment before another long time of having our nose to the grindstone in pursuit of what we believe to be God's will for our lives. Praise Him for His energy and provision through this intense time!

Arizona Sunset on the drive back to Phoenix. Notice the sliver of moon above the clouds. Sunsets may be the biggest redeeming grace of the desert. It's been tough here in our wilderness (being that neither of us are desert rats), but it's been amazing to see God's hand in moments like these.

We took this shot about a week before we went to San Diego. She's not exactly an "outside-loving" cat. But she sure was curious when we let her wander around a little on our balcony. Boomer thought it was the greatest thing that she was so close to him! Little did he know that she just really couldn't see him through the glare of the glass. Pets! You've gotta love 'em!