Our Church Family

As part of our children's service today our church family created a video to send to people needing encouragement. The following clip is a portion of the recordings, mostly with kids singing. Kieran is in a clip singing "Old McDonald" and then again at the end on stage. I was the guy behind the camera humming along! :)

August Camping Trips

Well, we have a lot of fun camping in August, finally getting some time to put some pictures up. Our first trip was to Trout Pond in West Virginia, a small, family friendly campground in the rolling hills and hardwood forests of WV. Kieran had a fantastic time and was shaking with excitement as we unloaded the gear and setup the tent. This trip he got his FIRST SLEEPING BAG and was absolutely thrilled! It was a wonderful time with dear friends, although the three days went by far to quickly for me (as it always does).

Here are our best shots (our second camping trip is after these photos).

click on any image for larger image

The beach at the small lake, love the richness of the colors in this shot (hat tip to Maranda). Kieran is in the center.



Kieran straining to carry his load of water, his friend Mike in the background joining the cause.



More water carrying with his friend Keenan.



What used to be a sandcastle!



A boy pile, Kieran and the three Doan boys. Kieran's head is the bottom right. Looks like baby C.J. needed a snuggle!



Cute shot, kudo's again to Maranda.



Kieran and Keenan playing together.



Kieran and Ethan playing together in matching outfits!



Canoe time! From left to right, Sam, Keenan, Kieran, and Ethan.


Our second camping trip was to the Lake Erie shoreline in Marblehead, Ohio. We had a great time with friends Maggie, Schuyler, and their son Levi. Although Levi and Kieran had not seen each other for over 8 months, they instantly bonded over their mutual love of monster trucks! Levi even brough the ICE CRUSHER, which was a new one for Kieran and had him enraptured immediately. We were also able to attend our friends Joel and Kate's wedding which was a beautiful and meaningful affair.

Here are some of our best shots:



A happy boy watching the CARS movie on Daddy's iPod.









Oops, boy had a time out discussion with Daddy...



At the wedding reception.






Levi and Kieran just floatin' around.



Levi and Kieran attacking Ken.

Our church in US News & World Report

US News & World Report did an article this week on the emerging church movement in the United States. The article features Common Table, the small faith community that Maranda, Kieran, and I have been a part of for over two years. This type of publicity is certainly not something our discreet group aspires to, but it is interesting to see a national publication's take on our small community. To their credit the journalist arrived early and stayed late, as well as interviewing one of our team leaders.

While I don't expect the emergent movement to become the norm for U.S. christianity, I am optimistic that the emergent emphasis on freedom, authenticity, relationship, the arts, and service, will impact the greater christian body. However, even if that doesn't happen, places like common table (and many other like-minded communities), serve an important role within the faith community by providing a sanctuary for those who don't comfortable fit in a traditional church setting.

Check out the US News & World Report article HERE.

Cox Farms Visit

Kieran and Dad went to Cox Farms this weekend with our church as part of an outreach to local homeless familes (several families were brought to the event by members of our church). Kieran had a lot of fun, especially on the hayride (loved the spooky barn), and the pumpkin drop (pumpkins are dropped from a lift ~60 feet high!).


Here are some of the best shots (I will post a video of the pumpkin drop later).

Pumpkin Idol (note that he is leaning the mic, don't know where he picked this up!)

Kieran with his friend Elizabeth

Kieran showing a crazy face!

Kieran's Baptism Video Clips

The first video contains the family and friends readings. The second video contains Ken's poem to Kieran and the baptism.

Kieran's Baptism

Bathtime at the Doans

Kieran and his friend Keenan climbing the stairs together on the way to the bath (Kieran is on the left).


From the left: Sam (clothed), Ethan, Keenan, Kieran (he has my legs!)


There's too many kids in this tub! Too many elbows to scrub!! Kieran is on the right.

Paris Runway

Here are some GREAT shots of Kieran and Mommy on the stage after church. Special thanks to the sniper for these!