A year ago today, Kevin and I returned from our first trip away from the kids. We took a weekend trip to Gatlinburg to celebrate our 15th anniversary a bit early. It was WELL overdue. It was an amazing time for us to reconnect and focus on US. It also paved the way for us to put our marriage back FIRST and began us taking regular dates. For the first 13 years of being parents, we didn't have that opportunity. Now, we do our best to do something "simple" on a weekly basis. It may not be grand dates by any means, but our time together is PRICELESS. The rewards have been immeasurable.
A year ago today, we topped off our weekend trip by having a large family cook-out. It was an amazing time together. The kids had spent the week with my dad and Teresa. They made incredible memories together. Since we live so far away from family, those times are TREASURED. Since Dad had officially retired, he was able to spend so much time doing things with the boys. The loved every second of it.
Little did we know.....
Little did we know that sitting here a year later he would not be with us. We had no idea how big of a hole our lives were going to have. We didn't know that when we all gathered around eating, laughing, swimming, and treasuring family that it wouldn't happen that way again. The "Grill Master" was in fine form that night! It was an absolute treasure. Such a bittersweet memory!
Little did we know that a year later we would be on such a roller-coaster. Walking the walk of faith that we always "talked". Leaning on God for strength when we don't have enough. Though the roller-coaster is far from over and some recent days have been harder than ever, I am making it. God is still God and God is STILL GOOD! New focus. New priorities. Empty places---absolutely! Yet, growing and changing every day. It's a refining process for sure.
A look in pictures of a year ago. What priceless memories!
Grandpa was working in the garden on his tractor and discovered a family of rabbits. He brought them over to the boys to hold. Now when we see rabbits in our own backyard (which is daily even though we are in the "city"), they think Grandpa is watching over them!
What an amazing time reconnecting!
The "Grill Master" working his MAGIC!
Checking out Grandpa's PRIDE & JOY!
Never a shortage of pool fun...
Never a shortage of food and friends...
Never a shortage of cousins/playmates...
Never a shortage of love....
Never a shortage of laughter...
(Notice Dad in the corner eyeballing the Key Lime Cake! )
And well...just never a shortage of cuteness! :)
No comments:
Post a Comment