{iPhone Rewind} :: March

Eli and Maddie dancing while Aiden plays the "saxophone"

Grandma and Papa sent soccer goals, and we are enjoying learning to play!

Love this cutie and her art :)

It's a good day when Mr. Jesse comes to visit

Chick Fil A waffle fries are THE best

I'm honestly surprised that it took until kid #3...

I love how our elders {and their wives} love our kids!

He's such a goof

I got to help get decorations ready for spring/Easter! So thankful for creative time with sweet, servant-hearted women.

Library day = reading on the front porch

When you are sick in the middle of the night and get to have a lollipop {Lolleez}...he was SO excited haha

New haircuts with my girlie :)

First step to playing soccer: learn how to put your shin guards on :)

Soaking up the snuggles with this sweet boy

Highlight of his day

I love when they play so nicely together :)

So proud of his LEGO creations

Snuggles with Daddy

We wrapped up the Abide study...I'm so grateful for these women!

First day of soccer is in the books! :)

We {finally} celebrated our 100th day of school!

I got to hear Jen Wilkin speak at the Museum of the Bible. It was so fun to hear her in person, and it was a great way to wrap up the Abide bible study.

Ready for more hikes with these cuties :)

Spring Festival!

We had so much fun at our church's Spring Festival yesterday! It was a balmy 48 degrees {so much for welcoming Spring haha}, but the Lord held off the rain, and the kids had a blast. We all froze, but we didn't let that stop us from having fun :)

There were bounce houses, train rides, games, crafts, a petting zoo, an Easter story walk, balloon animals, face painting, and food trucks. And lots of friends :)

The kids got to decorate a bag, then walk through stations with photos and trinkets that told the Easter story of Jesus's death and resurrection. It was a fun interactive activity, and the kids are enjoying their little trinkets to remind them of the story.

Our Maddie girl was the only one who wanted her face painted, and she was so excited to have a pink and purple butterfly painted by Mrs. Ela! I'm so thankful for so many sweet friends who love my kids and whom my kids love spending time with :)

We also got to spend time with our sweet friends {and former neighbor C}. Our kids love spending time with their friend, and everyone was excited to see each other since our move.

Even though it was wet and cold, we still had fun! I am so thankful for our church family and the sweet friendships the Lord has provided for us in just a few short years.

Now we're just ready for some real {warm} Spring weather ;)

Weekend at the River

This past weekend, I was able to sneak away for another "Mommy Getaway," courtesy of my loving husband and a generous family in our church. This sweet family allowed me to stay in their home on the Rappahannock River, and Mike held down the fort at home :)

The weather was still pretty cold {with one day being cloudy and rainy, with strong winds}, and I had no internet or cell phone service. I was able to hole up in the house and watch the river flow by, curled up with my books and sweet tea. So it truly was a quiet retreat, and it was so restful!

I did venture out when the sun was out to walk around the property and explore a little. It was so quiet! Literally, the only sounds were the flow of the river and the rustle of the leaves in the trees. The wind was strong enough to rock the trees, which would creak, but it was so peaceful to be in the sounds of nature with no distractions.

The other sound was the meowing of this orange tabby haha. He was a persistent little fellow and super friendly. He greeted me when I arrived {I was warned about his possible presence}, and hardly left my side. When I was inside the house, he was at the myriad of windows, watching, waiting, meowing, pleading with me to let him in haha. He even tried to hop in my car when I was leaving. I honestly found his presence comforting; he made me feel less alone out in the stillness of the woods ;)

I spent most of the weekend curled under a blanket with my Bible and a couple of books. I finished by Bible study lesson, 2 whole books, and got to spend a lot of time in prayer and reflection. This whole weekend was a gift to my soul.

I am so thankful for a restful weekend away, free from all distractions. I am thankful for the generosity of church families who desire to share and bless others with the gifts God has provided to them. And I am thankful for a husband who makes weekends like this possible. My introverted heart is full :)