Double the Grandparents

This past week was full of activity: trick or treating, Eli and Maddie's birthday, and Mike's official installation service at the church. It was all made more special because both sets of our parents made the trip out to be here for all the activities! 

As if there were not enough festivities already, we packed in the rest of the grandparent visit with other fun things. And it made for a really full, amazing week :)

My parents arrived on Wednesday, and we made a trip to Target so that Eli and Maddie could shop for their birthday. It was an adventure in itself {aisles of toys to choose from?!?!}, and somehow Aiden walked away with a gift too {because his birthday gift from August wasn't big enough haha}. 

That night, the kids had a bonfire at the church for Pioneer Girls and the Father/Son program, so my parents came with me to help prep and serve the s'mores! 

On Thursday, we made a trip out to Great Falls. The weather was perfect, and it was not crowded at all. I am always amazed at the natural beauty that we have so close to home, and it was fun to share it with my parents. The kids loved showing Grandma and Papa the falls, and how Maryland was on the other side of the Potomac, and where the flood lines are marked.

Granny and Grumpz arrived later that afternoon, and the excitement levels were complete! :)  On Friday we went to the Museum of the Bible. We were generously gifted tickets to tour the museum through a connection at DTS, and we had a wonderful time! They really have some wonderful exhibits, and we had a great afternoon.

After a weekend of birthday and church celebrations, we went to Cox Farms on Monday. Going to the Fall Festival has become a tradition, and it's always fun to share it with grandparents! Hay rides, slides, corn maze, tractors, apple cider donuts, farm animals, and pumpkins. I'm pretty sure everyone left happy :)

We are so thankful for both sets of our parents and their willingness to make the trip to see us. We had a great week, full of fun and laughter, and we made some great memories. We already miss them, and can't wait until the next trip!

Painting nails

Light boards from Grumpz

Sewing projects

On a walk with Papa

<3

Installation Sunday

Four years ago, the Lord opened the door for Mike to step into the Executive Pastor position at Chantilly Bible Church. We packed up our life to move across the country {in the middle of a pandemic} with 3 toddlers and a geriatric dog, and we set out on a grand adventure with Jesus. We were not sure what all the move would hold for us, but we were excited to serve the church and community in Chantilly.

The move to Virginia was a giant leap of faith in itself, but we have seen God provide in countless ways. He has graciously provided a church family who welcomed and loved us from day one. Where there were so many seemingly impossible ways, God opened up the floodgates. We have built community that has encouraged and challenged and showed up in ways that consistently humble me. As we have slowly put down roots and served together with dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I am in awe of all that God has done in just four short years...

And now, a new twist on that original adventure...today, Mike was officially installed as the Lead Pastor of Chantilly Bible Church. This is another BIG change for our family, but we are so excited for what the Lord has for us next. We are again amazed and humbled at how the Lord has orchestrated this new role for Mike, and we look forward to continue serving the church and community in Chantilly. 

A brand new Bible to wear out

His official office nameplate. Milt removed his "Senior Pastor" nameplate and passed on Mike's new "Lead Pastor" nameplate 

Laying on of hands by the elders of the church

We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support for Mike as he steps into this new role. It is a weighty role, one that he does not take lightly, but I know he is up to the task. The Lord is faithful and will equip Mike for what He has called him to do.

We were able to celebrate Mike a little and take him to lunch at Uncle Julio's, and then we let him open a few gifts. My parents got him a Spurgeon quote for his office, and then we all chipped in for a fun gift...an official Pastor Mike bobblehead! Haha :)

I sure do love this man, and I am so proud of him. I am thankful for all the Lord has done in his life, and I am proud to stand by his side as we continue to serve Jesus and our church community together.

Love you, Babe ;)

Trains and Bunnies!

Today we celebrated Eli and Maddie's 8th Birthday with trains and bunnies! :)

This year was extra special because we had all four grandparents in town, which was such a fun way to celebrate a birthday. We had our usual traditions, where the kids came down the stairs to their chosen theme decorations, and we enjoyed breakfast before we opened presents.

Eli was really excited to get a few train-themed items and LEGO sets, but the highlight was the real train set! It came complete with engine smoke haha. 

Maddie received several bunny-themed items, but her highlight was a fun sewing kit from Aunt Lindsay! The fact that she has been able to sew her own animal stuffies has made for one really happy little girl :)

Most of the day was spent playing with their new toys, playing games, and enjoying the beautiful weather outside. And of course, we had cupcakes for dessert when we got to sing "happy birthday!" They chose to have breakfast for dinner, so we enjoyed Mickey waffles, sausage, bacon, and fruit, and then we rounded out the evening by watching family home movies of when they were born. Nothing like reminiscing back 8 years ago to when your life changed forever...

It was a fun day celebrating our favorite twins, and we were so happy to have Grandma and Papa, Granny and Grumpz here to celebrate with us too!

Happy Birthday, Eli and Maddie!