One Great Weekend

I was so sad to see this weekend come to an end.  It was seriously the most enjoyable three days (I'm counting Friday too) that we've had in awhile.  No agenda + loads of quality time with family and friends = just about perfect.

Friday evening, we celebrated sweet Feven's 3rd birthday.  I still remember meeting this precious girl for the first time after William and Charis brought her home from Ethiopia.  The tears that stung my eyes and the way her little frame felt in my arms.  It was pure joy seeing face-to-face the gift that we had been praying over for so long.  She was adorable and has only become cuter since.  Happy Birthday to the sweetest cowgirl we know!

Playing the 'needle in a haystack' game.  Found the candy - jackpot!

My cowboy

Who's been to a carnival before? Me, Me!

Knocking down tin cans with the water gun

Enjoying the grilled burgers and dogs

Ready for the hayride!  It seriously felt like fall - where did summer go?

Feven blowing out her candles.

Saturday, we spent the entire afternoon (I'm talking 6 hours) at a friend's home on the lake with our family.  The invite was titled "Our Back Porch - Where Friends Enjoy a Simpler Time".  Couldn't have been more accurate :)  We took full advantage of the lovely weather and relaxing atmosphere. . . fishing, kayaking, and boating were just a few of our fun activities.

Papa's first catch of the day

Cole's turn!  I love watching him cast. . . you can see his fish shaped 'bait' at the top of the picture :)

Cade loving the hammock

Cole's catch with Mr. Gary

Couldn't have captured him better.  Using the life vest as a teething ring with that mischievous look and grin.

Cole and Daddy got to take out our kayaks for their first summer trip.  LOVED it!

Perfect day on the lake!

Love Mrs. Sandi's swing

Cole fishing with his buddy, Nathan

Heading out on the boat.  Cole thought it was 'totally awesome' and loved honking the horn :)

Sunday morning was spent worshipping with our church family.  I completely ADORE our brothers and sisters in Christ.  The way we encourage, uplift, and pray for one another - it's truly a gift.  After naps for the boys, we invited the Hanleys to join us for another evening on the lake with our kayaks.  An impromptu pizza dinner at our place was the perfect ending to a GREAT weekend.  Happy Monday!