vacation and summer part II

Just as soon as Sophia graduated did that very next night begin (for us) the Ockrin annual family reunion. We snuck away for a less than 24 hour rendezvous, but it was one of  the best less than 24 hours spent in a long time. On the agenda for next summer; same time, same place. It was AMAZING, both in sight and fellowship.

Then, I recently left Gabe for a week straight and headed to my childhood hometown where the activities are endless and time with family is feasted upon. It.was.just.what.we.needed. We missed Gabe, but I'm so thankful for this season to be putting our hands to the plow. I'm absolutely amazed, encouraged, and refreshed in the grace I've been given for this season of what looks to be my own putting hands to the plow. It's long days and sometimes even longer nights. A change in pace altogether was fun and I promised the kids that no matter what the schedule looked like this summer, we would still do summer.

First up: A leisurely stroll down my parents dirt road to this, the very gazebo Gabe and I made a covenant in before the Lord. I nearly wiped away tears walking up this little grassy knoll with my babies. He is a covenant keeping God. And look at all those blessings from those very 'I do's'!

9 years later.

"Mom, this was the hill you went sledding down as a kid in the wintertime right?!"

These two love dogs.

Morning, noon, or evening. Didn't matter much the time of day. "Wanna go for a ride again?" "Sure!"

Kickball

Lem in on the mix! He was SO cute and grew up a little more that week. He started eating more food, as in lots more. Lasagna. Apple sauce. Cheerios. Then we came home and he wanted NOTHING to do with it. Yup.

My sister, Randi, who was ready then to have her baby!

Still waiting...

Schroon Lake, now that's a lake!

Asher learned to ride the dirt bike. He couldn't have felt more cool and proud if he tried! And I couldn't stop smiling at him.

Great Escape. An afternoon visiting with two friends from childhood and their little ones. Being and doing with family. It was jam packed full of fun and yet relaxing in every way needed.

I love our families!