twelve hours

I’m so glad we could stop at Shannon’s on the way home from our family vacation. What a precious little family she has. Shannon’s boys are just darling- Gage included. Brock is at such a fun stage. Life is so exciting, full of discoveries, and there is so much to talk about. He is a very tender hearted little boy, just like his mama.I loved getting to know Shannon, the mom. And as you can guess, motherhood fits her very well. We were only together for a total of twelve hours: 10pm to 10am. So we talked a lot and slept a little. Some reminiscing (Shannon pulled out her Ricks scrapbook), but even more, I loved connecting with Shannon about life today- the joys and the challenges we’re experiencing, that come with opportunities for growth.
Having the chance to be together was . . . heaven. (We hadn’t seen one another for 6½ years.) The sad part was driving away from her home, and driving for 12 more hours before arriving at my home, realizing that every hour in the van, I was that much further from Shannon. And I feel that way about the rest of you beloved teammates! We’re so spread out, life is so busy, and the opportunities to see one another are so slim. But, it really is pretty cool that we’re still making the effort to stay in touch. I’m grateful for your friendships. And though it’s not quite the same as being together, laughing our guts out, or late night heart to hearts, I think this blog may be our best alternative. I love you guys.

Now for more pictures:

Moses and Brock bonded, using their tools to fix things. Lauren couldn't be left out.

The bigger kids playing (Moses, Brock, Sadie,Lauren)

Our babies. Margo 7 months, Riley 10 months.

I love that Riley is holding his toes in one hand, and touching Margo with the other.