We took a family trip down to Springfield, Missouri last week for the SHEM convention. It has been a long time since we've done this, and the first time to take two cars on a trip that long...not that six hours is a long drive... :) We had a fabulous time at the convention and felt very spoiled by the staff there. Sunday morning saw us on the road once more heading up to the St. Louis are to attend church with our dear friends, the Servens. After service, we were able to relax and fellowship with the Servens at their home. 'Twas a lovely weekend, one full of memories and one we won't forget anytime soon. Enjoy the few pictures below!

Hmmm, 'twas a little windy outside and their hair was blowing quite wildly...

Well, he was fine...

...but the girls were happier here and the indoor pictures seemed to work better. :)

Cutie-pies, huh?

Throwing in a goofy moment.

Beautiful books, aren't they? Four books in The Waverly Novels series by Sir Walter Scott. Now we just need to find the rest of the set! :)

These two are too much fun!

Oooo, it's a Blokus duo game! I wonder if the "lucky" color is included? ;-)

Back in the South means Blue Bell!!!!

My ring, designed and made by Emma Kate Designs. :)

My little man.

"Singin' in the rain, just singin in the rain!" Never mind that it wasn't raining...

Swingin' on a lamp post...

Ben must have been telling a funny story.

Ice cream is served!

Before I took off for Springfield tomorrow and snapped some more pictures to blog, I thought I'd post some photographs I took at the Tea Party last week. Sorry, but there aren't any captions...wait, there is one on the first picture. :)

My favorite sign of the day.

We were so blessed to be part of the beautiful wedding celebration of my dear friend, Beth Serven. It was such an honor to witness Jon and Beth as they said their vows and made a covenant together. The wedding feast was delicious, the whole reception was full of love, laughter, tears and joy. Thank you so much for inviting us and congratulations, you two! :)

Music outside to welcome the guests.

Check this out...mom is figuring out how to take pictures with her iPhone! :)

Nathan Clark George and his family were there and provided music during the reception.

Beth and her father.

All smiles.

The vows.

Beth and her mom.

Have you ever seen such happiness written so beautifully on a face?

Nice tie, Jonathan. :)

William crashed during the reception.

There God's people gathered, young and old, red and yellow, black and white, and by their dancing constructed the very throne of God. He watched and rejoiced as His children, without guile or pretense, expressed their praise and gratitude with the Virginia Reel and the Pattycake Polka. ~ R.C. Sproul, Jr

Until next time!

The past two weeks have been rather busy for our family. Out of town friends, church events, house projects, and just simple living have been thoroughly enjoyed. It's weeks like these that really help me understand how perfect the ways of God are, how much of His love I can see around me and wonder why He chooses to bless a sinner like me. Instead of focusing on one event, I've decided to post pictures of random things that have taken place in our home recently and share them here.

A new screen was put on the deck.

Framing was cut and put in.

Mrs. H. showed Abby how to rinse her paint brushes.

The chilly weather didn't keep the men from grilling.

Several rounds of Blokus were played, and I discovered I'm not very good at it. :)

(Photo Credit: Unknown :))

Pizza rolls were made and consumed.

A bench was found to sit upon that was close enough to a table so we could get a group portrait.

Small swings were available for the gents to use and it looks like Abigail offered to push.

See, there were three people in the boat! :)

(Photo Credit: Melissa)

Abby added some excitement by getting her kite stuck in the tree.

There was a park to be enjoyed by the little people

A Passover Sedar was attended.

An Easter dress was made for a friend in the great state of Texas.

We spent a lovely morning with good friends celebrating and rejoicing with them as we showered mom and baby with gifts.

And like this little guy, I am quite happy. :)

The End.