see you soon, baboon

Love this couple.
Their family has enriched our lives beyond measure.
You know, the kind of friends who leave heartprints.

This fantastic couple is following God's plan to take them back to the family farm.
That's an hour away from my comfort zone.
But it's right in the middle of God's plan for them.
I'm super excited and happy for them!

But, I'm selfishly sad to lose the closeness of a friend who is just a short mile away...the security of a quick face to face chat every weekday morning...the way we can mother each other's kids...the way we've been able to do life together over the last few years.

But, we didn't say good-bye.
Friends gathered to say "See you later, alligator".

(Please ignore the shiny faces.  We were "glistening" in the heat.)

"After while, crocodile"

(Love it that a super hero showed up for the party!)

(And a sweet little fairy too)

See you soon, baboon

"I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:3-6)

fireworks

The 4th of July is most definitely, without a doubt, my favorite holiday.
This year I got to spend the evening with so many of my favorite people...

I'm not very happy with myself that I didn't get a photo with my mommy :(

These sweet folks know how to throw a party. 
They are so happy and in love which makes me super happy.

Even the drinks and paper products were happy.

My kids know how to choose the most fabulous friends.
The mommies have become some of the best of friends.
God gave us the whole package with this group of friends.

There may be a few arranged marriages...but only the little ones will pose for pics.
I love the look on Corey's face :)

The kids all had a blast shooting off fireworks.
Most of my pics are of their backs. 
I just sat in my chair and soaked up all the fun.
Pure contentment.
I'm not sure I ever got up.  Except to go get more yumminess.

These boys were so much fun to watch.
They were way too brave for their britches.
They were way too brave for this mommy's comfort.
But they had soooo much fun.

Dude, run for your life!!!!!

These sweet girls are moving this weekend.
That makes me sad.
I knew the 4th of July might be our last big hoopla before they move.
I may have taken an excessive amount of pics of the sweet Jonesy kids.
This is one of my favorites from the evening.
Happy.

I really wanted time to stand still for the evening.
So much delicious food.
So many laughs.
So much contentment.
Such wonderful friends and family.
Thank you, God, for this fantastic life.