We took a whirlwind trip to Iowa to see my brother and sis-in-law and their family, literally a day after getting back from Texas...didn't even fully unpack our suitcases. I don't know that any of us were eager to be back in our little shoebox just yet. And yes, there have been times recently I have been battling discontentment over living in a small apartment. And yes, God is dealing with my unthankful heart on that matter when it creeps up:) Anyway, we loved getting to stay with the Garlands! We had been missing them so much (Seth told me, "Mom, it feels like it's been years since I've gotten to hold Cayla."). We got to meet their other beautiful girl for the first time, too, Eliana Lynn. We discovered that Seth is the resident baby hog (maybe only challenged in that category by Grandpa Tim...lol). He once sat holding her for twenty minutes without making a single sound. I asked him why he was so quiet, and he said, "I didn't want anyone to notice me so I could have a really long turn." We had so much fun playing with Cayla, as well. She is at such a fun age, just love her! She kept bringing Josie books to "read" to her and sat and listened for a long time. Gabe is always such a good help on trips, carrying way more than his load and helping in so many little ways. I am so thankful for his servant heart. Let me just say, it is hard being away from family, especially when there are little ones I could be playing with! :) Thanks for letting us crash your house, guys! We love you!
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| I always joke that our kids would follow Jerod anywhere, because there's always fun in store;) This was a fun game he made up, can't even remember what it was. |
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| Leah was so sweet to make a cake for Josie and have a birthday celebration for her. And Grandpa Tim was so sweet to make a trip to Pella to see us, so thank you both! Mom was in Alabama, so we were bummed to miss her! |
