Wonderfully Busy Weekend

with friends and family. 

Saturday morning we got caught up with long-time

friend, Russ. 

He enjoyed "meeting" Alden's new car. 

Then we headed on over to Andrea's soccer game.

Where she played goalie for the first time!

Yep....she joined the ranks with Brittany and Rebekah who also play goalie!  

Ayden enjoyed a sweet dog on the sidelines.

He also tried to help out the goalie.  haha.

Alden and Phill

The sisters ~ Brittany helps coach Andrea's team.  :)

We packed up.

And had some lunch together at Jason's Deli. 

Yum!

Sunday ~ John's parents (Hannah's fiance)

came to visit.

They were in town checking out rehearsal dinner

options.  We SO enjoyed our time together.

AND....what fun talking about the wedding! 

Sunday night we headed to Courtney and Pat's ~

they went out to eat with friends....

And Alden and I had fun with the "crew"!

They got a new b'ball hoop this weekend ~

and of course had to show it off!

We had McD for dinner.....of course.

AND ended with ice cream.  Woohoo!

When we drove up to the house ~

there were 2 adorable bunnies hopping through their backyard.

So cool!

Papa and Lincoln reading a book before bed.

Once all were tucked cozily in bed ~

Alden and I went out and had our own date

on the porch.

Then...to top that off once Courtney and Pat got home,

we had a nice visit with them. 

Happy .....but just a tad tired.  :)

Yay, for weekends!!!!!

Smith Family Reunion

Last weekend Alden and I headed down to North Carolina......

to the Smith "Cousin" Reunion.



We got some good ole Southern food ~ YUM!

And so enjoyed getting reconnected with extended family.

Aunt Jean & MR and Aunt Jean  :)



This couple is one of the "original" cousins

(Alden's dad, his siblings....and cousins)   that began this

great tradition.



Aunt Foy and Aunt Peggy

Uncle Jerry leading us in a good time of prayer.

Flowers from Uncle Jerry's yard decorated the event.

It was a GREAT time not only spending time with aunts and uncles,

but with Alden's brother Ken and wife Lynne.

A precious time with family.



South America Re-Visited...with JOY

What fun we had a few days ago ~

getting together.......

with these two girls ~ Hannah and Audrey.

The parents (minus Jim ~ work called!)

Audrey, her mom Jill, Alden and I and Hannah

We had some dinner and enjoyed getting caught up with each other.

LOVED talking about the adventures these girls had

in Central and South America.

Audrey brought a slide show of pictures ~

How GREAT it was to SEE the places and people they saw

and visited.

Monkeys ~ outside their hostel......:)

Oh the stories we heard ~ the laughter and passion

for the days they spent together.....

seeing the world.

Yep, salt fields.

Their "hotel rooms" ~ um yes, salt floor and walls!!!!!!!

Iguazu Falls

whales

glaciers

Great friends ~ GREAT memories of a life-long dream

for both of them.

What a SPECIAL evening it was hear ALL about

this GREAT ADVENTURE!

We are so thankful they could fulfill this dream ~

and do it together.

Way to go girls!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Pat

Our son-in-law.

Alden and I appreciate Pat so much.

He is FULL of character and integrity ~

loves God with all his heart.

He loves sports.

Is a great husband.

An amazing Dad.

Comes from a great family ~

wonderful mom and dad ~ Barbara and Randy.

Stephanie and Colin ~ sister and brother in law

Our family .....siblings enjoy him.

Pat, we wish you a GREAT birthday.
We are blessed to know you
and to have you in our family.
Thanks for giving SO much joy and richness
to Courtney's life.
{now....you and Courtney are the SAME age}  :)

We love you.