so quiet

Can you tell from our silence that we've been busy?

Since coming home Brazil, we've taken some much needed time to rest, reprioritize, and get back into the swing of things.

leaving is the easy part

We had an amazing opportunity to serve in Brazil this summer. It has taken a while for us to go through over six hundred pictures, get back into the routine of American life, and wrestle with the emotions that come with this sort of trip.

What I've decided to do is post what we would like to share - even if that is very raw or strong. The trip was amazing, but it really wasn't all sunshine and sand.

The short version is we went to Brazil.

The long version is much more complicated and even more beautiful.

We won't be able to tell it in its entirety in a few posts and with the pictures we took, but we will try.

In grand old fashion:

to be continued....

how airports keep people happy

before making it to Brazil, our time at the Hartford airport was very well spent

most of us had never seen these before and we were like a bunch of little kids

we're home

we are back from brazil

our bodies are in piece

our hearts are another story

as soon as we get settled back into life, we'll share stories and pictures from this amazing trip

kitchen tip

The last grocery run I made involved picking up way too many limes and lemons. We knew that they would go bad before our big trip and I hate to waste food. Searching online gave me a wonderful solution - - squeeze the juice into ice cube trays and bag once frozen. Then we'll always have the citrus on hand for marinades!

the picnic

We had a wonderful 4th of July at the annual picnic hosted by our friends.

Mary's wonderful shirt! I think it is easy to get lost in watching fireworks, spending time with family, and enjoying a long weekend. There are so many good men and women serving our country that are missing out on those activities. They serve to protect our freedom our families.

Thank you Wendell!! Thank you Mary!!



I wish this shot was in focus because I love it!

Mary hanging out with our favorite friend, Mr. T.

The boys played a lot of horseshoes.

Connor is so very sweet and great with babies. He was so gentle with Mr. T.



The girls played bocce.

(Mary, me, Brenda, Shanell)

and then the boys played bocce

(Jason, Paul, Eric - - Wendell is on deployment)

It is hard because we miss Wendell. We miss him in our bible study, at picnics, and even as we prepare for Brazil. We are continually praying for his safe return to his lovely wife and we are so grateful to his sacrifice.

It only takes a moment, but sending an encouraging note to a person serving is important. Thanking their families for doing without while we live our lives is also important.

missing them...

Fourth of July weekend, my friend Sara and her little boy came to visit us. Usually, when we see them in Michigan, it is only for a few hours. Having three days with them was such a blessing!!

Connor is almost 3!! And the most active little boy I've ever met. Instantly, every piece of furniture in our home became a place to jump off of. His giggles filled our house within hours of their arrival and we missed them the moment they were gone.

Connor absolutely loved Sushi. Sushi did not return his affections. It was so cute to watch Connor chase Sushi and pet him gently. It took a lot of extra hands to make the below photo possible. I think Sushi stayed on his lap less than two seconds - so kudos to Eric for getting a picture!

We went to a CT Defender's baseball game (a generous man from our church donated the seats to our congregation). It rained off and on (as it has done in New England all summer) but we had a great time. I love Connor's smirk in this photo!

Connor learned how to get peanuts out of the shell while at the game.

And there was a double rainbow....

We also went to the aquarium. Here he is watching the Begula whale.

He was so brave and put his hand in the Ray tank and touched them as they went by.

The weekend went by so quickly and it feels like we don't have enough pictures to prove they were here. Life with a little boy is so full, busy, and completely worthwhile.

Being able to catch up with Sara was wonderful. The entire weekend, Eric did all the clean up after each meal, so she and I could just talk. And we talked and talked and talked. Email is a wonderful tool, but there is nothing like sitting down to a delicious BLT and chatting.