Project 365, Week 24

A week of celebrations! 

June 16

It was Dakota's 7th (!!!) birthday, so we picked him up for a little adventure. Its beautiful to see these guys love each other.

Turns out, Jesus was right. The truly good life is on the other side of loving others and giving our lives away. When Dakota was born and God put it on my heart to step in and help, I pictured auto-shipping diapers. Seven years later, I've bought tons of diapers, yes but far beyond that, Dakota and his mom have captured and re-framed our hearts in the best ways. It has been messy, precarious at times and rarely easy and it has been our great joy. 

June 17

Renna agreed to help me take pictures at VBS and it was SO fun having her! She was enthusiastic and learned quickly and I'm grateful for the time with her. (also, she's able to squat down, which is one of the simplest ways to get a better picture...there's your pro tip of the day 😉).

June 18

Each year, the kids at VBS meet a missionary family and hear the story of where they are and what they do. They also bring in coins to help support the cause. It was wild to have the R's there! Ezra said, "Hi!"

Amanda was only available one night, but she stepped right in and connected with her group.

June 19

Nathanael and Tina's wedding weekend arrived! The rehearsal dinner was in Tina's parents back yard. They created an enchanting, whimsical area that felt like stepping into another world. 

June 20

Its still weird showing up to places separately from our kids. I thought my crew looked stunning and we were VERY excited for the day.

The groom.💙

She was all and more that you'd want in a 1.5 year old flower girl.

It was super special that they asked my dad to officiate. He did our wedding 31 years ago and it stuck pretty well. ;)

Precious.

Through foster care and connecting with hundreds of individuals at the front desk during tax time, I know that so many people don't have people. With the past couple weddings, I've looked around and marveled at the beautiful community we have. It is effort-full, and sacrificial, yes. But I have seen loneliness and lack of a tribe up close and its a hopeless, painful place. We were made for relationship and I'm thankful for our people who are with us in our both our brokenness and flourishing.

What a blast watching the kids on the dance floor! My cousin says they could be hired out as party-starters for weddings.

June 21

Porch chillin'.

Later in the afternoon, Amanda and I headed out to Dakota's house, where his mom and her boyfriend were hosting a gender reveal party for the twins they are expecting in December. She was generous to invite us and did an amazing job pulling all the details together.

They also did a bounce house and water games with a whole bunch of kids for Dakota's birthday.

June 22

Amanda went to Alabama to spend a few days with her roommate. It was a happy reunion. :)

For unknown reasons, my pain was acute this day. Nana and I sat in side-by-side recliners and watched an entire afternoon of golf, a first for me. It did not turn me into a fan but with Nana's side commentary throughout, it was entertaining.