We headed for DC with a lunch and dinner appointment only to find out on our way to dinner that the apartment we were hoping to move into was not ready. The leasing office put us up in a nice hotel. However, coming off of the move, and hard week, and having a jam-packed car of things that we would need in an apartment, arriving at a hotel at 8:30 without an overnight bag put me over the edge. We survived one night of little sleep, only to find out the next day that the apartment would not be ready that day, nor any day soon. So, we were as I like to say, homeless. We knew we were headed to the beach on Sat. so we just needed to find a place for 2 nights. And, let me tell you, finding a place that can handle a family of 6, with 4 little ones, is not easy. But, our friends the Jany's came through last min and invited us to their house about an hour away. I was so thankful for their willingness to take us last minute. It was such a blessing to be in a spacious place, with kids toys and friends. They have 4 kids too, so we had 8 kids 7 and under for 2 days. Fun chaos.
Saturday we drove to Ocean City NJ, the vacation spot of my husband and his family since they were boys. Moving into a nice beach house for a whole week was food for my sojourning soul. All this moving around is such great preparation for me to move across the world. Just get me somewhere I can put my stuff!! It also makes me grateful, though that I have a husband and children who will go will me. And as I slowly pry my hands off my stuff, I see the reality that my life is not in that stuff. My life is not in saving money by buying things on sale. My life is not in the many things I think I or my family need. My life is in my Creator who made me and who has provided the greatest thing I need, forgiveness of my sin, salvation of my soul. And, I don't deserve this kindness. And, I can't go anywhere apart from Him.
So, I come to this night thankful and hopeful that no matter what circumstances await me next week, His grace will be sufficient to carry me through.
The tree was too big to see the house! Dad did a job on it.
Look at that lawn! Mark finally got his lawn after 3 years, and in time for us to move.
We did go to a Louisville Bats game our final weekend in town! Lets just say that the carousel got more time than the seats we had tickets for.
Lisa and Chris came through town. It was good to see them and to have Lisa back in our home as we moved in with her as our roommate 3 years ago!!
The moving truck was full despite my months of giveaways.
Everyone is tuckered out.
Dad was excited to get back to his house and lawn and Judson was excited to ride on the tractor.
Look at how long Emma's hair is getting. A mowhak!
The kids got to go to my hometowns childrens fair.
I found this dress for Emma as I was unpacking. It is a 3 month size! Caroline has a matching dress:)
The Jany's who took us in. Here are the 8 under 7.
And we made it to Ocean City , NJ.
All the kids love the rides on the boardwalk! Judson and Emma love the carousel.
Judson did not seem to like the slide with Uncle John.
Nor did Lawrence!! His face was so red when he got down, I don't think he took a breath the whole time.
Caroline enjoyed the roller coaster with Aunt Jeanene
But, check out Lawrence's face. He was not so sure about the roller coaster with Uncle Matt!
Oh my face Judson.
Emma did not like the beach the first few days. But, Daddy worked his magic and she is now loving it!!
We love riding bikes on the boardwalk in the early am!!
Getting warm after a cold return from the beach.
And a final picture I found of Caroline from when she turned 1 in Thailand. The same hat Emma has on!!
