I think we are committed…

This has been a humbling experience on several levels. We are hoping that we are nearing the finish. There are only a handful of truly life altering experiences and it is a bit surreal to be aware of it as the whole thing unfolds. Please keep us in your prayers, we will certainly need them this week.

Newport, Rhode Island

My brother, J, has always enjoyed building and creating…especially things that float. As a little kid, he built rafts at our family’s cabin and tried launching many a  Lego creation in the bathtub and kitchen sink.

About two years ago, J enrolled in a boat restoration program in Rhode Island.  Last weekend, we were blessed with the opportunity to celebrate J’s graduation from the International Yacht Restoration School…and blessed with some time away (from packing) at the beach!

Graduation consisted of a formal ceremony in the “shop” and then the actual launching of the students’ boats.

C was honored to be able to help J and his classmates carry their project to the dock…

Then J and his classmates launched their boat (as the crowd cheered) and celebrated the fact that it floated!!!

The launch was complete with the popping open a bottle of champagne which was poured over the boat’s bow!

After the boat’s maiden voyage…C and B were able to take a voyage in the harbor of their own.

Later, we celebrated by enjoying dinner harbor side with J, his wife A and our respective families.  Little A enjoyed some good cuddle time with her Aunt A.

The next day, we we walked (strolled really) the cliff walk in Newport. The walk is wedged between the water and beautiful old mansions.  At one point, Little A got to experience “off roading” as the sidewalk ended and we had to portage our way across large rocks.

The next day, C headed home while Little A, B and I continued our little adventure together.

We enjoyed taking a J & A’s dog, “Maddie”, to the beach…and found a great spot for a waterside picnic…(my dad surprised us by renting the bright red Jeep…we all felt like we fit in with the locals as we drove around town).

After lunch, we watched Maddie play in the water… J & M taught B how to skip (throw) rocks.

Little A enjoyed the beach via her car seat!

The next day, we were able to enjoy breakfast at one of J’s favorite local spots…the Handy Lunch.  The waitress knew J by name, it reminded me of our favorite bakery in Cowtown.

After enjoying breakfast we walked down to J’s school to sneak one last glimpse of his boat.

This is the “shop” and these boats are similar to the boat that J and a classmate restored last year.

This is the boat that J worked to restore this year.

B was willing to try the boat out…as long as his diggers could join him.

Later that day, we rode the ferry to Block Island to enjoy lunch and some time at  the beach.

B loved the water…he giggled as the waves touched his toes…

Little A even got her toes wet! (Though she didn’t love it as much as B).

At one point, B sat down in the chilly water and let the waves come up over his legs.

It was quite a treat to be able to pack us much as we did (around A’s schedule and B’s naptime) into just a few short days. 

As we headed home (my mom was gracious to fly with me to provide a second pair of hands) we tackled going through security with two little ones and a LOT of stuff, a four hour lay over, a grumpy two year old, spit up and dirty diapers with as much grace as we had left in us. Our motto was “Just Smile"!”  With the help of prayer, a portable dvd player, digger movie, fruit snacks and little match box cars we did it…and successfully completed a fun filled weekend with two little ones in tow!

(This photo provides just a glimpse of the antics that took place during our layover.)

Congratulations J, we are proud of you!

J & A, thanks for providing us with a glimpse of your life!

Happy Friday.

Be blessed.

The Saddest Happiest Blog Post Ever

We have decided to change the location of our neck of the wood to the Twin Cities. Any attempt at portraying the myriad emotions that have been experienced in the past days/weeks/months would fail miserably; so I will stick with the details. C has accepted a job with a company in Minneapolis and starts the third week of June. We will be headed North the fourth weekend of June.

We are holding strong to God's proclamation that '"I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' (Jeremiah 29:11).

We are equal parts unbelievably excited and devastatingly sad at the same time. But we rest assured in God's promises and are eagerly looking to the future and the next chapter in our little family's storybook.