One last visit - ESVA

Bruce loves to fish and he was able to go while we were on the Shore.

Lillian loves to bake and we all enjoy that! We got in a few fall favorites before we head to the equator.

Our trip did not end like we wanted.  Covid caused us to have to say goodbye at a distance and leave early but we enjoyed the time we did have together.

A little shopping before we got on the road.

Thankful we got some time with Jon and Rach before we left.

16 years

Today we celebrate 16 years of marriage.  It was such a blessing to watch God provide for each special part of today.  He spoils us!

Celebrate

One of THE best things about our delay has been celebrating with family.  We are not usually around for birthdays but we've celebrated quite a few over the past few months.  We love you Grace.

Isaac turns 10

Our baby is now double digits. We had a fun day with family. He requested cinnamon buns for breakfast and shrimp and ribs for dinner with an ice cream cake to finish it off.

Husky Branch Falls

Today was an unexpected vacation day.  We were supposed to be headed home today but they offered us another night at a discount and we were not ready to go.  Our last hike was an easy one.  We hiked almost 5 miles but it was flat.  The fall was not magnificent but nice.  We hiked on a little further and were able to hang out in the river and play. 

We finished out the day by driving through Cades Cove.  The views were spectacular and we saw a mama bear and her 3 cubs.

Scalloping

We have talked about scalloping since we moved to Florida five years ago but never went.  When we started this way to visit Bruce made a phone call and set up a charter for us.  It did not disappoint.  We had so much fun hunting and gathering scallops and the weather, it was gorgeous.  

Visit to the Shore

We plan to leave the country June 14, so this visit to the Shore will be our last for a couple years.  My brother just moved to this house on the water so this is where we spent most of our time.  The kids loved paddling around and enjoying their cousins.  Although they do not have much time together their bond is so sweet.

I gave them money and sent them to the Corner Bakery.  They were shocked I was allowing them to go alone.  I said y'all better act right or you know someone will call and let me know!! #smalltownlife




It was so windy but we laid on the beach for a while anyway.

Time with Family

One of our favorite activities in NW Louisiana is the climbing gym.

They were so excited to be in town for crawfish season!

Resurrection Day

We enjoyed Easter weekend with family in Louisiana.  

We even were able to walk through stations of the cross with all the cousins.  

Eastern Shore Visit

We were so blessed to not only have a weekend where everyone was off and spending time together BUT two school days were canceled where the cousins could spend time together.  Of course, we visited the Corner Bakery (not once but TWICE) and the Island Creamery.  The adults were spoiled by having a quadruple date night at the Island House thanks to the older kids holding down the fort!

Askew family pics

 Possibly the windiest day EVER!! But thankful for the pics and the memories.

On the road

Our last week in Ocala was busy.  We had lots of visits and enjoyed dinner with friends. (So many are not pictured!!) Oakcrest Baptist generously came by and picked up everything we couldn't take for their yard sale which was a huge help.  We loaded the trailer with a few sentimental pieces of furniture and some boxes that we wanted to store.  The rest of our belongings that we hope to take with us to SE Asia were compiled into about 20 bags.  The kids finished up school and on Saturday we were able to pull out.  We are headed to Virginia for two weeks to visit with the Askew family.

Ms Kitty made the trip to VA and did much better than I expected.  

WDW

Our first year in Central Florida we were passholders to Walt Disney World.  It was a lot of fun and the whole family enjoyed it.  The kids really wanted to go back one more time before we moved away.  They have heard of all the new "lands" and rides and wanted to check them out.  We didn't make it to Epcot but had a wonderful 4 day weekend at the parks.  

Appointment

This time around our appointment service was virtual. We were sad not to celebrate with the other appointees in person BUT it gave us the awesome opportunity to celebrate with our church family. We were able to share more of our story with them and watch the virtual service together. It was such a special time. We even had two surprise visitors 🥰