Doin' Life Together

On Sunday, we hosted life group. Four of the five couples were able to come with their kids: Angie & John (with Lael & Alonna), Melanie & Don (with Abby - pictured below on the slide), and Lisa & Chris (with Isabella). Unfortunately, Becca & Angel (with Alayna) decided not to come since she had worked that weekend and wasn't feeling the best. Thankfully, she called this morning to say she's in the hospital inducing labor, and she will call to let us know when their youngest daughter Kyla arrives!
The session on Sunday was on 'Breaking Free' of the Fireproof Series, so the girls and guys split up for the discussion. I'm not the best at timing meals, though, and didn't really allow for enough time for discussion with the distraction of kids. There were a lot of verses this week, which I really enjoyed. We all sat down to the table to eat together, just for something different. I made pesto tortellini alfredo (something Joshua will actually eat) with cooked carrots, salad with all the fixings and dinner rolls (store bought and not all that great, in my opinion). I also baked a fun-fetti cake in honor of Melanie's birthday the following day (and Don's who celebrated the week before and Lael's - pictured above - who's is this coming Monday).After dinner, we all went outside (thankfully my amazing husband mowed the lawn!). Here are Lisa (left) and Melanie (right) outside. The guys played frisbee as I tried to clean up so there was room to walk. Everyone was so sweet in helping tear down chairs, etc. Chris is pictured above and John is pictured below with the Bean in the background with his beloved soccer ball. [On a side note, this past weekend Daddy bought a soccer goal and ball, and now Joshua begs to go outside and play soccer. He gets the idea that the ball has to go in the goal. :)]We really have enjoyed getting to know this group of friends, and we appreciate that they all have young children, too. It's nice to have people who understand the joys and limitations that come with parenting at this preschool stage. Below is Angie, Alonna in the slide and Abby to the left of the slide.

Last night, just us gals went out for dinner at Isaac's for another Mom's Night Out (you can never have too many of those, in my opinion!). We had a great time fellowshipping and talking about kids, clothes, family, giving birth, work, the economy and life in general. They are really a fun bunch!Tonight Lisa & Chris invited us over for dinner at their house, and I'm looking forward to it! This will be the first time we're at their house, and unfortunately we're going to miss the next life group session that they are hosting since we switched weekends with them. Here are Chris & Isabella golfing. She's so tiny! She's wearing Caleb's jacket. :) [Sunday was absolutely beautiful, which was followed by rain and dreariness all week up until today. This morning we went for a nice long walk and played outside all morning long until lunch. After naps, we may venture out again if there's time!]That night after cleaning up, Daddy & I decided to curl up and veg in front of the TV before calling it a night. Joshua desperately wanted to stay up with us, but he ended up zonking out on the couch. He was exhausted!

Thank you, Lord, for our friends and family!