Wedding Weekend

Mark and Leah made a quick trip to Santa Barbara, where Mark officiated the wedding of his favorite (and most talented) former drum student, Ryan, who wed the gorgeous and sweet Danielle.  It was an honor to be part of the festivities and reconnect with this great family (Ryan's dad is Leah's former boss-are you following all of this?).  Santa Barbara was bombarded with gusty, gusty wind which made the attending the outdoor wedding feel a bit like an extreme sport.  But love, cuddles, wraps and wine conquer all, the wedding and the couple were remarkable in every way.  We treasured a little getaway to our beloved Santa Barbara and made the most of each moment.  It was a wonderful teaser to our approaching summer vacation to Southern California.  To Ryan and Danielle we wish a lifetime of making memorable music together and laughter every time the wind blows.

Pop-Pop Comes to Town

Leah's dad, known around these parts as Pop-Pop, came out for his annual spring visit.  We had a fun time of baseball, bowling and appreciated treats like going out to dinner, ice cream outings and "surprises" for all.   The kids loved their time with Pop-Pop, showing off for him, giving him cuddles and chatting away, some of the time he could even understand what they were saying...see you next time Pop-Pop!

Joy

On Tuesday, May 11th the beautiful Mara Karinn Watson entered this world into the loving,  nurturing arms of Phil and Kaitlin (who live in Washington).   The joy and thankfulness in our hearts is beyond words, it can only be expressed in smiles and tears.  We wait with anticipation for our Watson family reunion in June when we will get to cradle our niece and introduce Ben and Clara to "Baby Mara"- the cousin they already know in their hearts after months of praying for her safe arrival.  

From afar, we had a little party in her honor, to celebrate her very first day of life, as we blew out that one little candle we all made a wish for Mara.  Leah asked the kids what they wanted to teach the baby: Clara said, "How to poo-poo in the potty!” and Ben answered, "All sorts of things, like mud ball and dancing…I need to show her MY MOVES!!”  Oh sweet Mara, we love you and can’t wait to see all of your moves.

Thankful

"I love these little people; and it is not a slight thing when they, 

who are so fresh from God, love us." 

- Charles Dickens

Ben and Clara, 

I am humbled by your love and thankful to be your mother.  Thank for joining me on this adventure, for all the ways you teach me about love, humor and grace.  Your laughter is my favorite sound and wiping your tears my greatest honor.   The more you grow, the more I learn about you, the more sparks of personality burst forth, my already full heart expands with the wonder and mystery of this bond we share.   I am thankful for our mutual love of cookies, coasters and cuddles, dandelions, dancing and daddy, books, bunnies and the beach.  I am thankful for you.   Thank you for making me a mom.

XOXO-Mommy

Pirate, Princess & NYPD

A few weeks back, the kids had a pirate and princess party at church, complete with treasure hunts, tiaras and treats.  We never posted pictures and these were too cute to leave behind.  

Last week, Mark was in NYC for a preaching workshop/conference.  After years of working on his doctorate, it was a welcome change of pace for his study leave.  It was rejuvenating to have a few days to steal away from the non-stop pace of ministry.  He was able to discuss, study, practice and learn with other pastors and have time to walk the streets of NYC, one of his most favorite places.  The kids and Leah managed fine, but the house felt empty and lonely without him.  Ben is still obsessed with being a police officer and by default, Clara has claimed the role of fire fighter.  Mark brought back perfect t-shirts for our rescue squad...and a box of delightful artisan chocolates for a certain worn out wife.  

In the span of four days, Mark was convinced that Clara looked older.  Looking at these pictures, he is right.  Her conversational skills, sense of humor, appetite for fun and mischief grow each day, bringing both delight and fear to our hearts.

Welcome home honey...because it just isn't home without you.