We did get one photo of Liz, demonstrating how their pup, Angus, hates to be held. Angus is just a cute, happy, miniature version of my parents deceased dog, Harvey. And he has a great "mommy and daddy," too.
Derek and Liz have a beautiful, big swingset behind their apartment, which is almost more like a playground! This time, Gemma loved the tire swing. The first time we took her out was on Friday night as dusk was falling, which is why this photo is so dark. She attempted to go back more than once by herself--she and Angus are both little runaways! (Thankfully, they were both pretty easy to fetch back home!)
After putting the babies to bed, Derek and John went out to watch the Duke game while Liz and I stayed in and watched Pride and Prejudice (Keira Knightly version). It was fun to have some girl time.
After getting up bright and early with the babies, Liz made us a yummy breakfast of eggs, pancakes and fruit and we got ready to head over to a local park for some hotdog roasting and a wee bit of hiking. Gemma got to try her first smore!
But the highlight of the weekend was really Sunday. I had been looking forward to visiting their church for a while, because they're attending the the PCA church where Pastor Hughes, my shepherd throughout college, "retired" to as the assistant pastor.
We felt right at home among our presbyterian brethren, and appreciated how welcoming they are of children into the services. Our girls both did remarkably well, though John took Gemma to the nursery for parts of the sermons. Everyone was so kind to us, and we really liked their head pastor, as well. We celebrated communion with them, had a meal together in the afternoon, and came away just being quite encouraged through the preaching by the love of Christ for us.
It was Easter, but Derek had alerted us that this church ignores the holiday more than most do, so I left Gemma's hat at home this year. It was exciting that she still fits into the little sweater made by Mrs. Kirby, though! In fact, I think she fit it better this year than last.
When I prepared the girls' dresses before leaving home, I couldn't help but reflect on how kindly and abundantly God has provided for us. Gemma was in a little Therese jumper and blouse and Ruthie's dress is by Ralph Lauren . . . and both were given to us. In fact, they were both in hand-made sweaters given to us as well. And the thing is, we could afford to go out to Target and buy them each a new spring dress . . . but we didn't have to. Even the tights, shoes, and hair accessories were given to us!
"I'm three months old!"
Family self-portrait . . . not so great . . . Gemma's braids were on top of her head when we left that morning, but they didn't last long that way. ;)
There's Ruthie's sweater in the background . . . truly precious! And that was our weekend with Derek and Liz. Oh, there was also some candy in a basket involved. ;) We are conscious of how blessed we are to have them stationed near us, and have to try to soak them up for as long as they are so close!
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