Unity

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:4-6

Eleven years ago today, we embarked on this crazy journey of life together. Handheld microphones shaking and tears streaming down our faces, we took our first step in unity as husband and wife. Aaron, thank you for choosing me.

St. Augustine, Florida

We loved the Castillo de San Marcos! It was built in the late 1600s and never conquered even when the the city of St. Augustine was burned.

Practicing for the Solomon Islands

Eating at the Santa Maria is one of our favorite family traditions. You can feed the fish and the birds from a trapdoor next to your table!

Savannah, Georgia

We got to spend some time with Uncle Nathan and Aunt Kenda in Savannah, and they took us to a lovely park!

The big kids enjoyed playing "flush freeze tag" with the little kids.

I took this picture while lying on my back. If you look closely, you can see that Katherine has sprouted three new teeth in the last four weeks!

After we played at the park, we went to downtown Savannah for birthday ice cream. Olivia even got free sprinkles since it was her special day.

The birthday girl was "all tuckered out" after her long day of playing. My budding photographer, Benjamin, took this picture.

After her nap, Olivia helped make her birthday cake.

And she helped eat it!

Thanks to all of you who wished Olivia a happy birthday - she enjoyed a great day (and now Sarah is counting down the days until her birthday!).

The Many Faces of Olivia

Today we are celebrating five years of knowing and loving Olivia. I am so thankful that God gave us this spunky, smart, and strong willed girl. Can't wait to see how He uses her as she grows! I don't have access to her baby pictures right now, but here's a quick trip down memory lane:

This morning after breakfast

February 2008

January 2008

December 2007

October 2007

August 2007 (picking & eating blackberries at Grandpa and Grandma's)

July 2007

April 2007

January 2007 (a common pose - Tata and book in hand)

December 2006

October 2006

January 2006

Albany, Georgia

Yesterday, the boys helped clean up the yard...

...while the girls made some lovely refreshments.

Today we were honored to have a few minutes to share with the college and children's ministries at Sherwood Baptist Church. What a sweet time we enjoyed worshipping together with friends and partners in the ministry!

Katherine makes yet another new buddy.

Cartersville, Georgia

Last night, we got to share with Cassville Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia. We stayed with friends from college, and the total in the house is four adults and eight kids (eight and under!).

We've had a blast in the pool!

Dad show 'em how it's done!