blessed by friends

Since the start of summer, we have been blessed with several opportunities to get together with our friends from church. 2nd Annual Young Couples Cookout at our house in June, Lunch at Chuck E Cheese with Chicago friends, a cookout in July at the Kim's to meet precious Baby Griffin, and a wedding for Mike and Ericka...each time we get together a great time is to be had!

The cool thing about this group is that even as things change and couples move on to different cities, different states, different jobs and even different Sunday School classes we always come back together for more great memories. Thanks to each of you for your friendship; Clay and I feel so blessed to be able to have you as a part of our lives. 

This is my friend, Susie. She is awesome! She drives to work everyday in downtown Minne. She earns extra kudos from me on that note alone. :) See this post and the comments for explanation.

Cooper loves Mr. Mike (Mr. Mike belongs to Mrs. Susie above). All is cool when Mr. Mike is around..."especially when Mr. Mike shares his watermelon with me!"

Where do you go out to eat for lunch with friends that you actually want to be able to carry on a 3 1/2 minute discussion with without interruption from a 3 year old, a 1 1/2 year old, an 8 month old and a 4 week old? That would be Chuck E Cheese! If you're lucky, you might can even get in a 7 minute conversation! ;)

(That actually depends on if your 8 1/2 month old plans his poops to come at the same time and not in between the 4 week old's feedings and sleepy cries, the 3 1/2 year olds trips back and forth to the table to get more Chuck E Cheese tokens for games and the 1 1/2 year olds attempt at trying everything in the play area while carrying around a slice of pizza.)

Jonathan and Lauren, we miss you guys! Hope Chicago is good to you this summer; we'll look forward to seeing ya'll in August for State Fair Food! Yea!

Guys from our Sunday School Class

Summer Cookout at our place - June 2011

Our Small Group at Mike and Ericka's wedding

Congratulations Mike and Ericka! We are so happy for ya'll! It was an honor to attend your beautiful wedding and reception; thank you for including us. Here's to a lifetime of happiness with our spouses and with our dear friends and to "letting our conversations always be full of grace."

You two should have no problem adjusting to married life after seeing and hearing all of our veteran tales these last several months (how to respond when both of you are determined to fold towels a certain--and very different--way, why to stay away from railings on a cruise ship...especially when you're on your honeymoon, and so much more...I'm sure the experience has been more than you ever bargained for! ha! jk...but in all seriousness, at least you know you've got all areas covered if you ever need advice on marriage, kids...that is, if you were crazy enough to ask anyone of us for it. ;)

We love ya'll and wish you the best! Remember to cherish the everyday moments...and to document it.