Wordless Wednesday: One of My Favorite Things

What Happened in Vegas...

...was good clean fun :)

Stephen and I decided to take one last vacation before school starts back up for him next week. We saved up to do something nice because it will be a while before this happens again - not much time off in the next three years of med school!

So off to Vegas we went! Kids went with my parents and we had three days and nights in Vegas all to ourselves.

NOTE TO ALL PARENTS: It is good for your marriage to have time with just the two of you. VERY good for your marriage. Whether it is a regular date night or a getaway, take time for yourselves.

Back to Vegas...

We had good food, starting with sandwiches at 'wichcraft (MGM Grand)...

then we headed out in the heat - dry heat, a nice change - to check out the Strip...

In the evening, we headed to the Bellagio (so exciting for me!) where we enjoyed delicious gelato...

and watched the AMAZING fountains (more on that later)...

A stop at the M&M store was a must...

Yummy food continued the next night with the Burger Bar (Mandalay Bay)...

before taking in...

I was so overwhelmed with this experience. I had been wanting to see it for FOREVER and it did not disappoint one bit. I was crying within the first thirty seconds - it was beautiful...

I think we were a little goofy from the heat. But I love this picture...

A lot of time was spent in or by the water, especially the lazy river. It was glorious. When I go swimming, I want the weather to be HOT and Vegas did not let me down one bit! I couldn't get Stephen out of the lazy river except for a drink...

Our yummy meals concluded with a visit to a Brazilian steakhouse...

As one friend put it, it is a "carnivore's dream." We each had the meat rodizio - ten different meats brought to your table on these large skewers and freshly sliced at your table. All you can eat. And boy did we eat. Look how happy we are after eating there...

We had so much fun. And we got to relax and enjoy each other's company. We got to reconnect before another busy year begins. We got to be husband and wife, not just mom and dad. And I am SO grateful for that time.

And when it was all over, we were excited to see the boys. And that was a really good feeling too.

Thanks for a fabulous trip honey. Let's do it again soon - but somewhere cheaper, of course.

After six years, I'm still having a blast. I love you.

My apologies...

I know I promised an awesome giveaway for this Friday, but it will have to wait until next Friday. I apologize, but it will be worth the wait - in my opinion at least.

Handling a giveaway just did not line up with my plans to lay by the pool all day...

Wordless Wednesday

Look Who's Walking Now!

And he's off!

Way to go little J!

Bye bye adorable, chubby baby fat :(

(In)Courage: Encouragement

This is a repost from a previous blog hop but it is in honor of the launch of (in)courage - a new site that is described like this...

When we asked ourselves what kind of place we were building, we finally came to see it as a bit like a beach house. You can put your sandy, dirty feet on the coffee table, laugh late into the night with friends, and also hear God’s voice clearer than perhaps anywhere else. Life just feels more vibrant and real, as if you’ve stumbled upon a glimpse of heaven and it’s nothing like you ever imagined but everything you’d always hoped.

Doesn't that sound like a wonderful community to connect with? I thought so. Check it out - I think I could spend hours there!

And now for my encouragement...

Both of our boys are named for Bible verses that are very powerful and encouraging to us - and they were especially so around the times they were born.

These verses stick with me day in and day out because they speak volumes about the faithfulness and love of God. He has good - no, AMAZING - plans for ALL of our lives and He is with us every single step along the way. We have nothing to fear because He is by our side.

Thank you Lord for these boys, who are a daily reminder of just how great You are.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

Blog Hop: Favorite Photos

It's Blog Hop time again! I've really come to look forward to these days!

And this week's topic is "Favorite Photos." To join in the fun or check out some others, click on the links below!

I could pick out many favorite photos of my kiddos, but I went a different route today.

At the county fair last week, there were a bunch of antique tractors that Jeremiah just loved.

I loved them too, but not to ride on. I thought they were perfect to photograph - great colors and they don't move!

Here's a look at a few of my favorites. And I saved the best (in my opinion) for last!

And my favorite...