I'm not using the term "catch up" anymore. Too cumbersome and weighty for someone (me) who often feels I'll never catch up with all I hope to do. I'm dabbling my toes in the beauty of "no regrets"...one of those terms I like to shun because it's so cliche, but the phrase does hold some treasure especially in my re-working of blog vision. (See "Winds of Change" post below) And so, these stories aren't catching up to anything. They're standing alone as simple and beautiful memory. Filling in holes of life that would have been forgotten.
Too much beauty and fun to be lost forever in the dregs of our unorganized (thousands-strong) Picasa picture files :-)
Hailing in from April, 2012! (Almost 1 year ago!)
Some Boston came to visit us in Philly. We had a bright and mild enough evening to do this
And THIS with cousin LOVES!
What a thrill to share an antique car adventure with Evan and Julia!
Thanks Mom!
Getting so big! The eldest of the entire Ray cousin crew. Evan :-)
Grandpa joined the fray at the dogwood tree helping S feel a part of it all.
And in the morning, with smoothies in hand, Michaela and Julia had braids lovingly crafted by Liane.
So much love, Rays!
And I will also take this opportunity to revel in the memory of Provision. For quick context, we lived a fairly isolated life during our season residing with my parents in the suburbs of Philly. The reasons (for mild isolation) were many-strong and ranged from indifference, to indecision, to inability. Our years there included life on a 3rd floor with toddlers and infants....pregnancy, grad-school, sharing living space, and an extended season of physical and emotional weakness for our family. We had few relationships that were sustainable, but as I look back at those few...I'm amazed. Our kind, relationship-obsessed Lord really did provide for us. For me, for Andrew, and for our kids. We were a part of a quasi small group for the last two years in Philly and the two other families we shared meals and chat with brought such depth of sparkle to our little lives. Here are some memories.
Four Buds
Fellow Nature and picnic lovers
Dearies
Imaginations in action...doctor's office waiting room
Dr. Barnes
"OK...let me just check your reflexes"
Our small group gatherings sometimes found us in our back yard...with good food and good greenery and good fun. When this small group started we had three babes in arms (all born within 3 months of each other, 1 baby per family). As all the kids (8 total) grew, their dynamics changed, but I would say their love grew. This particular evening was one of our last and there was a lot of love happening.
The lovely ladies
The lovely mommies
Group hug
Group dash
Group ice cream picnic
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