Long time, no see.

My very best friend from high school, Lisa (Gentry) Kephart, made a rare trip home to Thomasville from Holland, Michigan where she and her husband and three children live and serve. Her family in Thomasville (Momma, Cathy and Dad, Dan) were gracious enough to sacrifice an entire day of their time with Lisa so that she and I could spend the day together, hanging out with our kids in the morning, catching up on our lives during their afternoon naps, and then a little child-less Mom's night out with dinner and Starbuck's coffee at Barnes and Noble that evening. It was great. We didn't make plans, we just let the day and the events of the day come about without a schedule to stick to or places to be. Lisa is such a true, devoted, heart friend. I have been blessed throughout the phases and seasons of my life to have some of the dearest women to walk through those times with. Some of those friends have been specifically for that season and due to various reasons, our interests and places in life have taken us different ways. I am grateful for them and know that God used them to help make me who I am. But there are a couple of other friends that, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that nothing will impact our desire and dedication to walk through the rest of our lives together...whether we live close or not, before we had kids, with one child or four, or the day when we are old and gray with grandchildren to spoil, we'll be sharing our stories, giving/receiving advice and encouragement, laughing and crying through the triumps and setbacks. All that to say, Lisa is one of those women. She just gets me...knows how I tick. Even before I could have known it, God gave me such an amazing gift in her friendship. One I don't have to work for or put on airs or create conversation...just a natural, easy blessing. And then there's her precious family. Her two eldest children, daughters Bella (5) and Selah (2), got to stay behind with their grandmother, Daddy Micah's mom, so only little Caedmon came along. It was Olivia's and my first opportunity to meet him--what a sweetheart. Never heard him cry, fuss, complain, and boy is he handsome! Here are some pics from our walk around the Gentry property. What a fun morning. Thanks for sharing it with us Lisa. We look forward to seeing you again at Christmas, hopefully.



Taking a walk/ride around the Gentry property.




Newfound friends



Olivia's always happy with a snack in hand.



Olivia decides she might like a kiss from Caedmon.



Moving in on her unsuspecting victim.



Caedmon never even had a chance.



Can you blame her, though? These blue eyes make him pretty irresistable. At least she's got good taste :)


Thanks, Leese and Caedmon, for a wonderful day! Let's do it again soon!