Long Overdue

i figured since we are already half way through the summer it was probably time for an update. the summer thus far has been pretty crazy and unfortunately has not allowed time for updates (okay, i probably could have made time, but i didn't-stop yelling at me).

i have alluded to this before in "a journey", but in my ministry i used to live in this dream world in which i thought if i could make it through (say) the end of a school year then things would let up for the summer...i just laugh about that now. at some point soon (i hope) i'll update "a journey" with some ministry related stuff, but for now just know that this has been and will continue to be a busy summer for us; amazing, but busy!

in the midst of the craziness, we were able to squeeze in a family vacation to one of the most special places i have ever been...THE CABIN. that's it, just THE CABIN. to mention that in the circle of any of my immediate or extended family requires no further explanation or designation. i realize, however, that many of you who are reading may not be familiar with THE CABIN and what makes it so special...first of all, my grandmother has been going to the cabin since she was like 17 so it has been in the family for a little while. when my mom was younger, she and her siblings (as well as tons of cousins) used to basically spend summers there. it is located in this little place called Ware Neck, Virginia which is right outside of Glouchester and not too far from historic Jamestown and Yorktown. it is located at the mouth of the north river (which isn't like a river at all-it looks more like a lake, but it is saltwater and tidal). the north river empties into the mobjack bay which eventually empties into the chesapeake bay. have you seen the tom cruise movie "minority report"? there is a scene near the end of the movie where they end up in this little (lake) house...it's actually not a lake house, rather it is a north river house and is about 200 yards from our cabin. we were there the summer they were shooting and got to watch all of the helicopters and what-not flying around the house while they were filming. pretty cool. all that to say it is a pretty incredible place and i am so thankful that my family gets to enjoy something that has always meant so much to me.

the time with family was wonderful, the weather was beautiful, the kids loved the water...especially gresham. we could not ever get him out. he began to pick up a love of "crabbing" while we were there and spent much of the low tides wading around, net in hand. bailey was able to get out and play as well...and man did it wear her out! we fished, we explored in sea kayaks, of course we had to get our thomas the train time in as well (thank you thomas for making the trip)... we ate amazing meals surrounded by ridiculous numbers of family members, we went to sleep too late and woke up entirely early...the average "first peep" in our room was, say 5:45 or so (we were all crammed into the same room, so when one was up we were all up).

this did mean that we were able to have breakfasts together on the porch (just us) and watch some beautiful cabin sunrises.

while we had to cut the trip a few days short so i could get home and get ready for our first youth trip of the summer, it was so worth the effort it takes to pack up the circus and make the drive...i look forward to (and pray for) many more summers at the cabin.

check back soon for another "at work with dad" post...let me just say for now i could not be more proud of my gresham!