playing outside!

Jarrod and I have been enjoying this BEAUTIFUL weather! Yesterday was my last day of classes for the semester, and so we celebrated with a picnic at a nearby park. It was a relaxing afternoon laying in the shade, exploring the park, and even playing some frisbee. I LOVE having a built-in playmate all the time! :) That evening, I watched and cheered for Jarrod as he played for Trinity Presbyterian in the church softball league. I was proud of him as he played catcher for the first time, even getting his opponent out at home plate while the other team was trying to score. He played hard, hit the ball well, and scored a run for his team! It was a fun evening at the ballpark - and we are looking forward to many more games!

a little cake and ice cream

This weekend Jarrod and I enjoyed traveling to visit family once again to celebrate some birthdays. On Saturday, after Jarrod's long day at work, we headed to Staunton to meet his family at Gypsy Hill Park and celebrate Teresa's milestone birthday.We had a fun picnic and ate lots of yummy food... and of course, cake and ice cream! It was nice to catch up with everyone in person, and Jarrod had an especially good time talking and reminiscing with his grandfather.

Afterwards, we headed to my parents' house to celebrate my dad's birthday with him... and eat more cake and ice cream. :) We enjoyed each others' company as we played a game and conversed around the dinner table. We are thankful for these opportunities to gather together with family and celebrate life. Our time together is precious, and we are glad for every moment we get. The Lord has so richly blessed us with incredible family to share this journey with!

Now we are back to the daily grind: I continue to count down the days of the semester, working on papers and presentations, while Jarrod works hard at the post office and substitute teaching in schools around Charlottesville. While we are uncertain of what the future holds for us, we are enjoying living each day together and sharing it with the friends and family close by!

A time to relax...

This past Saturday Stephanie and I had the pleasure of having some family come down to Charlottesville. These pictures are from our time with Peter, Denise, Stephen, and Christiana at a local park. Soccer, Frisbee, Wiffle ball, basketball, swings- a wonderful time for more bonding while having fun in the sun.

That evening we came back to our apartment and had a good time fighting pirates and building settlements during our rousing game of 'Catan'. Thanks Denise and Peter for driving down and making our weekend that much more exciting! :)

"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

shout out to the potluckers

Jarrod and I are fortunate to have an amazing group of friends (mostly from high school, and their fun spouses) that continue to stay connected and meet every week for a potluck at one of their homes. Every once in a while Jarrod and I are able to drive to Harrisonburg for a group get-together and enjoy the company of these long-time friends that we hold so dear. While we miss those friends that are far away, we are fortunate to have so many of them still living close by and thoroughly enjoy taking advantage of the time we have together. We don't know where the future will take each one of us... but we are confident in the bond we have found in Christ alone that ours is a friendship that will last forever.

On a side note...

dare to be different. ;)