Friends

Friendship is such a blessing.  I'm very thankful for the friends that God has given to me and also to my children.

A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity.  Prov 17:17

Walking through challenges does one of two things - draws us closer to people or pulls us apart.  What a blessing to have friends (and family) that stand with us in our hard times.

One of my favorite passages on trials is from the book of Isaiah.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  Isaiah 43:2

 Good friends laugh with us.  Cry with us.  Listen.  Comfort.  Encourage.  Challenge.  And sometimes they are just downright silly with us!  All are needed and appreciated.

 We have loved getting to know some of Christopher's friends.  Here are two friends from summer project - Alex (who also goes to State) and  Riley - hanging out with Eliana.

 I love how easily they jump into our family and have fun with us.  Its a blessing!

 We all - from the youngest to the oldest - look forward to having Christopher and his friends come over.

 We are also blessed to have many friends that we have known for a long time.  Our sweet friends, who used to be our next-door neighbors, came for a long week-end.  Catherine (the mom) and I have been friends for over 20 years.  Even though they have moved, we all still love being together.  I'm thankful for the friendships that last over the miles.  (Though I do still wish they lived nearby!)

 We spent a day at Pullen Park and I took tons of photos.  I'll not post all of them, but it will probably be a lot.

 We headed over first to ride the paddle boats before the day turned warm.  (This was Oct - yes, I'm still that far behind, but am catching up!)  Eliana and her dolly were ready to go.

 We rented 3 boats and headed out.

 Two people at a time could paddle.

 Up to two more could ride in the back.  Or a small person in the middle.

 We paddled around a small pond.

 Its a much tougher workout than it looks.  And paddling faster doesn't seem to move you as fast as you might think either.

 Kind of like life.  Sometimes just moving along steadily is the best course of action.

 Everyone is having fun!

 All who want to get a turn to paddle.

 Next up was the merry-go-round.

 You're never too old for a merry-go-round, right?

 We ate lunch at the cafe area.  We brought some things and bought some too.  I love that they have gluten free options!  Good ones too!  Ones that are kid friendly!

 Lots of fun on the playground.

 Wonder if there is a limit to how many can fit on this?  LOL

 Fun picture of the girls.

Going up!

 Last ride for the day was the train.

 A visit to Moonberries.  Always a treat!

 These two tickle me.

 I love seeing them play together.  Eliana so enjoys being with Caleb too.

 She happily went to Sunday School without Rebecca or I staying there since she was with Caleb.

 She often asks for him and I do wish that they could play together more often.  

Friends are a blessing.  I'm so very thankful for mine!  (And that includes my wonderful family as well!)

I pray that my children will develop strong friendships and also that their relationships with their siblings/family would always be strong and sure.

May you all be blessed with the gift of friendship,
Leslie