Weekend: Baby Dedication and More

      This weekend, Aunt Ellen came to town, partially for work, partially for fun.  It was great to have extra hands for the weekend and be able to see her ever-growing baby bump - so excited for April!  On Saturday, we went to a birthday party hosted by my dear friend, Courtney, for her son.  It was a Thomas the Train party, and it was adorable.  (You can read more about it on her blog, as well as the other parties she threw this weekend, all while preggo with #4.  Simply amazing.)






There was a trackless train that took the kids and adults on rides up and down the street.  So fun!   There was fun coloring, or as Bella saw it - a great chance to throw crayons down and say, "Uh Oh."



The bounce house proved to be quite a hit for Bella.  She was borderline delirious with excitement.




After all that fun, we ate dinner at Big Orange.  The girls loved having John play with them by the fountain while we waited.



On Sunday morning, we had the privilege of dedicating Bella at our church, and as it turns out, two other couples from our community group were dedicating babies at the same time.  It really is amazing to stand before our church body and see so many people who are invested in our lives and the lives of our children.  I hope and pray that Bella comes to know the Lord at an early age and that God continues to provide wisdom and guidance for us as her parents.  We sure need it.



After church, we headed to Cracker Barrel for lunch.  Here is our post dedication picture.

Then, the girls got into the rocking chairs, which proved to be more delightful than one might imagine.






The weather was mostly gorgeous, I completed my final long run before running the half marathon next weekend and attended a baby shower, to boot.  It was quite a full weekend.  The pictures in the rocking chairs are such a treasure to me.  They remind me to stop and enjoy the simple things, like rocking chairs that are for sale on the porch of Cracker Barrel.  I am usually headed from Point A to Point B, and I am thankful that the girls wanted to stop and that it became such a thrilling fun moment for us all because of it.
      I want to make sure to see these moments and revel in the gratitude that I feel because of them.  I want to learn to turn more things back into praise for the One who made it all.  Thanks be to God.