Family at Findlay

Nana & Pappy came with us to church this morning; it was their first time coming to our church with us, and needless to say, they loved it. My mom spent time before and after the service sketching out some of the decor to take back as inspiration for their church at home; Dad took similiar notes on the message, the scripture quotes lining the walls in the foyer, and the welcome center, complete with coffee bar.

Also, I wanted to share today's message with everyone, because it hit home for me in a couple of ways. It's the second message in a series on which we're working. We missed last Sunday while we were out of town, so it was awesome to get back today, and even better to hear this message. I've had to ask for forgiveness more times than I'd like to admit, but I was strongly reminded today that how I react to an issued apology says just as much about me as it does about the person on the other end.

If you have a few minutes, I definitely encourage you to settle in and check it out!

After church, we decided to do lunch and a tour of Findlay Market. In all the times my parents have visited, there's always been some reason or interruption that's deterred us from making a stop by Market. Today, we were determined to enjoy the rest of the gorgeous weather in one of central Cincinnati's best spots.

Not that there was any doubt, but my parents loved it. I took them by Zincinnati, because I really, really wanted a Venus Fly Trap. I have always been fascinated by these things, and today I adopted a little one to bring home. Rob found himself a little cactus and a baby succulent to add to our terrarium.

spiky!

 Our little box of potted happiness :)

succulent. cactus. fly trap

It was a pretty tough call deciding what to eat, but eventually we all decided on separate vendors, and cozied up in a corner stall to eat, chat and people-watch.

tasty!

Outside, we wandered around some more, Mom snagging ideas left and right of things she wanted to do in and around the house. I got 4 out of 5 of us for the group selfie, but given that poor lil Syd was in desperate need of a nap, I'll let this one slide :)

i love these people!

Next time, we're making Heidi and Jonathan come along for the trip. We missed you this weekend, seeeester.

It wasn't long before Mom & Dad had to hit the road home; we all took power naps, and soon she, Rob and I were back outside in the yard moving stuff around and cleaning up. Sydni insisted on a jaunt around on the 4-wheeler, so there was that.... really, we made the best of every bit of sunlight until it was gone.

my mini!

Oh, and guess what.. we're not doin' a thing more today, other than sitting around relaxing until whatever time we want (: We'd originally planned on camping, but after last night's bonfire, poor Syd looks like a connect-the-dot with her little bug bites all over her legs. We're a little spent, too, but it was well-worth it, and tomorrow's the other fishing trip I promised Sydni after her bait line broke yesterday :( [it's Pappy's fault, btw.. haha..]. Poor girl. We'll give it another whirl tomorrow.

For now, I hope you & yours are enjoying the beautiful weather. Let's not forget what tomorrow really means.

xo | cmd