Blessed by the Bells

On Friday evening, Jared, JJ and I had the awesome privilege of spending an evening with our dear friends the Bells. I actually first knew Julie when she roomed with my older sister, Kristen, their freshman year of college (20 years ago!!). Then Jared knew them as Jeremy was the Youth Pastor at our church when Jared was in college and after college as Jared came home and volunteered with the youth. Jeremy officiated at our wedding and did our pre-marital counseling. Incidentally, they were instrumental in connecting us with the ministry in Hungary through Campus Crusade. It was Jeremy who asked Zach & Julie to come to the youth group at our church. They have four beautiful children that we adore: Eli, Ethan, Rachel and Micah. They are such a great family. We had so much fun laughing and picking Jeremy and Julie's brains about balancing ministry and family life...they are a treasure to us. We love you all!!

JJ "livin' it up" with the women (l-r Eli, Rachel and Julie)

Ethan making JJ laugh!! (we tried to get a video of it, but he didn't laugh:-/)

Close cousins

My sister, Kristen, gave her Sit-n-stand stroller to my brother-in-law, Jason and his wife, Maribel who are expecting their second. JJ, James, Jared and I tested it out on the beautiful day that was my birthday...It seems like I'm keeping my camera really close these days because each of these times is so precious...

Ever-the-ham, James wanted to wear JJ's hat (which used to be his, does he remember??) and just stuck that tongue out as I was taking the picture.

OKAY, even the impartial eye says, "SO CUTE!!"

Just one of many sweet moments between these two during this walk. JJ adores his big cousin and we think it's mutual as James would lean down and kiss JJ and we would find JJ gazing up at James...we hope that they grow up feeling more like brothers than cousins...

Bible Study friends

One of so many treasures on this support-raising journey is the sweet Bible Study group that I have been blessed to be a part of...I have learned so much from and grown through these friendships!! I hope we can rendezvous in Florida soon!

JJ and his buddy Joel were getting re-aquainted.

Leah and Aidan (sorry for the sideways), two Bible Study kids, running around together

Classic moment of getting four of us(we are missing Rebecca) with the kids, ALL past their bedtime!! Somehow I managed to look at the camera...