whirlwind trip to RVA!

my aunt Kim (my mom's sister) was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. i've been DYING to get my hands on her and give her a hug. i couldn't take it any longer...and decided to just drop everything, and go. the kids and drove to richmond for a couple days earlier this week.

it was an amazing couple days. we spent an afternoon with my aunt...hugging her, talking and laughing with her...

having a dance party with her!

and praying for her (it was SO fun that my mom happened to be there this week and took some precious pictures!)

we spent the rest of our time with friends. "friends" doesn't even seem like a big enough word. they are all the BEST parts of friends and family all put together.

we stayed at the fogarty's (who have 4 kids that are like cousins to my kids. they just jump right in where they left off! and it was GREAT timing for joshua...since he was missing rebekah big-time...Owen is one of his closest friends.)

this kitchen is one of those places that feels like "home" to me. i've spent so many hours in it...talking...laughing...crying...eating :-)
ali is such a gracious hostess. they had JUST gotten back from vacation and she welcomed me and my crew without hesitation!

and michelle was there, too!! ali, michelle and i met at JMU, have known each other half our lives (!!!) and michelle just moved back to virginia from texas. AND it was her birthday! i was so glad that i could be in town!

spent the next morning at a park with the fogarty's and mcclure's...then spent the afternoon with the ayer's at the pool.

leah and i took 9 kids and somehow kept them all alive while we talked our HEADS OFF.

she is just one of those people that makes you laugh no matter what. she is so easy to be with. and is an amazing listener.

am i blessed or what?!? i came home with such a FULL and happy heart! (which was good...because i got home to NO power at my house. and a sick husband.) but it's all good! i am just overwhelmed with His goodness to me.