Ezra's 12th Birthday

This year, for Ezra’s 12th birthday, he chose an Airbnb getaway instead of a party—my favorite way to celebrate as well. We spent quite some time searching online to find the perfect one, and it ended up being a blessing that it wasn’t too far away, right on Lake Murray.

We chose this one because it had so many amenities that appealed to him.

The boys enjoyed fishing off the dock, although they didn’t have much luck catching anything. 

The kayaks were a favorite way to explore the shoreline around us.

Ezra brought his RC car that works on water and had fun chasing his sister’s boat.

We grabbed dinner at a new local spot that had just opened nearby, and of course, it was burger night for the birthday boy. 

Then it was back “home” for a fire and s’mores.

Shiloh’s method: light the marshmallow completely on fire!

Beach and I enjoyed the warmth of the fire for a while while the kids soaked in the hot tub. 

It was a night full of snuggles and a later bedtime.

The next morning, everyone slept in, which was perfect for a chilly start to the day. Once it warmed up, the boys and I headed out for another round of kayaking, exploring a couple of small, uninhabited islands nearby.

When we got back, Ezra was brave enough to jump in the water. I made him wear a life preserver since it was only in the 60s outside and the water was even colder. I didn’t want him going into shock.

He was quick to get out, and it was definitely a one-time thing.

The afternoon was slow and relaxing, filled with snacks, sunshine, fishing, and reading. The girls also enjoyed some time out kayaking before we wrapped up the day....

(found some fun selfies on my phone)

 with dinner at a delicious lakeside restaurant right around the corner.

When we got back, we were greeted with such a beautiful sunset. We spent some more time outside, playing a little frisbee and soaking it all in.

With that kind of backdrop, we had to take some pictures. We got some really cute ones together, and the girls captured a few sweet ones as well.

It turned into another perfect night for a bonfire: more s’mores, more laughs, and just enjoying the time together.

The next morning, we slept in a bit, packed up, and said goodbye to our “home” and all the fun it had held. 

I loved getting to celebrate my favorite, amazing, sweet, thoughtful, adventure-loving 12-year-old, Ezra, and was so thankful for the beautiful weather that allowed us to celebrate in the best way.

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We still had a little more celebrating to do for our little bro. His actual birthday fell on a Sunday this year, and he got to open one gift before church.

Once we were back home, we had a belated breakfast. Ezra requested one of the large pancakes Beach makes. 

After that, he opened a few more gifts.

Pickle chips from his sister, Zoe!

More treasures from his sister...

and parents.

We then headed to my parents’ house for lunch, where he had even more love and gifts waiting for him.

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Ezra’s last gift was hand-delivered by Grandpa—an awesome car card, a DeLorean.

It was the same type of car Glenn had actually put together in his younger years, and he even had a picture to prove it.

Ezra was also given a fun antique Mr. Peanut pen that had been in the family for some time, which they both seemed to really enjoy.

It was such a joy to celebrate Ezra in a way that felt so perfectly like him—full of adventure, curiosity, and fun. We are so thankful for the gift he is to our family.

Passover Seder

One of the things I really wanted to do this year was celebrate Seder. It is something I usually remember after the time has already passed, since it falls during such a busy season with so many birthdays and Easter. This year was no exception, with business and even more unplanned work responsibilities added in.

Still, my family stepped in in a big way to help bring it all together so we could celebrate. I love the symbolism of it all and how God designed it with such depth and intention. We are called to remember, and there are so many helpful resources available that walk through how to observe it.

We have celebrated with family a couple of times in the past, but the kids were much younger then. It was special to experience it now with a deeper understanding, especially seeing the connections between the Old and New Testament and how Jesus is the fulfillment of it all.

Our tablecloth was a special heirloom that my grandmother, who passed many years ago, had brought back from Israel. She loved the Holy Land so much and had traveled there many times over the years.

Mom started us off, and Danielle graciously led us through the readings, explaining each part along the way.

“Why is this night different from all other nights?”

Josiah did amazing through the entire experience, and it was such a gift to have them there celebrating with us.

It is amazing how God engages all of the senses in such a powerful way. We each had a plate and walked through the different steps together. I was so thankful for the family who came together to help make it happen.

The bitter herbs, horseradish, definitely caught Lydia by surprise.

Finding the Maza bread...

It was a beautiful time together and such a gift. I hope we can make this a yearly tradition. I would love to prepare my heart more intentionally and go even deeper in the years to come.
“Next year in Jerusalem.”

A Sweet Sixteen, Just Like Zoe

  We went through several ideas on how to celebrate our sweet oldest daughter, Zoe’s 16th birthday. She is such a kind soul and more of a one-on-one kind of girl, so we chose to celebrate her through a series of smaller, meaningful moments (perhaps even more to come). First up, we grabbed lunch and headed to the mall with one of her best friends!

They looked so cute in their matching T-shirts.

We found some great clearance deals, and they humored me by giving the bunny mascot a hug.

Fully embracing my paparazzi role, whether they like it or not.

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We had a mini celebration over lunch at my parents’ house. My mom is such a servant, and even with a hurt leg, she was still willing to host us so graciously.

Zoe has always loved the handmade cards.

She really appreciates flowers, so this dried bouquet was a nice surprise.

Mom finally taking some time to rest her leg.

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 Zoe’s actual birthday fell on a Wednesday, and Beach made her requested breakfast, a bagel sandwich.

After school, she opened her gifts from her siblings and parents.

All the good, non-toxic scents!

A nostalgic gift.

One of her most requested gifts was Spotify Premium.

And as a surprise, she got her own set of keys to the car.

That evening, we celebrated with a fun cotton candy cake.

A unique and different way to celebrate our girl.

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Zoe loves the Fuse youth group and didn’t want to miss it. When she got there, a friend surprised her with gifts, and I surprised them both by whipping out my camera.

While I was once nervous about raising teenagers and all that comes with it, seeing Zoe now is such a joy. She has such a tender, empathetic heart and carries a light and boldness that draws others in. Her deep love for Jesus and the way she worships Him so freely is something so special to witness. She is also simply so fun to be with, and I genuinely enjoy spending time with her. I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming and so thankful that I get to be her momma. It is one of my greatest gifts.