Beginning to Say Goodbye

For the past 10 days, we have had the privilege of having our sweet friends, Cephas and Biba, from Africa stay in our home.

We have "done life" together for almost two weeks (day in & day out), not counting the week we were serving in country on mission at the end of July.  Its been a journey that I will consider once in a lifetime; I will not forget.

Today, my eyes are swollen from crying as I think about them returning to Africa very soon. Although, their work with the Songhai people is a must to see the Kingdom expand.  They are an important piece of the ministry, and I need to quit being selfish and see the big picture, His picture.

Until then, I will soon gather my thoughts and share what I have learned, experienced, and how my entire family has grown.  

But for right now, I have a two year old little boy asking where his friends are tonight.  

It breaks my heart.  As he ran to upstairs to look for Cephas and Biba, I tried to explain that they had to leave to visit our friends and that we needed to share.

"Why?" he said, "Cephas and Biba home here, my house."

 

Oh yes, sweet boy, this will always be a home with an open door awaiting their return someday.   

Praying its sooner rather than later. 

5th Birthday Par -"Tee"

Layton's 5th Birthday Party was a golf theme (picked by him!)

And also a swim party!

Since it was at the country club pool, decorations had to get creative!  

But I think that a few banners, a chalkboard, pom poms and a cute cake made it perfect for my FIVE year old:)

But the main attraction wasn't the cake, it was the POOL!

And this is how 5 year olds party....JUMPING off the diving board!

The birthday boy could not be outdone....he had a few moves of his own!

backwards....

and flying high:)

In the 5 years since Layton was born we have MELTED at every party! It is usually 1000 degrees in the middle of August.  But this year we were blessed with 70 degree weather, it was perfect!!!!!

The girls (Mommies)

Present time! 

Everyone else sit and ate pizza while he opened presents. 

Lot of "ohhhs!" and "awwws!"

Then it was time to blow out the candles. 

I have to say, this is always the time where my heart gets a little sappy. 

I can just see all of the years flash before me....all the cakes, candles, and birthdays.....

and then here we are.......

Birthday # 5!

It seems like just yesterday.

So thankful for this sweet boy!  

As the party continued, some of the "littles" decided it was time run!

Mady and Luke decided to run and streak!  

How cute are their little bottoms!?!? 

.....and some of the moms and dads started playing a pick up game of baseball too!

The party people!

Friends, 

and family.....

all there to celebrate our birthday boy!

Feeling so blessed, then....

and now!

Happy Birthday, Layton!

Hope you enjoyed your special day:)