It was an incredible blessing to us to have, not only one, but TWO families come down for a visit last week. Both the Tongens and the Reids were in Home Group with us when we lived in Virginia. We were more than excited to get one-on-one time with each of these dear families. Even though we have seen them a few times during the last two and a half years, we were alsways just passing through and never able to have long quality time with them. It was just so great to get a whole day with each of them.
The Tongens drove through the night and got here Monday morning. We had a fun time catching up throughout the day and letter the 3 Tongen boys and 3 Noll girls play together. All six children even napped (or in Noa’s case, had quiet time – I think she was too excited to sleep) at the same time, giving Megan and I uninterrupted time to chat while Eric was in class and Anthony did some work. What a treat!
Gloria and Sam (reminds me of photos we have of Noa and Paul who were born only 10 days apart. These two are three and a half months apart).
The four bigger kids: Micah, Noa, Paul, and Martha
Can you tell how hot and humid it is here by the rosy cheeks and soggy blond heads?
A delicious dinner of Thai food with these fun friends. I find it slightly amazing that we had 6 kids 5 and under out to eat and had an wonderfully pleasant meal. God is good and he made this day so special!
On Tuesday (which is normally Eric’s homework/work day) we headed down to Anna Maria Island where the Reid family was staying for the week. Again, it was an incredibly special day and I just praise God for working out the details and making it possible.
Eric loved the time with some of our favorite kids. The Reid kids have always given Eric a run for his money as far as activities and competitions go. Here he is boogie boarding with Micah.
Martha and Canon became fast friends and stayed very busy in the sand.
Jay with Noa and Canon
Brooke with all the bundled-up babes. I’m lovin’ the “cheeeeeeese”.
They showed us how they feed the seagulls. Faith and Micah both held up bread and let the birds eat out of their hands! Noa and Martha loved watching and I was impressed that my normally timid daughters were right there with everyone, throwing up food to the hovering gulls.
Group Photo:
Noa, Eric, Martha, Jay, Faith, Canon, Nate, Brooke, and Micah. Josh, Gloria, and I are missing from this one 
It was such a great day with these good friends and retreat for us to get away from the business of life for a bit. It was also fun to realize that this is another bonus of living in Florida: people vacation in Florida so hopefully we’ll get time again with these special families and any other friends who are headed down here.
Don’t you want to come to Florida?
Absolutely….Florida is gorgeous this time of year! I am blessed and live on Anna Maria Island all year long. If you need any additional visitor information let me know!
I am SO thankful for the time we had together! You are not only an outstanding mom, on-top-of-things homemaker and precious friend, but you are also a great photographer, Sara-Beth! Well done. Paul, in the meantime, is telling people in FL that his best friend is a girl: Noa Noll.
That.looks.fun!
oh wow, what a vacation! you guys are lucky when you put it like that =)