Saturday, July 13, 2013

looking back

Oh what an eventful five weeks it has been for us.
Our memories of all the excitement are 
comforting us now as we reminisce about it all.

On June 3rd the Talstras arrived from Cambodia and promptly 
went to Virginia leaving us with Cedar for 10 fun days . . . 


When the Tastras returned we had 2 weeks of fun and frolic
along with visits from Blaine, Lindsay, Seth, and Tracy . . . 




Next we borrowed a van from Jim's brother and headed 
to Atlanta for a wonderful wedding weekend . . .  


In Atlanta Benjamin James married Lindsay Marie 
and we now have a new family member . . . 


{cheesy I know - just couldn't resist}



Next - on to the Leisure House in rainy Florida for six days . . .








Now - everyone has returned to their homes in
Brockport, Phnom Penh (via British Columbia), Philadelphia, Burlington, and Rochester.

We thank god for the blessing of family.


Post Script . . . 
A thought from one of my friends . . . 

"The let down after they go back to their homes and jobs is tremendous but then you realize that you could never keep up that pace day in and day out.  The quiet that you hear in the house is both sad but also restful.  You know that it would be nice if they lived closer but when you see their happy faces, you know they are where they should be at this time in their lives." CB


12 comments:

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Wonderful photos of very dear family enjoying each other and special occasions. :)

Christine said...

The pictures are just wonderful (I was sad when I came to the end).
My heart goes out to you.
Seeing those grand babies leave....ohhh...sigh! And your daughter, too.
You have been so busy entertaining and playing. I think you need a nap. At least, that's what I would do.

lindsey said...

Oh my goodness you have had a wonderful time, your photo's show exactly just what fun you have all had. With having part of our family living across the oceans I know only too well how important these times are. May God bless you as you rest and remember :)

Pokey said...

How precious the time is spent with your loved ones, especially those grandbabies oveseas! I know it was tough saying goodbye ~
:-}pokey

Kris said...

Oh boy, what wonderful photos of your beautiful family. That one of Cedar with is Grandpa makes my heart swoon!!! Those gorgeous red headed babies are precious. I bet you had a ball!!! And the insightful words of your friend at the end of this post, were spot on!!!
xo Kris

Betsy Brock said...

all fun, wonderful stuff!

and I love the post script...that is just so true!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Awww ... I love the moods you've captured in your photos. Sweet family time.

Crickit said...

What a wonderful 5 weeks you all had together! Oh the fun times with family being together!

My youngest just bought a house and moved out. I really love what your friend wrote at the end of your post. Thank you! :)

amanda + daniel said...

It was a summer of sweet memories, that's for sure!

Hannah Smith said...

Your friend's quote brought tears to my eyes. So glad you got to have so much family time this summer. Life is certainly a bittersweet symphony. Love to you both!
Hannah (Smith)

Just a little something from Judy said...

What a joy it was for me to step into your last few weeks. I know in my heart how much you must have loved having them all with you. The pictures are so good! I like the one of you and your son dancing. Your dress is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing all the pictures, and for leaving us with the quote at the end. I have experienced that many times, and it is most true.

Beth said...

Thanks for sharing your summer with us. I'm sure you are a little let down...but a peaceful, quiet house is another kind of happy home, right?