Saturday, August 3, 2013

Where the Heart Is

We arrived in Charlotte, NC 5 weeks ago. It's been an exciting, exhausting, emotional time. Moving to a new state with a 3 month old and a toddler has been interesting to say the least. We're still unpacking, but at least it looks like we live here now. I'm so thankful that Vipul had this time off, although I wish it had been more relaxing for him. We spent the first week here in a hotel, waiting for our things to arrive. To say we didn't sleep well would be an understatement. But we've had some really sweet moments as a family that I will always cherish.

We finally arrived at our hotel after a long day of driving

During a trip to our new home (waiting for handyman to come)
Hotel life is getting old
Anlon encouraging Anya during tummy time
Although this isn't much fun either


Playroom in progress

One of my favorite moments
Vipul's practice sent us a gift basket and we enjoyed the "hay" stuffing
Anlon has developed some very special friendships. He would regularly ask to see these friends and would regularly pray for them and their families before bed. I know that in the years to come, he will not likely remember most of these sweet moments. But I always will. Our little friends and their families have had a huge impact on him during this formative time and we're so thankful for them. These are some pictures from our last few weeks in Tampa.

Enjoying lunch with Javen and Malachi - they are a joy and two of Anlon's favorite little people
Moses (Javen and Malachi's brother) and Matias - love these boys and their mamas Whitney and Christa
Austin and Matias make everything fun
Dinner with Austin (with Clint and Betsy :)



These two have had some of the best times together
Anlon and Matias - two peas in a pod
Making cupcakes together
Anya and Mackenzie are just 2 weeks apart

 
We love and miss the Currea family so very much
Anlon and Norah Grace
We think they'll be married one day :)

Enjoying time at the AWANA church dinner

Anya and Jonah are just 3 weeks apart
I think Anya loves Robyn as much as I do - can't say enough about this amazing friend
Anlon and Livy - one of many fun afternoons in our backyard
It was hard to say goodbye to 2 of our favorite friends
Liskula has become very dear to me - we miss her and Liv
Anlon and Jack at Sea World - one of my very favorite pictures
Our last night in our home - the Briggs were so sweet to bring us dinner
Anlon and Jack had fun exploring some of the extra boxes
Carolina's friendship is a blessing beyond words to me
Movers are here - Betsy and Clint opened their home to us for the day and made us a delicious dinner for our last night in Tampa - we are so thankful for them and excited for their baby girl coming soon!!!
Anlon loves Clint!
Aimee was a HUGE help to us as we've adjusted to life with 2 little ones! Anlon and Anya adore her!
Austin's going to be a great big brother to his little sister soon - he's SO sweet with Anya
Anlon and Bennett have known each other since birth - his very first friend
We spent our last night in Tampa at the Cullums' house - a perfect last night
Vipul and Sam with our boys
Amber and I with our girls (before the tears began). She has been like a sister to me
The Waechter, Briggs, Cullum and Currea families planned a wonderful party the weekend before we left. We are so thankful for this very special time spent with dear friends.


Daniel took this one


Amber took this one

I have been blown away by the genuine love of the friends God has given us. We are blessed beyond what we deserve, that is for sure. God is good. SO good. All of the time.