A Simple Little Update

We have not posted in awhile, not because of a lack of desire, but simply because of a load of life that has consumed us all from a multitude of various directions. School, weddings, church, little girls that need tons of attention, volleyball, homework, chores, appointments... well, just plain life. It's all so good, and we're all so happy and grateful.

Victoria was able to spend some sweet time with Meagan on Saturday for a few hours because she flew back from Colorado and landed in Oakland to pick up her car at our house before she drove south to San Luis Obispo. Saturday was the last she'll see of Austin until just a day or two before the wedding. I know they're already missing each other so much.

Our little Annie-girl surprised me on Saturday by driving all the way up with her boyfriend, Brian, to see us for 24 hours. When she walked through the front door at about 10:00 p.m. and I turned my head while taking a little rest on the couch, I couldn't believe it was her. I literally took a double-take. She casually said with a brightened smile, "Hi Daddy!" And then I yelled, "Aaaannniee!" Victoria was on to it the whole time. What a special treat that was. Of course, the girls and Barret were thrilled to see her as well. Annie's our household court-jester, so whenever she's around the house just seems to brighten up a bit. Willow absolutely adores Brian; in fact, when I got her out of her crib on Sunday morning the first words out of her mouth were, "Whyran, Whyran". Pretty cute, although I think Annie's a little bit of a jealous-bug (only in jest). Later in the day on Sunday we hugged Annie and tried to hold back a few tears from one another, just because we love each other so much. Walking into my bathroom last night I noticed that Annie left me a little Post-It Note on my mirror telling me how much she loved me. I then noticed she left one for Barret and Victoria on their mirrors too, as well as one for the girls. We were all beaming.

There's less than four weeks to go before Austin & Meagan are married. It feels very surreal to Victoria and me. The excitement is building with each passing day. I'm going to try to get out to Colorado to see Austin alone one last time before he "leaves & cleaves". I hope to share some parting words of wisdom with him and give him the last of what I have for now.

Warmly in Christ,

Tom (& Victoria)