Showering Courtney

While Courtney was in town for Shepherd's Conference our family decided it would be a good time to shower her with love, blessings and gifts for baby Noah!

Caitie Wade graciously opened her home and Missy, Mollie and Monika put on an amazing afternoon tea complete with scones, sandwiches, fruit and cupcakes. 

Courtney's dear friend and mentor, Melissa Norton, gave such a thoughtful and loving devotional. As a mom with two, I really appreciated all her words of wisdom and I know Courtney did too. It was also an afternoon for Court to catch up with some of her old small group gals and friends from high school staff at Grace Church.

Here's some pictures of the afternoon.

Praying many many blessings on the last days of your pregnancy, Courtney! We love you so much and count ourselves privileged that we had the opportunity to love on you while you were home. We can't WAIT for little Noah Vincent to make his debut.

Cousin trip to the beach!

My girls and I were invited to a day at the beach house by Aunt Monika's parents. Moni asked me if I thought we could carpool and while I wasn't sure if all the car seats would fit, I thought we could give it a try. Low and behold, they did! We were curious as to how this would go with them all crammed next to each other and much to us moms' delight, they slept the whole way there!

God gave us an incredible, warm day. This house literally sits right on the ocean front. We could watch the surfers ride their waves and the tide go in and out.

We had such a great time being outside on such a beautiful day and I think I can speak for all of us when I say it was nice to get out of Santa Clarita to enjoy some different scenery. Aunt Monika helped Reese deck out in some pretty fun jewelry that Mary (Monika's mom) had.

She's already our little Diva!

After all 3 girls went down for their nap, us moms got some great r&r time which included a good dose of vitamin D.

These are the moments where I love being a stay-at-home mom! Monika and I were feeling a little guilty that our husbands couldn't enjoy a day like this too but then we were reminded of our duties when these two gals decided to wake up at the same time. Back to reality!

Hayden looking a little concerned and 

Allie doing her best to comfort cousin!

Pretty soon this 5 month gap won't even be recognizable. 

Hayden 1 mo, Allie 6 mo.

I didn't get a picture of it but Gregg and Mary made us an amazing steak salad lunch complete with shallots, avocado, roasted red peppers, artichokes, parmesan cheese and goat cheese. So yum!

Over the years that Monika and I have been family...ie...marrying Mehringer boys, I've come to know and love her parents as if they're my family too. It was great to be together again and spend the day with each other. Thank you, Mary and Gregg for having us girls to the beach house! We're already looking forward to the next time we see you!