7 beds in 7 days

Hello! Sorry for the long silence.... but here's the story why....

So we are happily settling into life in Reno and work with GHBC. When we came out west, we moved into a 2 bedroom apartment. It worked, but as the momma staying home with the kiddos.... I was praying God would bring us into more space quickly!

And He did. We were blessed to be able to purchase a home! So once again (we're pretty much pros at packing by this point) we loaded everything up with tons of help from friends from church and headed home. Fortunately for us, but perhaps unfortunately for them, Jarrod's parents were out for a visit while we were moving. I am so thankful for their help!

We were able to spend a night in our new place, and the kiddos loved it. There is a closet that reaches under the stairs and the girls have claimed that as their fort. When you can't find them, chances are they are creating a princess castle or playing house in there. I love their imaginations!

Then came the next three whirlwind days.

Through some unexpected circumstances, we decided to take a trip back to Florida to spend time with my family. First flight, smooth, no problems what so ever. Then we waited in Denver. And we waited, and we waited. Long story short, we had two days to see what we could see in Denver. Our first hotel accommodations were quite the experience! We should have known based on the sign when we drove up, "otel". It's just become the family running joke for when something is missing or not quite right. So we stayed in a different hotel for our second night. After a face-plant to the metal edge of a chair in the airport for E2 and a long day of travel, we finally made it to Florida. After a quick night in Jacksonville, we made it down to see my family (see? 7 beds in 7 days!) . Thank you every one for your prayers as we have walked through all this.

As we are preparing to head back west, please pray for our families. Please pray for our church family as we prepare for vacation Bible school next week.  Promise I will update with pictures when we get back "home"! *I love getting to say that and putting down roots!*

-the Reeds

You Know You're on Vacation When....

You know you're on vacation when....

- your child's request to stay in pj's and a tutu all day doesn't even phase you. Sure, why not? No one knows
who we are here anyway :)

- You learn at least one new way to play dominos

- You remember what it's like to enjoy a fiction book, or any book for that matter, because some one kindly took your kids out for the afternoon.

- You remember how good those middle-of-a-book-naps are. Ahhh....... bliss!

- You go to Walmart (cause you forgot to pack a toothbrush)

- The day isn't based on time, but rather what the next meal is

pinterest success!

- You eat some really good meals!

- Staying up till midnight talking with friends isn't a fluke you regret later because of all you have to do the next day, but much enjoyed time

Nick and Kristen, soooo enjoyed time with them!

- You go to Walmart (cause some one else forgot something or has a vacation-induced-craving)

- The little things that bother you at home don't seem to matter as much

- You understand why people in the south like wrap-around porches as you watch your two year old happily run her 35th lap after dinner

- You take a walk, just for fun

- You go to Walmart (hey, in a small town this place is hoppin'!)

E1, E2 and cousin Anna playing so sweet!

- The video camera battery needs to be recharged twice in one week because you are taking time to make memories of little girls singing to "Frozen", cousins snoring on the couch and the squirrel working so hard to reach that bird feeder

Emma loved the bunnies

no denying the family ties there!

Lord, thank you for this girl!!

As you can tell, we just got back from a great vacation. 2,000 miles in the car with little ones is an adventure, but the chance to be with family, see friends and let our family have a break from the daily grind.... so worth it. Now we're back, refueled and refreshed, ready for the next adventure (though I haven't had the heart to tell E1 she can't continue to wear pj top and a tutu as her daily attire......)

till the next edition,
- the Reeds