Last weekend we took a road trip. Seems like my fall has been full of those.
But this one has now become a tradition. Super special. Looked forward to all year.
Because it involves our some of our dearest friends.
Those special kind of friends that just get you.
Get how you tick.
Get how you think.
Get how you operate.
And even though miles may seperate you from these dear friends, they are still, in some mysterious way, the very closest of your friends.
Really, there's no mystery. The Lord totally does it.
He weaves these friendships together
in His complete wisdom and grace.
And I'm so, so thankful.
That would be the Robinson family to us. We've known each other since our weddings in 1996 (and George before that). We've followed each other's moves - ours in state several times, the Robinsons out of state, out of the country, back in state and now back out of state. It's been so incredible to see how the Lord has lead each of us - different paths, but same motivation.
Anyway, last weekend we got to go see them in Wake Forest. What a privilege to get to stay at their home, 'do life' with them for a weekend, be a part of their world at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. George was once a student. Now he's known as Doc Robinson, a professor. Amazing the full circle of that mere fact!
The weekend involved lots of fellowship with not only the Robinsons, but also other dear, dear friends there: the Lyons, the Reeds, and Blake Grubbs. We were able to also spend time on the campus of SEBTS, mingling with students and professors alike. What a privilege to support such a Gospel-centered institution that is committed to making the Lord's name famous all over the world.
Here are some fun shots of the weekend:
Our kiddos with the Robinson 3 ... Tori Beth, Caleb (with the peace signs) and Aidan.
My birthday was the Friday of the weekend, so my hubby, to my complete surprise, had Cat help him host a surprise birthday picnic after church. I really was very surprised and touched! The Reeds, Steph and the girls (Larry was sick) and Blake all came out to celebrate with me. Super special!
This little girl right here might just be the absolute cutest thing since Jacob Jenkins ...
I mean, I can hardly stand her!
She's got a bazillion faces and is hysterical in person.
I got tickled just watching her.
Her name, by the way, is Abby Lyon.
If she lived around here, I'd eat her up!
We got to meet the newest Reed, Mollie. A-dorable! Sweet! Precious!
And all the other words that describe a new addition!
There's Mr. Wonderful, the party planner. Man, he had me fooled!
Saying a sweet blessing over the food. Look at all those kiddos - love that!
Thrilled me! Love that my hubby knows how to speak my language!
(and all my friends do too!)
The park we went to had these old buildings/houses on it that the kids could play in.
Made for some super cute shots!
(l to r: Anna Kate Lyon, Jacob, Kate Reed, & Tori Beth Robinson)
Blaine - o
Jac-ster ...
Love love L-O-V-E these girls ... truly.
Each has given sacrificially of themselves in huge ways to
help their husbands achieve their goals. Very God glorifying.
Time with them is never, ever wasted. Ever.
(l to r: Catherine Robinson, Stephanie Lyon, & Jacelyn Reed)
More shots in the old house - Tori, Anna Kate & Abby ...
Blaine doing one of the things he does best - RIP STICK'n ...
Mr. Blake, the kid magnet. Love how he played with all the kiddos.
Some girly needs to snatch him up. In a hurry.
Sweet Carter Reed.
Little Mollie finally gave out. In Daddy's arms. Sweet sleep.
This was on Monday, at another park.
Because Cat is doing a long-term sub position, she had to work.
But she is always diligent to be sure I'm taken care of.
So Jacelyn & Stephanie met me at this park for playtime and another picnic.
Perfect!
Jarrett wanted his trick documented ...
GERONIMO!
When we got home, this is who I found ...
the 3 originals of the 'Wednesday Morning Brain Trust' that Bowdie still carries on today ... rich, rich convo going on.
Notice the awesome screened-in porch where they are seated.
This is the newest addition to the Robinson home.
It's right off their eating area, so the french doors leading out there
are pretty much open all the time.
Perfect extension of the house.
Monday night, SEBTS had a celebration for 60 years of existence. It was so fun to go on campus and mingle and eat with the students and professors alike.
This is Jacob on one of the jumpy things.
Love this shot of J-man mid-air ...
Blaine-o climbing the wall ...
Jarrett almost to the top ...
Watch out - its Batman!
It's Captain Carter! ARGGGGGG!
And here's the cutie pie, Abby, again.
I mean, really??!! I can't stand the cuteness factor ...
Bo, Blake and Josh ... all 3 have incredible testimonies
of how the Lord completely transformed them ... love it!
Spidey!
Caleb, the Wolfman. Not to be confused with a tiger or cat.
He got very offended at the idea.
Team Jenkins, on the walk home.
Love that the Robinson's live on historic Main Street in Wake Forest,
an easy walk from SEBTS.
Tuesday morning was Aidan's birthday.
We got up at 6:30 to enjoy birthday pancakes with him.
2 Pancake Daddies!
Ready to eat. Praying for life-long friendships.
Already headed in the right direction.
The Brain Trust Buddies ...
check out G's duds ... he's come a long way!!
(I'm remembering longer hair, a red bandana, and clothing
that hardly resembled anything close to a suit!)
And this is Dr. Akin, the president of SEBTS and his sweet wife, Charlotte.
They always go out of their way to make us feel welcome and appreciated.
What a thrill to know them!
Already looking forward to next year ... :)
