And it was a Good Friday.

The day began with Yvetta climbing into bed with me, long after Rich had gotten up to prepare for the Good Friday church service. We languished like ladies of leisure (church was half an hour later than usual, after all, so we felt like we could afford a few more minutes in bed ;) and then finally got up at 7:30 to get the ball rolling. Breakfast, panic over lost church clothing, someone who didn't get up at all until 2 minutes before leaving, last minute rush......the normal church morning stuff. But in there I managed to check facebook to see what words of inspiration some friends would be sure to have on this special morning. And I wasn't disappointed. Snatches of hymns, verses and reflections set my mind on things above and I was able to focus on the beauty of the day - the miracle of the occasion and the freedom I have b/c my Saviour died for me!
After church we rushed home and somehow took an hour (or more!!) to prepare a picnic lunch and get changed for our afternoon at Bird's Hill! A family from church kindly invited us to share their Good Friday outing (not the first time they've done this!) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! The Ruiters joined us and the laughter rang out as we chatted and joked and played.
The kids flew kites, kicked balls, talked, imagined and just did what kids do so well - had fun all together.
And the adults did what we tend to do quite well - we talked. And talked. And then some more.
Laura and Miriam, fast friends, their friendship a special gift from God.
Wild stroller rides that rivaled a trip on a roller-coaster, much to the kids' delight :)
Little cuties, one clad in bright pink sunglasses with a personality to match :)

Chubby babies to snuggle made the day complete :)

Ken and one of his MANY incredible thrift store finds........:)

All in all, a wonderful day, leaving us with new memories to pack away in our minds and hearts - and here on our blog. So thankful that our fellowship goes so much deeper than just the ability to get along. Our kinship is grounded in Christ - making it strong and even eternal. And all b/c His love was so great that He wouldn't leave us doomed to hell by our own sin. In that truth a day like today comes to life, giving everything vivid meaning, pointing us to ultimate Love and giving us reason to rejoice!