fun in the sun

The long-anticipated debut of the Aquarium's splashdown park occurred this past Memorial weekend. We weren't there. Not brave enough to risk a watery stampede of sweaty children is what it was. Wisdom? Cowardice? Patience (we'll take Annie in the midweek lull)? Not sure, exactly, but we got by. We suited Annie up for the old-fashioned water-park, and it was, by all accounts, a great hit.

(The first pic is included to give the viewer the full effect of the infernal heat and humidity that both leads folks to the water and eventually chases them back inside.)

We're looking forward to joining family in CA later on this month and to the maybe mercifully cooler temperatures that will meet us there.

a poem for Annie (and this blog's 100th post)

Goodnight to My Traveling Daughter
for Annie from Dad

Saying goodnight like this
Is better than nothing, it is, well, it’s something
like cold manicotti is better than starving

Don’t think I’m ungrateful.

I’m only grown partial
To bear hugs and blessings and monkey pajamas.
And beautifully off-key duets

Teeth brushed and squealing to Mom.

Tonight, she gave you
The phone, you said your goodbye before I said hello
I laughed, said "I love you," you sang.

Then said goodbye again.

Give my love to Grandma and Grandpa,
Your Great-Grandma, too, and of course, give
Momma a kiss as often as you think to.

I'll save one right here for each of you, too.

Momma's Day! and a weekend with Jared

Great weekend with like-a-brother friend Jared, who graduates med school this coming weekend, and so used this mini-break as an occasion to head out our way. We laid low, with a few exceptions (Dos Comales, the aquarium, and an ill-fated trip out to the Port Aransas Brewing Co. - "surprisingly awful," we agreed). Great to be a little lazy, and no one I more enjoy being lazy with. Seriously, blessed by the weekend and so much more by his friendship.

And two quick pics for Mother's Day. :)

turtle, turtle!

Annie has been relatively bashful around Jared, and very quiet. Suddenly, at the aquarium, "TURTLE!" "Tur-tur!" Quiet no longer.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Fish

Rocking the aquarium today with Rebekah, Annie, and Annie's God-dad, Jared. Don't have much to say, except that we're thoroughly enjoying Jared's visit, and all the chillaxin', reminiscing, goofing around that comes with it. Without further ado...

These jellies were not in the pretty cases, but outside, just under the walk-out pier. Yikes.

the company of saints

This year, the Presbyterians have invited us to partner with them and other churches to provide a community-wide VBS program. May 31-June 3. Anyway, I'm excited. Serving with brothers and sister who up 'til now have been strangers. Living gospel. Newbigin, maybe Claiborne, would be proud. And then, at a partner planning meeting at 1st Pres, an unexpected gift: this stack of photos from the last time these churches partnered like this: 25 years ago. Wonderful. Also sobering. Not only had they been there done that, they did it a loooong time ago. A quarter century! (for perspective, I may or may not have been old enough to attend their camp). They, just like us, now coming together. Just like us now, praying to live out this gospel. So thankful for their company just now; for their witness. Praying to take a small step in the direction they imagined-following the footsteps of our Lord. Grateful.









































My favorite.








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Goodness and Goofiness, II