Surprised by Joy!

There are so many little things that happen in our lives that bring us joy.
All week I've pondered joyful surprises.
 Surprise #1...

Early in the morning on Memorial Day, we got a call from our son asking if we were doing anything special. We said, "No, come on down!" So, a couple hours later, we had guests at our house. First, the girls decided that they needed to check out Nana's computer...

 (and guess what came up?!) After a bit of lunch and a nap for the little ones...

 ...we headed to our favorite beach. Of course, the day was warm and beautiful, so we shared it with a thousand other people!

We finally found a spot to settle our family.

 Time for a family photo op...

 ...then time to check out the water. 

Em is still very afraid of the water, so prefers to be in someone's arms.

 She did get a little more brave as we tried to make a fun game of the splashing waves.

 Big sister, on the other hand, went into the waves without hesitation! The water that day was actually a pleasant temperature--for a change.

After some fun in the sand and the waves...

 ...it was time to head for home. 

We had such a delightful holiday together. The girls even enjoyed watching some TV before they headed back home again. 

Surprise #2

Four days before our anniversary date, M&B came back and celebrated our special event with us (since they would be away on vacation for the actual event). We had special cards...

 ...help with watering the tomatoes...

...and even an impromptu "tea party" (with daddy present this time!).

 Soon M started to grill the beef kabobs...

 ...and B was laboring away in the kitchen.

The result??? Yummy brochettes and frites!

 (Served on the table covered with a Camerounian tablecloth,  ala Chez-Marie taste, for those of you who used to go to that place in Garoua!)

Next, we donned some hats...

...and walked down the street to our newest pastry shop--where they make delicious french creations.

 This was the beautiful cake that was chosen. And it was indeed delicious!

I think that one of the greatest moments of the evening was when K took two of the candles and put them on her pastry, then started to sing and blow out "her" candles! Oh the charming world of a 3-yr old! Thanks M&B for this wonderful surprise party!

Surprise #3

Em has not played with this little doll for months now, so I was surprised recently when I saw her holding it. Do you remember seeing that little doll in the past?

 This little miracle girl was once the size of that doll. And look at her now!  Once again, my heart is filled with joy; we thank God for His blessing in our grand-daughter's life.

Surprise #4

 My cousin sewed (by hand) this pretty table runner for me. What a lovely thought, and a surprise, to receive this special gift two weeks ago!

Surprise #5

Last Sunday, on our wedding anniversary, the church presented us with this beautiful bouquet of flowers. We have been enjoying them all week. Thank you, dear friends, for remembering us this way!

Surprise #6

A few days ago, we had the joy of having these two little girls and their parents in our home for a couple of days. We have followed their family story as they endured the pain of losing a little sister earlier this year. Their parents are special friends of ours, and it was so fun to have them stop by to visit, as they traveled north. 

Daddy even read a forty-yr-old book to his girls that used to be a favorite of our boys when they were little.

God's blessings to you, D&A, as you journey by faith into the next ministry that God has prepared for you. May you be surprised by joy in learning all that God has in store for you!