Rachel is 40!

Just kidding, she turned 30!  Last weekend I got to go celebrate with Ray and a lot of our family as she entered a new decade.  We had SO much fun!  We went bowling (I forgot my socks so I used McDonalds napkins - bad idea).  And we went out to an amazing dinner in NoDa a suburb of Charlotte.  It was so good to see my brother, sisters, nephews and niece, and of course my parents.  And 30 has never looked better on someone... well besides me :)

Daniel the creeper photo bomb

Buck is an amazing bowler.  You can tell he's not a blood relative.

Another strike!

The bowlers!

Sweet Beau and Nana

My amazing, talented, beautiful sisters.

H to the B.  Our Hannah Beth

I love this boy to pieces.

My valentines

My peanuts went with me on a shoot today, luckily the family I was waiting for was a little late so I got to take some quick pics of my kids (these are unedited - who has time for that these days :)

I'm so thankful that I get to love these crazy, keep my on my toes, magnificent kids.

11 years

We had an amazing anniversary weekend away. Granny watched the kids while we ate some fabulous food and got to spend a night at the grove park inn. It was such a great break from our everyday life where we got to be just "matt and Sarah."

I have to tell you, God blessed me with quite an amazing husband. These past eleven years have been a wonderful ride. I wouldn't change one crazy thing that we've been through. And I know, no matter what gets thrown our way in the next 11 years, and the next, and the next... We will get through it together. I am so thankful to be loved by Matt Siak. My best friend, partner in parenting, and the one who makes me laugh every day. I love you to the moon and back Matty.

Day 3 Part 3

What a moving day to end Day 3.  We walked Palm Sunday road, learned about the gates of the city, saw the graves of many Jews and others who want to be as close as possible to the site where Jesus will come back upon His return, touched thorns just like those that were made for His crown.  At the church of all nations (I believe that was its name) I was overcome with the weight of the burden that Jesus felt as He called out to His Father asking for the cup to be passed.  Jerry preached a moving sermon in the garden and we all had time to reflect under those old olive trees about just what Jesus did by dying on the cross for us.  It was an amazing, amazing day.  I'll never forget it.

Graves

The Old City Walls - check out all the graves in front of them

Thorns we brought home with us

The church at the Garden

Palm Sunday Road

These trees were 2-3000 years old.  Some even old enough for Daniel to have rested underneath them

The stone where Jesus sweat blood in agony.  

Service in the garden

Taking a moment to reflect in the Garden