Recently, the boys and I had the amazing privilege of traveling cross-country with my Mom and her wonderful hubby to spend some time with my family in Tennessee. Each summer my Mom and Art make the long trek from TN to CA to visit us and this year, we decided to make the journey back to TN with them.
This five-day cross-country trip and extended visit in beautiful Tennessee was such a blessing … so many cherished moments together!
And so, this post is a little different … not a recipe, meal plan or tip on eating healthy … but a little glimpse of this special time with family, and the hope that your summer is filled with many cherished moments with your family too!
Favorite Moments in Tennessee…
The joy of being back home in the South, to feel the warm embrace of my family, to catch-up on their lives, to simply be together …
Picking fresh ripe berries from the garden each morning with the boys …
Cooking with my amazing “little” brother who serves his country and his family with such faithful dedication …
Cousins dancing in the rain with squeals of laughter filling the air, and breathtaking rainbows breaking through the clouds …
Hanging out on Mom’s porch every evening, enjoying good food and even better company …
Enjoying sweet simple moments with family – sharing cherished stories of our past and anticipating God’s plans for the future …
… with thanksgiving to my family for your love, encouragement and joyful hearts. You are a special blessing that I thank God for each day!
Are you taking a Family Vacation this summer? What are some of your most cherished family gatherings?
Blessings to you for a Happy Summer full of cherished moments!
Incase you noticed and are wondering? … my husband (in the back row) is holding a statue of a squirrel. It’s a weird family joke! Yet, another fun thing about getting together with family … LOL!
I feel the same way about visiting my family in NC. If you are blessed to have a family of believers, there is just another element of closeness that you share. Also, as much as I would love to live near them, since we have always lived far away we don’t take them for granted, and we cherish our time together. My favorite thing to do, though, is sit on their porch swing with a glass of sweet ice tea and talk. And if Mom has made a cobbler from her blackberries,, all the better!
Can’t agree more, Maria! It truly is a blessing to just enjoy the simple moments of talking together and catching up on all the Lord is doing in our lives. Thank you for taking the time to share. May God continue to bless you and your family! 🙂 Kelly
This post made my eyes misty. It reminds me of the simple, good, and beautiful blessings. Commercialism is advertising Christmas in July (an attitude of me me me); but, I believe you have captured Thanksgiving in July (an attitude of gratitude!). Great post!
Oh my heart, how kind your words! Thank you so much, Melissa, for taking the time to leave such a sweet encouraging note. Well, praise be to God for His love and goodness in changing our hearts and minds as only He can. With blessings and appreciation, Kelly