Door County

Earlier this month, we had the opportunity to get together with my family at a house my parents recently finished building in Door County, Wisconsin.  We love getting together with our extended family so when this trip started taking shape, we were thrilled.  I have always had a tremendous amount of love and respect for my parents and I greatly enjoy spending time with them.  I care for each of my siblings deeply so it is always special when we can allow our lives to overlap for a few days.  My siblings were able to come with their families as well as my Aunty Joy and our dear friend Nana Sharon.  All together we had 12 adults, 4 kids and 3 dogs and even though our trip was short, it was packed with activity, conversation and lots of connection.

Touring the Neah Bay in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 

Planning for this trip felt a little bittersweet for me because I knew that we wouldn't be seeing Shawn's side of the family.  Our usual driving route is mapped out in such a way that we get to see both side of our family but the logistics of driving with a potty trained toddler and a baby who eats about every 2 hours felt a little too overwhelming at this stage of the game.  Even though making the decision to fly instead of drive was initially difficult, it was full of rewards in the end.   Nicole was thrilled to ride on the airplane, Jonah was able to eat and nap like normal and it was significantly easier to pack for the trip.  Shawn calmly orchestrates and directs all of our travels, which makes traveling with him a breeze.  He's an easy companion and an excellent teammate.  After two early morning flights and a few hours in a rental car, we were grateful to arrive at our destination for the rest of the week.

Nana Sharon quietly lavishing all of the grandkids with love. 

When we pulled up my dad was in the middle of grilling us lunch on their deck.  We happily settled in and chatted excitedly about the week ahead.  From that point on, the rest of the crew started trickling in and new opportunities for fun and connection were underway.   Nicole ate fish for the very first time and loved it so much that she asked for it for breakfast the next day.   Jonah willingly snuggled in the arms of the loving adults and excited cousins who hadn't met him yet.  We relished in the opportunity to spend the entire day comfortably outdoors and we enjoyed the ease of communicating with our family face to face.  

Nicole went kayaking with Shawn (top), Boppa (bottom left) and Aunt Angela (bottom right). 

In preparation for our trip, we had spent weeks talking about the things we might do in Wisconsin and who we might do them with.   Plans were made for fast boat rides and fishing, fish was put on the menu per Nicole's request and swim suits were packed in hope of swimming in the lake for the very first time.   God blessed our time together by giving us fantastic weather and calm water.   Fish were caught, swim suits and sun screen were a regular part of our afternoons and kayaking became a new favorite activity.   

Uncle Jonathan and Boppa wearing their Wisconsin apparel with Jonah and Nicole. 

We all took turns cooking meals which allowed everyone to help shoulder the responsibility of feeding such a big crowd.   Shared meals have always been part of our family traditions so being able to sit down and eat together time and time again as the week went on felt familiar and intimate.  

Uncle Jonathan & Nicole playing "high in the sky" (left), Aunt Anna reading bedtime stories to Nicole in the playhouse (top right) and Aunt Megan & Nicole visiting together by the water (bottom right). 

One of the most beautiful things to me about this time together was watching other people love my kids.  I cherish the intimacy of the time Shawn, Nicole, Jonah and I get to spend together day in and day out as a little family of four.  But when we get to open ourselves up to be in relationship with our extended family for a few days, it's always worth it.  Things can feel a little messy and stressful at times but when we come together seeking connection and fellowship and believing the best in one another, memories are made.  

Uncle Ricky, Cousin Isaac and Jonah (left). Aunt Angela, Cousin Caleb and Jonah (right).  

Mom and Dad, thank you for valuing family connection and for welcoming all of us into your home even when it involves a tremendous amount of work, sacrifice and expense for you.   Your hospitality and service always blesses and challenges me.

Boppa and Jonah (top left).  Uncle Ravi and Jonah (bottom left). Aunty Joy and Jonah (right).  

Aunty Joy, Angela, Ricky, Anna, Ravi, Jonathan and Megan - thank you for coordinating your time off of work with our trip.  We know that it took a lot of effort to show up at the same time we were in town and we are deeply grateful that our lives got to overlap with yours this summer.

Mommy, Jonah & Uncle Ravi (left).  Nicole and Daddy on the hammock (right).  

Sharon, I cannot even begin to tell you how often we talk about how thankful we are for you.  You are one of the best things that has happened to our family and we're so grateful that God has allowed you to be grafted into our tribe.  Your heart is beautiful and your spirit is kind.  Our gatherings are richer because of your presence.

Cousins! Issac, Nicole and Caleb. 

And a special thanks to my sister Anna for helping me join the pictures together for this post.  You made it possible to include far more snapshots of our gathering than I would have been able to on my own.  You've always been a huge help to me.

I hope you are well!
Love,
Erica