Apple Hill

We got to see some of my best friends this weekend. My college roommate & her husband just adopted the CUTEST little baby. We are so excited to have him in our life! His grandma had a party in Auburn for him and we got to be there. It was so fun to see friends & celebrate, not only Nathanael, but also the answer to prayer he was for Stacie & Forest.

Things don't always go as planned but thinking about Nathanael & how long they had to wait for him, I couldn't imagine them with anyone but their son. I'm always learning that as you lay down expectations you often end up with something you couldn't even fathom. It's as if at times dreams or expectations get so big they block out many other things that are far more than you could have ever hoped for. In the process of learning that Nathanael and Apple Hill became tangible reminders.

The next morning we woke up & went up to Apple Hill. It was nothing that I expected. I thought it was one orchard on one hill with a few trees and yummy treats. There was an orchard, yes, but so much more. There was orchard after orchard filled with apples, apple pies, apple turn overs, fresh apple cider, & my personal favorite--Carmel apples!

I saw 5 little kids have so much fun, I saw unconditional love in a season where chaos & change seem to be trying to take overtake me, I saw the beauty of friendships that are 15 years old, I saw my friend have her heart's desire & be a mommy, I saw myself learn about love, life, & marriage from my best friends & my husband.

It's funny how sometimes expectations can be so opposite. I thought it was one orchard & that would have been wonderful but instead it was 10 times more than I imagined. I think apple hill taught me a lot & boy did I LOVE that Carmel Apple that Amy & I waited in such a long line for.