Wow. This week has been a whirlwind of activity and we haven’t, until now, had the chance to post about our great time last weekend! We are excited to catch everyone up on our time with some much appreciated friends, the Hicklings.
It’s been a while since we blogged about our friends Dan and Becky because they moved to Franklin, TN a few months ago. We parted with promises to come up and visit soon, and last weekend, we were able to take them up on their offer of hospitality.
After work on Friday, Rich and I enjoyed the beautiful drive up to Franklin, and having never been there before, it was particularly enjoyable to soak in the scenery. Dan and Becky and the kids have been thoroughly enjoying their new life two hours northwest of us here in Chattanooga, and we couldn’t be happier for them!!! One glance at Franklin and we could understand why. This place has it all: scenic landscapes, stunning architecture, fabulous shopping, beautiful parks all over, family friendly events, and the general look and feel of an entirely wonderful place.
On Saturday morning, we went to a local park and Rich did a photo shoot of the family! He grabbed so many amazing photos of the Hicklings, and I think you will agree that this family is just too great! It’s apparent in these shots that they have great family dynamics and they engage so well with one another. Rich and I love and respect Dan and Becky, as friends and as godly parents.
Here are some Saturday morning park shots…
Enjoy your slideshow!!!
Then on Sunday morning, we had the pleasure of attending the Hicklings new church, Calvary Chapel of Brentwood. We had a great experience there, and it always amazes me how different various Calvary Chapel churches can be, based on the local people, the pastor’s personality, etc. We loved it, partly for the intimacy of a tiny church body, but mainly because those people didn’t know a stranger. We were noticed and included in conversations from the beginning. Rich and I ate it up! We LOVE meeting new people and hearing their stories!
As we stood by the church sign poised and ready to self-portrait, some very nice peole that we’d just met (visiting from Fort Lauderdale, no less!) pulled over and Barbara (of Barbara Taylor Photography) offered to take a photo for us. Rich was thrilled to meet a fellow photographer and we love the photo she captured below! Thanks so much to Barbara for her willingness to grab these shot of us…Rich says that photographers know how to stick together! We hope to see them again sometime when Rich and I are down there visiting my family!
Side note: As you can see in this photo, my belly has begun to stick out and get a bit round! Today (Mother’s Day) is actually the first day of my second trimester and I’m feeling pretty good though my clothes are beginning to feel a bit, um, snug. 
And then, before leaving town after lots of great fellowhip, laughing, driving in the country, food, ice cream, fun, and lots of photography, we made one quick stop at the local Publix since it’s our favorite grocery store and we are eagerly awaiting the two that are supposed to be coming to Chattanooga! This was, by far, the most beautiful Publix I’d ever seen, and we managed to grab a quick self-portrait outside before grabbing a few snacks for the trip home.
Dan and Becky, Danny and Lauren, we had a great time with you guys, and we thank you so much for your friendship and hospitality! We hope to come up again before the baby is born, and we truly miss you guys. Chattanooga (and especially home group on Mondays) isn’t the same without you. We hope you enjoy your family photos for years to come.
And Happy Mothers Day to everyone, and especially to our mothers, Jan and Paula, who are loved beyond explanation and are competely indispensible, even in our adult years. We love you.
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