A Barrel of Carrolls: Family

We're so thankful for the family that we have and how they love, encourage, and spend time with us. We get to see them a little more often now that there's extra incentive....Tytus, that is. We know that God's word teaches us to love and cherish our family (^{Isaiah 38:19} The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today; parents tell their children about your faithfulness), and we're praying that Tytus will grow up with the memories of sharing fun times with us and our extended family and see that God provides everything that is good and satisfying. We know that his grandparents especially find joy in him and getting to spend time with him as he changes a little each day (Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children). Recently we've been able to spend time in New Braunfels with the Schwarz's and some time at home with the Carroll grandparents.

New Braunfels
The Schwarz clan has been going to New Braunfels for a summer get-away for SO many years. We stay on the river, tube, hang out, cook dinner or go out to eat, relax in the hammock, and play cards. We grew up taking this trip together, but while the things we do in New Braunfels and Gruene haven't changed much, other things have changed over the years. Boyfriends and girlfriends would join for trips here and there. Then as some of us have gotten married our husbands/wives have now become part of the group. This year we had 6 kids (and one on the way) added to the mix. Each of them took a dip in the river and got to go to the places that we know so well.

Enjoying the river and new "beach" area they added to the house.

Oliver and Tytus got to feel the chilly river for the first time.

Eating at the Grist Mill. Yum!!

Our immediate family with all of the little ones.

Meeting up with David and Amy after New Braunfels to get some Crazy Good frozen yogurt :)

Visit from Yaya and Papou Carroll
The Carroll's came to visit us and hang out for a couple of days. Some yard work was done (they both have a green thumb and like to lend a hand) along with some cooking, relaxing, and game playing. We also took the opportunity to drive to San Antonio to visit Ian at his job. He introduced us to his coworkers and took us out to eat at a Puerto Rican restaurant he'd been raving about. Since Yaya spent some of her growing up years Puerto Rico we thought it would be fun to let her try it out and enjoy some old favorites.