Life off the Farm: Start of Summer- 2016

The first week of summer started off awesome with a half day VBS...

... and workbook time before rest time.

Dress Up with Friends

Cute kiddie seeking adoption... luckily she found another home.

Our 13th Anniversary Getaway- June 24th-26th

We stayed at a historic home in Hanover, VA.

Upon picking our kids up on June 26th from our weekend away, we were hit with the hard news of the death of our friend Andrew. We still have not recovered from this news and probably will never. It feels unbelievable and tragic.

Here's a tribute that I wrote a fews days later:

This has been a sorrowful week for many as we mourn the loss of a dear man who was taken too early. Andrew Vache was an amazing man, full of generosity and talent. He was a friend, son, brother, father, and husband. I have been struggling with what to say and wanted it to be short, but there was just so much to say about this impressive man. I will miss hearing about and seeing all of your endeavors - making your own bagels, sauerkraut, bacon, sausage, cider, canning everything and anything, growing Shiitake mushrooms, wood turning and planing, chair caning, finding treasures at Goodwill, befriending little critters and posting them on Instagram, volunteer driving hayrides at Larriland Farm in addition to having your dream job at NASA. I will never forget you and Val singing from the balcony at our Good Friday service many years ago. I will miss your big red beard, endless energy, love for your family, dedication to gather and cut as much firewood as you could while camping, and willingness to fix everything for others. You left your mark, not just in your home, or the Posts tree house, or the church’s new coffee maker, but in our hearts forever.

You fought hard for your life last year, having endeavored chronic eczema, weeks of IV antibiotics after being diagnosed with a year long systemic blood infection that then we discovered ate a hole in your heart, and finally your open heart surgery at 32 years old. We struggle with this loss so tragic and sudden after you overcame so much.

Valerie, we grieve for you and with you and your loved ones, and your three precious children Clare, Violet, and Charlie now and forever. We honor Andrew’s life tomorrow at the Memorial Service. We see God’s provision in the midst of great suffering.

If you want to cry for about 12 minutes, watch this video

We spent the week after his passing preparing for his memorial and adjusting travel plans. Postponing our trip to attend the memorial did enable us to attend our friend Maria's wedding on June 2nd. This was only the second wedding at our church since the Village has been in this building.

There was a beautifully simple cake reception in the basement.

July 3rd was Andrew's memorial. These were some of the only smiles that day.

The next day, 4th of July, was Audrey's 9th birthday.

Breakfast in bed

We had originally planned to be in California for her birthday, so we did not have birthday plans. We were blessed to spend the day with some great friends.