Dear Mommy

Dear Mommy,

Here are pictures from yesterday's ride home.

We talked, sang songs, and stopped at Nani's favorite store before leaving town; we also contemplated a pit stop at Krispy Kreme's but decided against it considering the vast amount of sugar and the close confines of the car.

Everyone except Elena, Carolina, and Dad slept right up until Brenham (how convenient), and we did stop for a diaper change and ice cream; you will be please to know that Dom only had six licks (chocolate, pistachio almond, cinnamon, and white chocolate almond--to all of which he said, "YUM!")

We also stopped at the Naquin's to drop off the donuts for Emily (which arrived completely intact and orderly!); Dom played with Robbie and pointed to the imaginary motorcycle in their backyard, we gave him half a nectarine to bring him back to reality.

Sophie and Mia really enjoyed playing with Jimmy and his horses.

Once we got home we unpacked, had some eggroll in a bowl, and were promptly thrown into bed. Dom had his usual 6am wake up but Nani and Grandpa didn't mind, Grandpa even stayed home later than usual this morning, just in time for some almond pancakes and eggs!

Well, we're hoping to post more pictures and some video in the next few days so keep checking back!

We love you very dearly.

Love,

Elena (for Sophie, Mia, and a wiggly Dom)

The back seat after ice cream

Before the ice cream

Dom before the ice cream

Thoughts on Heavy Troubles

When the black clouds gather most, the light is the more brightly revealed to us.

It is a blessed thing that when we are most cast down, then it is that we are most lifted up by the consolations of the Spirit. One reason is, because trials make more room for consolation.

Great hearts can only be made by great troubles.

The humbler a man lies, the more comfort he will always have,

because he will be more fitted to receive it.

There is no cry so good as that which comes from the bottom of the mountains;

no prayer half so hearty as that which come up from the depths of the soul,

through deep trials and afflictions.

Hence they bring us to God and we are happier; for nearness to God is happiness.

Come, troubled believer, fret not over your heavy troubles,

for they are the heralds of weighty mercies.

~Charles H. Spurgeon, Morning and Evening pg. 86

One

Happy Birthday, Naomi!

We can't believe it was just one year ago that

we took a trip to the Woodlands to see you.

What a day :)

We praise God for you in our lives and look

forward to many more sweet times with you!

With much love,

The Marques Family

Sleepy Hollow, NY

Part of Joanna's art portfolio for college. A pen and ink of the heart.

Elena in front of a house turned into an antique store.

Houdini's favorite spot.

So many choices!

Elena and I thought this was pretty funny :).

Bagels! Best way to cheat on the gluten free diet :).

Cozy for family worship :).

Another of Joanna's art projects.

This bridge is a short walk from the Raymund's house.

Sleepy Hollow cemetery.

Dad, Elena, and Caro at the cemetery.

Going to the movies!

Joanna, Caro, Elena, and I in front of the Raymund's house.

Inside Apple Farm grocery store.