Destination DuVall...how we got to where we are: Annual Leave 2014

I've been wanting to post these pictures from our annual leave since we got back on the island three weeks ago. But the days seem to fly by! We've been so busy getting used to life with two kids! There are piles of what seems like endless laundry that needs to be washed and folded. Suitcases from our trip are still out in the hallway (I used to be done with unpacking from a trip the next day!). There are dishes in the sink that need to be done. It's exhausting and you feel like you are getting pulled in so many different directions. Just when I think I have a few minutes to get something done, I get "interrupted". However, it's also absolutely precious and beautiful. Hearing Megumi sing "Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me..." as she lays down next to her baby brother; Watching her hold him in her arms as she whispers "I will never leave you. Never ever! I will always protect you!" Oh, and feeling the warmth of two little kids cuddling on top of me. These are some of the priceless moments I get to experience everyday. What a privilege! I know just how fast kids grow up, so I'm trying to make a conscious effort to embrace the moment and to enjoy the "now". Yes, our new life as a family of four is challenging and some mornings are really really hard to get out of bed. But we wouldn't trade it for the world.

As I reflect back on our annual leave this year, I am once again filled with gratitude. How blessed we are to have had the opportunities to spend quality time with dear family and friends! Of course, the highlight of our trip was hands down the arrival of our baby boy, Makoto John DuVall (Makoto means "truth" in Japanese). After the much-shorter-than-last-time-labor of six hours at the hospital, he was born on October 6th at 8:17 in the morning; only two days short of his due date. To go from the agony of excruciating pain of labor to holding your baby on your chest is just absolutely incredible. It is one of those unforgettable moments that is going to be forever etched in my heart and on my mind. I kept whispering to him "I worked SO hard for you..!" as I was trying to take the moment in and process the fact that he was actually really here! We've been enjoying this bundle of joy ever since.

Pictures doesn't do it justice but I hope you will get a glimpse of our unforgettable annual trip where we left as a family of three and came back as a family of four.