Thanks for Waiting!

Greetings everyone!
Wow! It's been almost 6 months now since my last post.  I do apologize for stepping away for so long, but for most of you who know me, that have checked in here regularly, know that life has been quite busy for Kim and I as we raise our 2 beautiful young boys, Gabe and Liam.  We've been 'living life like we mean it' (thanks Derek!) and staying very busy indeed.  So for today, I'd like to share with you some pics...greatest hits from our journey so far.  These boys are great!  God has truly blessed us.  I will be returning with more regular posts soon!

Visite the Richmond Metro Zoo in April.  Gabe was in the very early stages of being his shirt's statement: 'Big Brother'.  We had a great day there checking out all the great exhibits.  It's a great way to spend the day. They have giraffes that will come right up to you as you stand on a bridge; several tigers that happened to be frolicking around the day we were there along bears, gorillas, monkeys, etc.  Gabe loved it and well Liam...he slept through it all in the stroller.

Earlier this month, Gabe and his new buddy, Weston took time out to pitch stones into the lake as Liam and I looked on.  We visited some great friends of ours while Weston and Gabe connected with a fun room full of toys.  Then last weekend the guys went to 'Touch-a-Truck' and had a fun day of sitting in truck, tractor and emergency vehicle cabs and...thanks to parental unit Marty, they even got a bit of sit time in the back of a med evac helicopter (right) that was there.  Way cool!

Over the last 6 months, Liam's had plenty of relatives around wanting that all important photo op.  On the right it's with his Great Uncle Ken (Kim's uncle) and on the left it's with his Poppie, my dad.  I don't know who's more excited, Liam or the proud relatives?!

In the middle of all the growing up I was honored to participate and work with the great group of men pictured (L to R: Ralph, Greg, Roger & me) as we saw 2 1/2 yrs of hard work and persistent prayer come to fruition during July's 'Xtreme Faith-Bold Action' Disciples Men event at Bethany College, West Virginia.  It was truly an awesome weekend!! On the left is the awesome labyrinth the men put together in 48 hrs! Amazing!

At first the yearly August Gryder Family beach trip for our foursome didn't look like it would happen, but after realizing that we needed the time to get away as a family and be with everyone we made it to the Outer Banks after all!  It was a short trip, but a great one! Gabe's 2nd trip to the beach was more enjoyable for him this go round.  He and I enjoyed some father son time on the shore.  Gabe also had some fun times with his day care friend, Charlotte at the local pool this summer.

Liam just keeps getting bigger and enjoying life more everyday. He's a very laid back and happy little boy. On the left he seems to be letting us all know that soon he'll be up terrorizing his big brother; tagging along for every opportunity to play and learn from Gabe. But when he's had enough...well sleep takes over...Zzzz.

So Gabe now 2! He had a great construction themed birthday party.  He had a blast in his bouncer as family looked on.  His special week culminated yesterday with some new ishoes and very first concert. He even got to play guitar and sing with his new friend, Andra Moran!

So...this is just a slice of all the joy of parenting and family I've been experiencing.  Sorry to have been away for so long.  Have missed sharing and look forward to reconnecting with you all.

And now I'll share a scripture with you that jumped out at me a couple of weeks back that I've been thinking and praying a lot about.  It's been a great 6 months and I'm very thankful for all I'm been able to be a part of.  More to come!

I see what you’ve done. Now see what I’ve done. I’ve opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don’t have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn’t deny me when times were rough.  -Revelation 3:8 "The Message"

Peace and thanks for waiting.
-Ray