Beach days and daddy days

We were able to have great quality time with Caleb before he left again for training on Sunday. He'll be gone for 2 and a half weeks this time, be home for several days, and then will be heading out again for another 3 weeks. It's definitely been super emotional for the girls in the Gowan household, but we are taking it one day at a time, relying on God, and choosing joy. One positive thing is that he'll at least be home for Easter and my birthday, so I'm thankful that we will be able to celebrate together as a family.

While dada was home for a few days, we went to the pool, went out to our favorite restaurants, and also got a chance to go to the beach! We were on the way home from my sister's birthday party and spontaneously decided to take a quick trip to the beach and enjoy the warm weather and sunset. 

I just love this man! 

Sophie was very happy that her dada was home...just not in this picture! 

She can't take her eyes off him =)

It was 90 degrees for a couple days in Oceanside, so we took advantage of that and took a dip in the pool! 

My little girl, growing up way too fast! Thanks cousin Taylor for this bathing suit! 

Finding a shady place to take a rest

Father and daughter taking a walk after a great dinner! 

My other half...this was another day of 90 degree weather! 

And some pics of our spontaneous beach adventure. Sophie LOVES the ocean, and couldn't stop running in to get her feet wet or playing with the wet sand. We just wish we would have been more prepared because her beautiful white dress got so dirty and cleaning her off afterwards was no fun. I learned a trick from one of my mommy blogs I follow and it says to always have baby powder when you go to beach. Thankfully, I had some in the trunk and yes, thank God for baby powder...it gets the sand right off! 

The water is cold! 

Hmm...not sure if I like this after all...

Never mind, I love it! 

Daddy and his girl

Get ready for the waves Sophie! There were some BIG ones out that day!

My two favorites

Here's a link to her at the beach! To view, click on the link here: 

Sophia at the beach having a blast!

Finally, it's been a rough week for this mama, but today, I was encouraged at my MOPS meeting and a verse really spoke to me and I will be meditating on it and remembering it daily: 

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you;
    therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
    blessed are all those who wait for him.Yea, O people in Zion who dwell at Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you."  - Isaiah 30:18-19

The speaker said that we either live in fear or in faith, and I choose faith. I am thankful for this season where God is pushing me to grow to love, trust, honor, and listen to Him more. 

XOXO