Lee and Peggy Larson

We haven't really got to spend time with you like we would so much like but we have come to care deeply for you and your wonderful family. It has been a little over 5 years now that we 1st met you guys. And it was a great time for us. Joshua kept saying, "You're really going to like them, they're really nice and they are just like you guys!" Not knowing what that meant exactly but taking it as a compliment we decided to dive right in and come to Ohio to meet our very soon to be in-laws and be a part of something very special in Josh's life.
Well, Josh was right! You are just like us in many ways: you love the Lord, you like to laugh and have fun, you like things casual and easy going, you have great but normal kids (all 5 of them)! You live a down to earth life (no pretenses), you're not afraid to laugh and cry in front of the world and make no apology for either one, and basically you are real people (you don't put on airs).
I probably could keep going but I think you get the idea - we like you, you are our kind of people! We were so very comfortable from the first time we met you. There never was that awkward moment that so often happens when you are in a completely new place surrounded by strangers because we never felt like strangers and never felt like you were strangers. We will always remember Josh and Rebekah's wedding as very special and not just because of the wedding but because of the great time we had with the family.
There are special memories of going with Penny to pick out that special gift for Rebekah's honeymoon, the fun time putting together the the reception hall as I learned how unorganized and indecisive all the Taylor women can be when it comes to decorating (just kidding), that crazy silly time we had at Dairy Queen after the wedding rehearsal ( I mean- who has a wedding rehearsal dinner at Dairy Queen?) We loved it - we're not into formal sit down stuffed shirt dinners (that was one of Lee's favorite memories). And of course the elegant but so simply pure wedding that will always be very precious to our hearts.And Lee's favorite memory is that he gave you all his "Alaskan cold" (bet it is the only truly grown in Alaska gift you've ever gotten) and you still like him!
Ken and Penny we are so happy that you can fill in for us as grandparents and love on our precious grandchildren. To be honest sometimes I am so envious (jealous in a loving way) that you get to be there and I don't but then I stop and praise the Lord that they have you guys since we can not be there. I wish that they could have 2 sets of grandparents but since they can only have one set at this time in their lives we can't think of anyone better than Ken and Penny Taylor.
You are also very generous, we have never properly thanked you for sending Josh, Rebekah, Ruth and Shalom up for Christmas 3 yrs ago. We could never afford to do that and it was so very wonderful for you to have thought of us and them. It was a wonderful Christmas present.
Even though we don't keep in contact with you as we probably should (one of my many downfalls) we want you to know that we pray for you all often. We pray that your dreams and desires in the Lord will come to fulfillment and we pray for the stronghold of restoration for all your children will be seen in your lives (we really have walked in your shoes). God's grace IS sufficient even when your heart is breaking.
And lastly, we pray that someday, this side of heaven, we will meet again. If there ever should come the chance for us to go your way or you ours then we would be beyond delighted to join up together and have some more times of laughter and tears in God's great love!
Congratulations on your anniversary, may you enjoy many more to come!
We love you guys,
Lee and Peggy Larson