We affectionately call ourselves “The Cunningham Crew”. (It started as an alternative to individually signing everyone’s name on Christmas cards!) We are an ordinary family of 8 (yes, 6 kids) trying to live an intentional life rooted in faith, family, and finding joy in every season.
We aren’t exactly sure where we hail from. Dave and I were both raised in small towns in Southern Illinois, but military life blessed us with the opportunity to travel and live all across the United States. We moved to St. Louis, MO for Dave’s last tour and it was there that he retired (after 21 years) from the world’s finest Navy as a Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman. We bought our dream house, settled into a routine, and all but quit traveling. But then something began to stir in us late last year; a yearning, a calling, an invitation; to give up the comfort of predictability and enter into a new season.
So after much planning, moments of panic, more panic, lots of prayer, and everything in between, we found ourselves embarking on an exciting new journey. We sold our dream house, left behind family and friends, and are now traveling the country as I, Emily, start a new venture as a travel nurse. Our prayer is to embrace every moment with our children, see and experience the beauty of God’s creation, live a life pleasing to God, and be a blessing to those around us. The Cunningham Crew invites you to join in and share our new adventures with us!
Dave & Emily
We, Dave and Emily, have been happily married for over 19 years and counting. While we have enjoyed seasons of abundance and blessings, we have also endured trials and heartache.
Little Bit about Emily: I LOVE my husband and kiddos. I’m a Never-Did-I-Ever-Think-I-Would-Be-A-Homeschooling-Mama (we just started Year 11!). My joys in life include working as a labor & delivery nurse (I consider it a hobby, because I love what I do), crockpot meals, and matching up socks! My catch phrase, as my kids call it, is “It’ll be fine”.
Little Bit about Dave: I have an AMAZING wife and some pretty great kids! Teaching and mentoring are two of my passions. Things that bring me joy: Dr. Pepper, my family, and Dr. Pepper. I can quote many movie lines and have numerous quotes and “Daveisms”! My favorite quote is “Calm seas never made a skilled sailor”.
Jordan
Recently married Zach, the man of her dreams (and prayers) in May 2020. He is an answer to our prayers as well, as we couldn’t have asked for a more noble man to walk through life together with our beloved daughter. We are so excited to watch them grow as a couple and see the wonderful things God has planned for them.
Gabriel
Probably should have been named David Jr. He is charismatic, charming, intelligent, and can somehow talk his way into anything! He completed high school an entire year early with 36 college credits under his belt. He was born with a love and natural knack for computers. With this love in mind, he made the decision to utilize those skills serving in the Worlds Finest Navy. He recently completed boot camp and is attending his “A” school training.
Abigail
Affectionately called “The Don” of the family; whatever Abby wants, Abby gets. She, like her father, loves Dr. Pepper; but like her mother, speaks fluent sarcasm. She is a friend to all, but is also happy to be alone; fits in with the boys, but loves make-up. Her favorite sports are Gaga ball, binge watching, and soon-to-be surfing!
Annabelle
Has a big personality with a wonderful sense of humor. Her favorite pastime is quoting cheesy pick-up lines and really corny jokes! Sometimes she cracks herself up so much that she can barely spit out the punch line! She loves music, plays the violin and is learning the ukulele. She also has a super cute one-sided dimple.
Benjamin
The easy-going kid in the family and exudes a quiet joy about him. He has a big heart and often does simple acts of kindness, just because. He enjoys all things nature related and loves learning wilderness survival tips. He recently hit a growth spurt and is quickly gaining on his older brothers and sisters!
Samuel
The youngest in the family, A.K.A. “Baby Sam”. He gladly accepts this title, especially when it works to his advantage. He adores his siblings and they him, usually… He is always the first one willing to pray over a meal, LOVES card games, and is his mommy’s sock-matching buddy!
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!…
Psalm 127:3-5
The Cunningham Crew 