Reunion

July 6, 2017 | Stacy

In October 2013 we said goodbye to our friends as they moved to Oregon for a “temporary” two-year assignment. We saw them in 2014 when they were home for a visit, and in 2015 we went to see them on our Road Trip.

We did not have any visits in 2016, and that makes this current reunion all the sweeter.

Their trip “home” is not over, and we hope to have more time with them. I feel like a sponge when we are together, as I try to “soak up” as much of them as I can. I keenly remember Jenn’s phone call in 2013, and the secret I kept for most of that day as we waited to hear if it was really happening. And I will likely never forget having to tell the kids the next morning and their subsequent reactions.

Saying goodbye is still in front of us. I’m not looking forward to that. And as we are approaching the four year mark of a two-year assignment, we are learning to count time together differently.

Acts 1:7 – He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.

William’s birthday at Dave and Buster’s

July 5, 2017 | Stacy

Our dear friend, William, turned ten this year and celebrated with a birthday party at Dave and Buster’s. All the kids were invited and we had a lot of fun.

Stewart and Mr. Hoyt…

Tab and Marie…

Katriel and Johanna.

Tab, and Sophia W….

Marie and Nigel

I lost track of how many times these three raced on Mario Karts.

My sweet friend, Marguerite. She is such a blessing to me!!

FINALLY–We celebrated Katriel’s birthday

April 1, 2017 | Stacy

Having gotten ill on the day that we had first planned for her party, we finally had the opportunity to celebrate with many of her friends on April 1st.

These sweet little ones played a few games, dined on chicken nuggets & fruit, and opened gifts.

As she opened gifts she “read” the cards. They mostly said the pretty close to the same thing: “Happy birthday Katriel. We are friends. I love you, and you love me, and Jesus loves us.” Winking smile

But my favorite photo:

Thanksgiving dinner in February

February 24, 2017 | Stacy

This is the second year to celebrate “Thanksgiving” in February. Last year it ended up being on the day of the ONE BIG SNOW STORM we’d had all year. This year? Yeah, it was almost 60 degrees.

Nan, Nene, and friends from church, the Walter family, joined us.

The kids were all excited about the meal and each of them chipped in.

A winter tea party

January 5, 2017 | Stacy

Mrs. Mrs. Fuhrman invited us for another tea party.
This time she presented the girls with a princess theme that went over exceedingly well.

Katriel quickly spotted the animal crackers available to serve the dollies. She may or may not have sampled ~~all~~ a few of them.

Mrs. Mrs. Fuhrman suggested that the girls bring a special doll to share in the party.
This is what they brought.
Really.

You can’t always be dainty when you are three…

It was such a fun and special treat.

Here’s a funny story about it. Johanna had two cards for Mrs. Mrs. Fuhrman. The day after we got home, I asked her to make a Thank You card. She said, “No.” She had already made two cards. She was tired when I asked, so I let it go. Then a day or two later we asked her again. She was as steadfast as she could be. She said, “I already told you, I already gave her a thank you card.” And she would NOT make another card. It’s not that she doesn’t like making cards. She makes cards and notes all the time. But she was standing on the principle of the thing. So she didn’t make a card.

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2016 | Stacy

Christmas Eve hair… Marie’s was elegant as well, but she was out the door before photos.

We headed to the Brookses for our annual tradition of snacks and dessert before church.

Then we tried (and tried) to get a nice photo. (I think the first is the best.)

After church, we tried to get one of the kids…
Nigel ran in and changed.

Then… what ARE these youngest three doing??

Good Grief.
Merry Christmas

Sogo Hibachi and Color Me Mine

December 9, 2016 | Stacy

My friend, Darci, coordinated a number of December activities. Some of us went to her house on Monday to do Christmas crafts, and today I took the three older girls, and our friend, to another day of fun.

We had lunch at Sogo Hibachi. It was a ton of fun.

Then we headed over to Color Me Mine for some art work.
It was such a fun day!

backyard fun–Tab and Hal

September 4, 2016 | Stacy

The girls needed some help assembling the tent. Nigel stepped in. The girls played for some time and then Marie and Nigel joined them. They did some hiding and seeking in the woods. I love the view from my window.

Swim and study…

August 24, 2016 | Stacy

The youth group met here for an evening of swim and study. It was the most people ever in the pool. I have to say, I love this picture because it really shows just how big the pool is.