A Date with Our Daughter

It was very hard for us to be away from our daughter as she has been dealing with some pretty big health issues. And she of course missed us being here with her. So this afternoon we were able to take our daughter on a date. We went out to one of her favorite resturants for lunch and had a good time visiting and just spending time together. Afterwards we went to the grocery store and stocked up and loads of fruits and vegetables as we are trying to build up her system and get her on the road to better health.

Crazy Hair and Hat Night

Last night at Awana was our crazy hair or hat night. So this is what we came up with. Many people thought I had this special hair do from our trip. It actually took me several times of washing my hair to get all the gel and hair spray out of it. Our Cubbies came with some pretty cutie hair dos.

Check Mate

Yesterday afternoon Titus was in a chess tournament. We had actually just gotten home so it worked out so nice that we could be there for Titus. We are very proud of Titus, he got second place. There were a few tables set up with boards so anyone who wanted to could play a game for fun. So Vern and Titus, and Ruth and I played against each other. We weren't able to finish our games which was good, since no one really wanted to beat the other person.

WELCOME HOME

It was SOOO good to arrive home again. Our daughter and a friend had a nice surprise waiting. They put quite a bit of work into making a huge "Welcome Home" sign. It was such a nice feeling to pull up to our drive way and to be greeted by that "Welcome Home" sign. We had another surprise waiting for us when we walked in the door. Our front hall was loaded with balloons. There was at least a 100 balloons. It was so much fun drowning in a sea of balloons. It's nice to be home with our family. Thanks Ruth and Carly, it was SOOO sweet of you to make our return so special!

That Was One LONG Day

Yesterday was a VERY long day. It seemed like we went from waiting in a line at the ticket counter, to security checks, to immigration, to a waiting room, to a plane and then back through the whole process again. Although we made it to our final destination in one piece with all of our luggage we have never stood in waiting lines and run from one end of the airport to another, like we did yesterday. (The exercise was good though.) It was VERY painful to leave the warm weather behind and arrive back to the land of snow. Since we didn't have our jackets it was a bit chilly waiting for our shuttle bus last night. But it was so nice when we jumped into bed and we were almost home.

The Long Trip Home

In about an hour we will be heading to the airport for our first flight of several, as we make our way homeward. Thanks so much for all your prayers for us and our time here, and thanks too for your prayers for our children at home. We have had an incredible time and although I have shared with you so many pictures from our time here, it still does not do justice to everything we have experienced. We are heading out soon but we will not be back to our home until Wednesday afternoon so we would appreciate your prayers for us as we have several flights and layovers ahead of us.

Happy Birthday Caleb

23 years ago God blessed us with a precious little baby boy. Our lives and family would never be the same again. We have enjoyed every step of parenthood with you, Caleb. We have so many great birthday memories: all the streamers, piñatas, blue angel food cakes, your dad dressing up like a clown, your entrance into teen hood with your first solo motor cycle ride, tying a helium balloon in the shower to greet you first thing in the morning on your 21st birthday, a birthday crepe that your dad cut out "Happy 11th Birthday", and many, many more. Have a wonderful birthday and make some special memories. Know we are thinking 0f you and love you very much!

A Walk in the Park

I can not believe it but I do miss my exercise bike. The other day we were feeling frisky and were wanting to get some exercise. Therefore first thing in the morning we went to this national park for a walk. All sorts of people go to this park to walk as they have paths everywhere. In all the years we lived in Venezuela I have never been to such a neat park. It was so well maintained and it has so many interesting plants and trees. We even saw a yellow frog which I didn't even know existed. And the Lord gave us a beautiful rainbow. But I have to say that I slowed our exercise walk way down as I took a lot of pictures.

Family Time

We love spending time with our families but due to how spread out Vern and his siblings are we don't get to spend much time together. It has been a special treat to be here with Vern's brother and wife. This past week we made some great memories together spending a few days at the beach. Even though we lived here for years we never owned a car and had a way to get around and see much of the beauty of Venezuela. We went up to the ocean and truely did enjoy the beauty and wonder of God's creation. The beaches we went to were not the usual tourist spots. One beach we went to we were the only people on the beach. We had to take a boat ride out to it and it was like a roller coaster ride as the waves were high at times. We tried a bit of snorkeling which was fun. But since I had never done it before I had to learn how to relax and learn how to breath in and out. It was a great time together and really was an awesome time together.

A Taste of Venezuela

We have definitely enjoyed coming back "home" and eating the great foods Venezuela has to offer.
(YUM ) Although I have to admit I was not the least bit tempted to taste the fish soup.