Mini-Vacation

We took our little trip to WSU to drop Drew off to start school this last week.

We started off by traveling through 'no where' central and eastern Oregon--LOL!

And yes, the cattle have the right of way in this 'open range' territory!

This big bull was actually full on in the middle of the road when we saw him, and really looked like he could care less that we wanted to get by!!

We stopped in Burns, Oregon for lunch and ate at the park.

This merry-go-round was supposed to pump with hands and feel, but it was obviously not used much.

Believe it or not, this double slide is as big as it looks!!! And even though it was steep and fast, Caleb found a way to make it go faster!!

On his feet!

And it would launch him off the end! Ahh! Classic Drew!!

Yep, this was fun till Caleb leaned on Hannah and she almost fell off and started crying! One happy girl that can pump the swing, "all by herself!" My college student! David worked with Caleb on his football catch since he was going to miss two practices. A stop at beautiful Phillips Lake for a run before heading into Baker City. Our beautiful treasures.

Sadly the last of the running pictures for a while!

All little brothers want to be just like their big brother!

We spent a day in Baker and visited with two long time family friends, then headed up to Lewiston for the night. Saw this friendly coyote on the side of the road. Got to enjoy the Hell's Canyon overlook area! Sadly we have no picture of dropping Drew off at WSU (I was a little emotional). You know it does not get easier to do this, even when you know they are ready!

Hope he likes wheat fields....that will be his view for the next months! We also took the opportunity to visit a blogging friend, who is now a face to face friend. Lisa, Russ and their family treated us to a lovely lunch and fellowship.

It is wonderful to get a chance to visit with others who understand the special situations that can arise from adopting children who have suffered long term trauma. Blogging has been a wonderful way for me to connect with others who 'understand'. On our way through the 'middle of no where Washington'! One of the highlight of our trip, was the opportunity to visit with some retired missionary friends, Marv and Harriet. Marv is presently battling his 4th cancer. David was in an interesting mood on our 4th day, and was actually willing to stop and see some of the sights!

This is a view of Dry Falls.

Interesting how the world tries everything to hid the obvious. There were signs all over telling how many millions of years ago, during the ice age this all happened. And parents were swallowing it whole, reading it to their children as fact.

Let's see....maybe Noah's flood!!

That would also explain the rhino fossils that were found!

Love to explain to my children the reality of the Bible shown in God's handiwork!

Oh yeah, Hannah and I standing on this overlook about made David sick!

Hannah was pretty excited for the break from the 100 degree weather to go swimming in one of the lakes at Dry Falls.

The next day we stopped at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River.

That is a HUGE sturgeon behind Hannah! Caleb and the rainbow trout. And we stopped for a quick peek at Multnomah Falls---I have no idea why Caleb looks in pain, but all the pictures were that way! Visiting at some friends hobby farm. Caleb loves animals. Hidden garden treasures. We had a wonderful time. Missing Drew. Hating the quiet without him!

Friends

My friend, Laurel, from over at Our Journey of Faith, stopped by Sunday on part of their long road trip. It was a wonderful time to catch up on what is going on in their lives and let our kids catch up a little too.

Here are Sarah (11), Hannah (7), and Rachel (8)---oh yeah, they are all standing---interesting height similarities!

Josiah (10), Caleb (10), and Elijah (8) picked right up as though they had just seen each other last week!! Gotta love kids.

I am so thankful for the support and friendship I have found through blogging, especially my new cyber-friends and those who have become face to face friends.

Since Some of You Asked

Here is a teaser of some more pictures of Danielle's wedding.

My beautiful treasure, the flower girl.

Aren't they precious?

If you have ever wondered if it is hard to give your daughter away, even to a wonderful man....I think this picture says it all! And Danielle realizes how much thought and prayer has gone into this moment for her dad!

In the beautiful foothills of Medford, this was our beautiful view.

I think they both look content in the moment.

The long awaited document!

A group photo on David's side.

Decisions!

The beautiful cake made by my mom.

They make a beautiful couple!

The first dance!

A daughter is a father's treasure forever!

A moment to remember!

Hold tight to one another and the Lord!

Sometimes....

God uses the storms in our lives.....

to cause amazing beauty, like these storm clouds.

Trusting and believing there is beauty in the storm!

I Peter 5: 6-7

Ironing Anyone?

Guess what I have done for most of the day?

All David's ironing for the last month, and he was on 'vacation' for 2 weeks!!

43 and Counting!

Happy 43rd Birthday My Love!!

So he goes to blow out his candles....

...and my marathon runner of a husband.....

...makes it take about 2 minutes!! Seriously!!! What about distance runner's lung capacity!

And I made this fun fruit sculpture, for the first time....and a friend brought one to the potluck we had....what are the chances?

What a fun night of celebration, fellowship and ended with a wonderful worship time!

Liberian Overload!

I was blessed with a wonderful day with two other Liberian adoptive families yesterday!!

As one of the girls said when I was taking the picture yesterday--"Only chocolates in the pool!"

Though there were 5 other bio siblings there yesterday, I missed their pictures in the pool.

My beautiful Hannah!

Contemplative Micah.

Blessed and beautiful Mercy.

Sweet Gracious.

Happy little Blessing.

Freezing Caleb!















Rebecca is mom to the other treasures here. I met Rebecca while in process to get Hannah and Caleb 5 years ago. She has blessed us over the years with her insight, friendship and support. She also sought out my children while in Liberia adopting Micah and brought us a DVD of them and the only picture we have of birth mom! Such treasures to have, especially for older adoptees. Since we were not allowed to travel due to the instability of the county at the moment, she is also my culture instructor. Last but not least, she is the one who informed us of Hannah's precarious health and told us we needed to press the agency if we ever wanted to meet our daughter on this side of heaven. I am very thankful for her friendship and the journey we have taken together. God is good!