Pictures

We are GRANDPARENTS!!!!!

Lily Kathryn joined our family on July 4th 2010!!!!

We feel incredibly blessed by her arrival, but, even more so by the knowledge that she is HEALTHY!

To God be the Glory! Birth is truly a miracle. Bryant and Ali are thrilled with their addition!

Africa

The first picture is of the action paks we took with us to Malawi. We filled them with supplies for Nkhoma hospital and Ebenezer School. Each of us were allowed two action paks weighing no more than 50 lbs. each. The second picture is an area of the hospital that the care givers stay when they have someone in the hospital. The doctors check on patients but the hospital has no real help to feed, clean and generally take care of the people, so they must have a family member to come with them to care for their needs while in the hospital. The last picture was taken at the school with my mom and her teaching aid Grace on some of the playground equipment that a group in Holland donated to the school.

Nkoma is filled with incredible people who care about each other. The pace of life there is slow. The lack of televisions and computers and such allows time for relationships that we don't realize are important until we really need someone. At that time, you wonder how is it possible to "know" so many people, but not really KNOW them. I think we are missing something...

Mission Trip -- Malawi, Africa 2010

We are headed for AFRICA. Malawi to be more specific. (In red on the map.) My mom decided to hold off on going into a retirement facility for a year as she hopped a plane and took off to spread God's love in a remote village called, Nkhoma, in Malawi, Africa. Off to fulfill a calling to teach the children at Ebenezer School built just two years ago by the Presbytery. Two weeks after her arrival, they asked if she would become the principal!!! We are headed with 7 other adults on a 2.5 week mission trip to develop relationships in HIS name with the people of Nkhoma. I am soooo excited for the opportunity to share the love with our brothers and sisters across the Atlantic. I can't wait to see how we will all be changed by this experience. Stay tuned.

A Kit Car for us....

We are building a car... Actually, Stan is building, I am a great ooooer and ahhher, and occasionally a great helper, well at least according to me. Stan might think differently, but then lets just preface this with --according to the writer, I am. Actually, it is fun to watch Stan get all excited when he talks about his car! (I didn't see any of that enthusiasm when we picked out the dinning room suit. . .) I guess it is a gender thing. I can't seem to show the correct amount of interest in engines, suspensions, and master cylinders that he would prefer either. Life is funny that way. I will keep you posted. The picture is what it should eventually resemble after we attach everything to that thing in the garage!!!

Swimming with the Manatees!!!

Crystal River, Florida

Jan. 2010

Stan and I went to Crystal River, Florida and joined up with an outfit called Birds Under Water. We rented wet suits, fins, masks and snorkles and set off for an incredible experience interacting with the manatees. We couldn't believe the number of them laying around sleeping or gliding past us in the water. They will actually roll over and let you rub their bellys. The trip truly ranks as one of our favorite and is one we intend to repeat with grandchildren eventually. Remember to take an underwater camera!!! If you want to go, we recommend using the group Birds Under Water, here is their web address: http://www.birdsunderwater.com

One descriptive word -- awesome!!!

Changing of Seasons

Same tree as earlier pictured all covered in snow.

Although now it's leaves have transformed from the fresh green look of summer to the vibrant color of fall.

Kinda fancy the idea of following a tree through all the seasons... so, you will probably see "this tree" again in it's spring and summer attire.

Amazing how time passes us by so quickly.

If not careful, this hectic pace we call life will cause us to neglect observing all of the incredible changes occuring around us...

I guess I am saying, "it's time to stop and smell the roses."

Here's to you-- hoping you find the joy that surrounds you everday.

Bermuda -- Nov. 2009

Stan and I went to Bermuda -Nov. 2009. Rode scooters on the wrong side of the road and tried our best to not get killed as we attempted to follow the British customs. Our trip took us scuba diving through a cave and over reefs, to an under ground cave full of stalagmites, to the ruins of old battle forts, up and down the three main roads, north road, south road and middle road. We ran part of the old railway trail, visited the two light houses, ate imported food for an inflated price and saw the smallest drawbridge in the world, all of 2 feet wide. Our trip was an incredible experience and one of welcomed time together. Brought home lots of pictures, made a photobook and will enjoy revisiting Bermuda again and again as we leaf through it's pages.

Need I say more!!!!

Hot Air Balloon Festival in Statesville, NC

Went to Statesville to the see the Balloon Festival. Arrived early- visited the variety of booths filled with all kinds of things to eat and homemade crafts. Balloons didn't actually show up until later. But once they did, we were not disappointed. Color everywhere!!! The first one in the air, took my breath away. Traveling ever so graceful as it caught the wind and sailed over the beautiful fall trees. If you haven't been, it is worth a visit. We'll return again with friends to share the experience. You can also take a ride for a charge. Going to have to do that sometime--SOON!!!

If only our vacations could become a way of life...

Visited Intercourse, Pa....never felt so renewed. The people and the way of life there make you long for a simplier lifestyle! Unfortunately, it doesn't take 5 minutes back home to resume the rat race we call our lives. Take me back!!!!!!

Stan and I took a short vacation to Gettysburg, PA this summer. We rode our bikes all over the battlefield and the surrounding area. This world of ours has so much to offer if you simply take the time to take it all in. AND a camera of course!

SNOW!!!

First good snow of the year...

Snorkling in Florida

Took the family to Pompano Beach, Florida. Cousin Jamie was there working as a deckhand on a yacht, docked for repairs. Not that we know the first thing about the mechanical workings of millionaire's toys, but everything seemed to function just fine for us. Thanks, Jamie!!!! Incredible experience, exploring life of the rich and famous.

(Jamie's productivity was a little side tracked by his southern kin folk.)


Went on a snorkeling tour,

AND according to the guide, the huge shark swimming just below us was a nursing shark, ... not to worry, he said, they're not interested in people.



Ummm... sure put a lot of faith in a complete stranger!!!!!

Sky Diving

Always wanted to be as free as a bird. So, took to the skies and tried our hand at sky diving. Tandum of course. Really liked my instructor, she constantly checked my harness and connectors during the entire climb to 14,000 feet. Stan's on the other hand, was sitting right in front of me munching on a burrito. (Didn't have the heart to warn Stan.) But, as you can see it was all thumbs up. Even bought jump day 1/2 price opportunities for a second jump!

And we just thought the sky was the limit!!!!!

White water rafting - Class V style

White water rafting --first through Edge of the World in Banner Elk, NC. See the smiles. Well, they made it look easy, so bring it on... From there we ventured to The Upper Gauley River, West Virginia. Oh, did I mention that it's ranked 3rd in the world due to five- class V rapids!!! Awesome experience. A once (or maybe twice) in a lifetime adventure.

Life is worth living!!!!!

Chicago by Segway

Visited the windy city of Chicago and toured around town on segways. People of all ages were hopping on board this new and exciting contraption while trying to judge the probability of NOT making a fool of one's self in front of a crowd. A little like Star Trek if you ask me.

Still standing... at Grant Park in front of the incredible Buckingham fountain. Going to Chicago? Worth a look, link below:

http://www.city-discovery.com/chicago/tour.php?id=2821

The Best Job in the World-Queensland, Australia

The adventurous side of us is hoping that Tourism Queensland, who is seeking an island caretaker for a six-month contract, based on luxurious Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, will realize the benefit of having a somewhat middle-aged couple who are ready to really start living life to the fullest and who are not afraid of trying something "new." If you would like to see more about this opportunity, check out www.islandreefjob.com.

The Virginia Creeper Trail

Awesome Bike Trail...

34 miles of rail running between Abingdon and Damascus, Virginia turned into bike trails!!!! Been described as the best biking trail in the east, the Virginia Creeper Trail. A must for all families. Bring your own or rent a bike, plenty of small businesses available to haul you and your bike to the top for a minimal fee, then it is all downhill from there. Took mom with us this past year, at 78 she rode the trail! Absolutely beautiful in the fall. And, while you are there don't zip pass the Creeper Trail Cafe located along the trail. You can't miss it, just look for the numerous bikes parked outside. We took a picnic for all the extended family members who went with us, but couldn't resist stopping in for ice cream.

Thanks Virginia, we'll be back.

Skiing in Vermont

We married in March 2004 and honeymooned in Vermont, home of Ben and Jerry's ice cream!!! We found our way to the slopes and a kind hearted person recorded our moment. Wonderful time in Vermont--definitely worth a second look.

After a bit of self confidence building, we took to the open water, earning our open water scuba certifications. Haven't found buried treasure, but opened an incredible window to a whole other world sharing the space on our planet.