Seasons

These photos bring to mind many moments gone by that are full of sweet fellowship

Part of Bryan's farewell month included a birthday lunch gathering -- 8 years old!

I have to say that the Lord continues to truly bless Pete and myself with friends that are genuine, caring and kind. What knits our hearts together is prayer, laughs, support, and love as each family goes forward in faith. We recently entered a new season in which miles would separate us and we said farewell to dear family friends. We reflect on the treasure and abundance God gives us in and through our friends.

Our families met during the kindergarten year and enjoyed several seasons together. We miss you O.H., Hee Sun & Bryan

Butterflies Aflutter 2012

We thought we were "ahead of the game" arriving 20 minutes before the park opens on Opening Day of Butterfly Jungle. NOT! There were about 80 people ahead of us, who started lining up a couple hours ago. That's okay, we are just here to enjoy.

snapped a photo of a landing the photographer's (me) shoulder

Taking a gander at the Zebra butterfly

Yup, that's us!

Serenity in waiting for an unexpected butterfly landing

We had our fill of what we came for! Leaving the park less than an hour later. It was a delight!

Straight to our godsister's 2nd birthday party. Cool sunflower cupcakes!
A fun time of play and catching up with cousins

Hiking the park together!

A day of hiking, chatting, and learning about animals, each other, and God's plans for us.

All of us at the end of a phenomenal time together! We love you guys! See you soon...

Swiss Family Robinson Adventure

The boys had an overnight adventure with movie night, missions-focus, laughs, no sleep, and hands-on hammer-and-nail building. Not to mention great food and fellowship.

Mommies get some hang-out time too!

Gathering around for an Island-Style Dinner: Teriyaki Pineapple-Chicken Bowls served in coconut shells! The boys were taught to wait as the ladies were served first -- that was refreshing.

Commander Gonzalo gets ready to bless the food and our time.

Coconut Bowls!

Before watching the movie about missionaries Swiss Family Robinson; we learn about a Marantha Chapel family,  the Eastham family,  serving a mission in Africa.  Commander John Eastham, and Rangers Joseph and Benjamin, had just left days before to Africa. Their Royal Rangers Outpost will continue to pray for them.

"Oh, Magnify the Lord with Me" Psalm 34:3

A unique "Girls Night Out" for me with one of my dearest friends, who has been in my life since 10th grade, and her darling daughters. We worshipped Jesus with Ballet Magnificat!

Carousel Animals and Bats

Sometimes, we enjoy the benefit of our flexible schedule, and head out for FUN and a little safari. We watched one last Bird Show with Pete presenting  -- and had some good laughs!

What a bucking buck-a-roo! Aidon's hanging on to the side of this thing!

Josh is so excited that YOU think he's going to fly off!

Our very own napping, squinting and smiling fruit bats!

The Good Choice

Viv's birthday cake

Celebrating Vivi's birthday and the launch of her new television show "The Good Choice" www.goodchoicetv.com was a super fun night of fellowship and a lasting encouragement to make healthful choices.

Viv is vivacious and enthusiastic 

Fun Raiser

A Dr. Seuss fund raiser complete with the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, green pancakes, hot cocoa, coffee, juice, green eggs and ham.

... even more complete that all four of us could enjoy a hot breakfast together~

always smiles when the pals get to ride together to playtime!

Just a typical friday morning after Music -- Tree Climbing

Baby in a tree, lookin' at me!

Just enough swings for these boys!

It is a little bit of gladness and a bunch  of fun to watch these kids grow up together. Here are photos taken at the end of the preschool season together and last year

Generations

When I see an event like intergenerational gardening or our school's garden club; 

I think, "ooh! how fun!" 

And then the Lord leads my heart and thoughts to my parents and grandmother.

 They enjoy gardening. 

Time just passes all too quickly. Life is Short. The Lord has been speaking to my heart for a couple years about not stepping back into my "overscheduled" routine that I am so comfortable in. My grandmother will be 94 this year, and I think I've taken for granted the opportunity for one-on-one time with her. My boys, my sister and I were able to play bingo with her last night. And then, while the boys bonded with my sister, I enjoyed hearing about Oma's life as a teen and in her early twenties. Oma's feet had a bubbling warm water foot massage and I manicured and painted her nails, while I got to hear the tales of life long ago. She recalls working as a shoemaker, manicurist, hair stylist, and launderer from age 15 throughout her adult life.

touching up my mess-ups already

 I have sweet memories with my sisters and cousins hanging out at her place in the summers -- she'd cut our hair, she'd sew the girls matching dresses, her rock garden, our uncles and aunties laughing up a storm with her and Opa.

Back to campus in 2012

Rather than Christian Youth Theater, our boys joined school choir this semester. It is sweet to see them in the same group with each other and with their long time pals. I know, I know, it is just cuz I am their mama that this is cute!

cool flying while swingin' on the bars

What I like about our on-campus days, is that it is a place we know we'll see our pals consistently, and from that point, we take the natural next step and have a chance to fellowship and reconnect.

Ninja pose!

Both our boys seem content and happy with this year of schooling; and that encourages that "mama's heart" in me.