Sweet treasures of Friendship

These 2 folks have been a part of our life for a long time...we bonded together as we shared our journey together in Germany, having our babies together, volksmarching and it's been a long time since we have seen them.

We met up with them these past few days to catch up, enjoy one another's company and share what is happening in our lives. Oh, what a sweet treasure they are!

Memphis and the Mighty Mississippi

On the road again was our motto for two days...breakfast with all the grandparents, a stop at German restaurant Edelweiss and then our arrival in Memphis.

We spent the day with Aunt Suzy, Oma and our dear friends Scott and Carla. Their son had dinner with us the evening before.

We saw some sights, Elvis's Graceland, an incredible BarBQ place, sights of Memphis, and the Mighty Mississippi at sunset.

Dinner at the Edelweiss ...yum--Schnitzel with noodles

Our dear friends Scott and Carla with Darrell

Carefree time at a water park along the Mississippi in Memphis

Sunset....isn't it just beautiful?

More sunset with the kids playing at an obstacle course along the river....magical moments.

Quiet Peaceful Morning

A quiet peaceful walk out on the trails. We stopped and lingered. One of the kids said they could feel God's presence.

Oh how beautiful....

This Boy

This boy has made so many strides in the past year!  It has been noticed by just about everyone....

This past weekend he attended an Alert service project. 

He got noticed. 

Leadership, team work, good character, and representing what Alert is all about. This boy has come so far.  Captain Otis recognized it and honored it.  He gave him an LL Bean cold weather sleeping bag--totally cool.

We are so proud of him.  God is doing a great work in him....can't wait to see what is next for this boy.

We love you Jason!

It's Good To Be Back

We are getting back to our full schedule of activities after many activities and  projects.  Spent time with the horses doing our Parelli lessons today.

Brandon  with Krystal

Jason with Liberty

Mike and Spirit

Kiara and Krystal

Our Own Adventures

While our older boys have been away....we have had a few adventures of our own.

Yesterday, Kiara, Joe, Harmony and Devon and I all headed out to an apple orchard to pick apples.  We found lots of apples but so much more! There were bouncy houses, play grounds, pigs and goats to feed as well as wonderful yummy treats to sample.  It was a stunning day with wonderful views of the New Hampshire colors.

We came home with eating apples, snacks and about 100 pounds of saucing apples....our crock pots have been running non stop since then.

When we got home we met up with Jess....she was jealous....So...today we headed to a wonderful yarn shop that I have been trying to get her to go too for some time.  Sabrina joined us and we traveled in style in Jess's new truck too.  The little kiddos just loved all he new buttons in her truck! Yikes...

We then went back to the orchard for more fun and treats.  Jess had a donkey to trim afterwards, so we joined her for the adventure before heading home.  We arrived home after a long day...smile.

The Building of Young Men

This past Thursday, Darrell and the boys set off on their latest Alert Cadet adventure in western New Hampshire.  They are cutting and stacking wood for a Christian camp.  Hard work has been mixed in wit some old fashion fun of games, good food, and fellowship with new and old friends.  They are loving it so far.

Here Brandon and Jon W. are loading wood together.

Jason and Michael are running the log splitter.

Today they all set out to climb Mt. Monadnock.  They made it too the top to see spectacular views before he clouds rolled in.  It was exciting and marked he almost one year anniversary of their hike last year in Harpers Ferry where Darrell later had a heart attack.  It was an exciting come back for all of them.

The boys at he peak.

I am so proud of all of them!  Love you guys....can't wait to hear all of your stories of your adventures!