Recap II...the Japan Experience

So, as many of you know...CJ was part of a Japanese exchange this summer. These photos only touch the surface of the many experiences he had. He stayed with the families of the boys we hosted back in the spring. He had things he did with his host family every day and things he did with the travel group every other day. He had such a wonderful, life changing experience and so enjoyed himself and the Japanese people. I am so happy he was able to have this opportunity! Thank-you to his many sponsors out there who helped him get there!!

His host family took CJ and roomate Mr. G to a Karate studio to learn the basic moves. CJ said he worked up such a sweat by the end that he was just dripping.


These are the American tempermental chefs in the Japanese kitchen getting ready to whip up some Kraft Macs and Cheese carried in their suitcases to treat their host families to a loved American dish. CJ said it was a great hit and his host family just loved it!


Here are Ken and Kou with the guys in front of one of the boys homes. CJ and Mr. G were able to share their time between the two host boy's homes. That was great as they were able to experience two different homes and those family's lifestyles. They had daily touring, lots of eating, and nightly Nintendo tournaments:) As CJ told me "those women really know how to whip up amazing food in their small kitchens."


The guys spent a day at the Buddist temple. There were many more pictures with many more buddhas, but we'll suffice with this one at the temple entrance. There were water hand washing and purification areas throughout the temple to purify one's self before entering different areas. They guys even got to take part in a purification ceremony with purification water at one of the host families' future home sites. It was a very eye opening experience for CJ to experience the beliefs and traditions of a different culture.


Finally, our two heroe's adventure would not be complete without traditional Japanese apparel. The guys purchased these kimonos and donned their wares for this photo opp. CJ also purchased the traditional wooden sword he is holding, but had to pay more for shipping it home than the sword itself cost. He said his host family teased him quite a bit about that one..."oh CJ has no money left...he spend all to get sword home."

Recap I of the many lands we visited...

Rob, Ess, and Ev went to the very warm lands to visit Papaw and Grandma and the awesome Uncle G. They had a wonderful time just hanging out and spending time together.

Here is Ess with her favorite Uncle G!


Here is Ev hangin' with Grandma...aren't they sweet!


Here is Papaw doing his water aerobics...go Papaw!


Here are the two sun bathers getting some rays after a refreshing dip!


Traveling buddies...Evan was such a big helper according to Rob...way to go Evan...especially since it took 19 hours to get home!

Off to Japan...

Back in April, I shared photos of our Japanese exchange students Kou and Ken coming to spend a couple of weeks with us. Well it was now CJ's turn with 30 other high school students to make the trek to Japan and spend a couple weeks there. He was so excited! We had to rise very early to drive him to a large international airport. What awesome adventures are in store for him. We have received 2 emails to date and he is having the time of his life and so enjoying the people and culture.

Here is the traveling group ranging from freshman to seniors with a couple chaperones. They will all stay with different host families to really experience the culture.


I snagged this picture because it really tickled my funny bone! CJ and his two buddies sat away from the group for a time and chose a spot right in front of this ironic sign;o) For any of you who have or are raising teenagers...you would agree that "special needs" totally fills the bill!! Or maybe the parents have extra special needs to be able to deal with them? Either way...it made me chuckle:O)


Our excited adventurer...he makes this mama very proud! We are praying for great things for him as he steps out in new ways over these next several weeks. We love you Bud!

Camping...

We have had a couple of opportunities to go camping this summer. One in the mountains and one at a baseball tourney. Both turned out to be very fun adventures breaking Esther into the habit of sleeping away from home and knowing it was still OK. I chose to share pics from the mountain camping since they were prettier than camping at the Fair Grounds. Both adventures had blessings that were sweet hugs from the Lord with details He arranged to make it just perfect for our family...thank you Lord!

This pic has nothing to do with camping...but I was excited to find matching dresses for the girls on the return of one of our camping trips. The girls vary in sizes from very big girl to finally entering toddler...so here they are modeling their new outfits.


This is on one of our hikes exiting a cast of a fallen tree in lava. It was pretty cool in that the print of the bark was still intact and you could crawl through it like a cave. It was slightly claustrophobic...but I could see the light at the end of the tunnel!


This is on another of our day hikes exploring a famous volcanic peak and the regrowth that has occurred. I am thinking on taking my students on a field trip here in the fall since we are studying volcanoes. It sure was a beautiful day to visit!


So, our camping spot turned out to be one of God's blessings for us. We arrived too late for the camp grounds and ended up on Forest Service lands on an old clear cut that was partially regrown. Because of the clear cut...we had the most beautiful view of the volcanic peak right in front of us...it was amazing! The girls enjoyed this mound immensely and played in this silty, ashlike, debris until I had to bag their clothes at the end of each play session as it covered everything. As you can see, Esther doesn't quite get the knack of roasting her marshmallow over the fire...she just holds it on her stick and then eats it after it has bounced around on enough debris to add a little fiber;o) You gotta love camping!!


This would be Esther in a somewhat fresh outfit enjoying the feel of what Ruthie called "cake mix". The sediments were so fine grain...it really did feel like powder! I'm glad they didn't try tasting any of it:O)

Cousins reunited...

Over the 4th we were blessed with a visit from my cousin P, my Aunt P, and little baby D. It was great to get reaquainted, as it had been a long time since seeing my Aunt P. We spent the time catching up on each other's stories...viewing our fair cities from on high and trying to stay cool from the heat. Esther loved mothering little baby D. Thanks for such an awesome visit Cuz!

Mom, Daught, Little mommy Ess and Baby D. When Cuz P and I were little...everyone would think we were sisters we looked so much alike. We should have posed together to see if that is the same now...next visit!


Aunt P lovin' on Ess.


The Kiddos trying to stay cool...it was the first day we hit the 100 degree mark...can you say toasty?


Baby D workin' on some all American P & J. Cuz P is an awesome new Mommy!

A visit to long time friends...

I have a little catching up to do as we have had a fun filled summer thus far getting back in touch with friends, family, camping etc. This is a trip we took a few weeks past now to stay with some long time friends of many years who live on the west side of our fair state. It was so good to see our pastor friends, their new home, their awesome family, and catch up on all the Lord is doing in their lives. We were totally blessed and honored by the time they took out to spend with us! Here are the highlights:

Here are the members of the L family who were home that weekend, plus Esther, who wanted to say "cheese". This is on the steps of their beautiful front porch. Their older two children were away serving the Lord, literally around the world. They also share their home with their youth pastors and two young men who are part of their son's band. They are an amazing family! Thank-you L family for such a great weekend!


Here is Ruthie, riding a horse, with a beautiful view of a famous volcanic peak in the foreground. We did lots of walking on a rails to trails section near their home. Ruthie was the lucky girl to help exercise Blaze, their teenage daughter's horse. Of course, Ruthie was thrilled!


Did I mention they had a trampoline?... Ruthie's dream gift which she has never received. I think she logged over 8 hours on the tramp that weekend. Of course, we all took some turns jumping around...feeling those joints and the effects of years of gravitational pull. Alpaca Rob took his turn doing Kung Fu Panda moves with Ruthie. "There is no charge for awesomeness!"


Ruthie doing mid air splits or depending on your perspective...she is very carefully balancing on their shed roof!


Ru and Ess were trying on some slick fashion wear of the eldest daughter's. She has many hats to accompany her outfits and the girls couldn't resist.

Summer Fun!

I will preface this with stating that girls are so different than boys. I know that news won't shock any of you. I have gotten such a kick out of Ruthie this summer and how she likes to organize social occasions. It is so different from how the boys were at her same age. The photos you see are of the "end of school" celebration she organized. She has another one scheduled next week with some different friends.

A little slip and slide anyone?



Esther directing traffic. Notice how tall Ruthie has gotten. She has grown another couple inches. She looks more like a 4th grader than a 2nd grader!



Some summer health food for dinner! I so love the fun of summer!!! I don't want it to go too fast...