South America Re-Visited...with JOY

What fun we had a few days ago ~

getting together.......

with these two girls ~ Hannah and Audrey.

The parents (minus Jim ~ work called!)

Audrey, her mom Jill, Alden and I and Hannah

We had some dinner and enjoyed getting caught up with each other.

LOVED talking about the adventures these girls had

in Central and South America.

Audrey brought a slide show of pictures ~

How GREAT it was to SEE the places and people they saw

and visited.

Monkeys ~ outside their hostel......:)

Oh the stories we heard ~ the laughter and passion

for the days they spent together.....

seeing the world.

Yep, salt fields.

Their "hotel rooms" ~ um yes, salt floor and walls!!!!!!!

Iguazu Falls

whales

glaciers

Great friends ~ GREAT memories of a life-long dream

for both of them.

What a SPECIAL evening it was hear ALL about

this GREAT ADVENTURE!

We are so thankful they could fulfill this dream ~

and do it together.

Way to go girls!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Pat

Our son-in-law.

Alden and I appreciate Pat so much.

He is FULL of character and integrity ~

loves God with all his heart.

He loves sports.

Is a great husband.

An amazing Dad.

Comes from a great family ~

wonderful mom and dad ~ Barbara and Randy.

Stephanie and Colin ~ sister and brother in law

Our family .....siblings enjoy him.

Pat, we wish you a GREAT birthday.
We are blessed to know you
and to have you in our family.
Thanks for giving SO much joy and richness
to Courtney's life.
{now....you and Courtney are the SAME age}  :)

We love you.

Remembering JP Watkins

This man ~



and his wife Martha.......

were the parents of my best friend in Middle/High School.



Susan and I have GREAT memories ~ from those school days.......

and have been a part of each other's lives ever since. 

Susan's parents/family made me feel so comfortable ~ my parents enjoyed

them. 

When Susan's dad passed this week, we knew we wanted to be with the family.

We got in the car ~

Ate lunch at Alden's favorite place.  :)

And made our way down to Hampton.

The service was so special ~

remembering this man, celebrating his life,

and rejoicing that he is with His Lord for all eternity.

Mr. Watkins was in the Navy during World War II.

He also raced boats in the 50's and we loved hearing stories about those days.

Susan has a brother and sister.  

And they have 2 sons, John and Kevin.

John and his wife are expecting their first baby any day now!!!!!

I got to visit with my two school girl friends ~

Susan and Margo.

What fun!

The cycle of life ~

the passing of one......

and the BIRTH of another.

We continue to pray for this dear family.

So thankful for friendships and memories.