Winter Blast '06

Over Martin Luther King Day weekend Karen and I went with the teens from church up to Waitts Lake for our winter retreat. Too bad winter forgot to show up. There was no snow and it wasn't very cold, but everyone had a good time. We played lots of games, listened to a great speaker, and spent quality time with each other but most importantly with God. It is always fun to go on trips with the teens. I can't wait until June when we go on our 2nd annual Mexico Mission Trip to build houses for the poor.

Bouncy Balls

Last Friday night we watched our friends little girl while they went out to catch a movie. We had a great time. We watched Pooh, ate dinner (baked potato, chicken strips, and bananas) and then finished the night with a couple hours of playing with bouncy balls. It was fun to watch and play with her as she would bounce the ball and then chase after it so she could do it all over again. Mark had just about as much fun as she did playing with the balls. It took him back to the days of playing with bouncy balls all over his house as a kid.

They've all returned

We spent our New Years weekend (Thursday through Sunday night) in Richland with Mark's side of the family. We had second Christmas - tons of gifts, great time with the kids and lots of good food.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday were spent with the "Friends". Mark grew up with a group of friends that have stayed in touch - this is the first time since high school that they all returned home at once. Friday was a group gift exchange - Saturday games and watching the ball drop and Sunday one last night of cards before we left.

It amazes me (Karen) that my husband has such a great group of friends. A group that has stayed in touch - and that is so easy to hang out with - lots of jokes and great times laughing and playing games. We are blessed to have them all.

There are some pictures here of the kids and the group of friends - from our weekend.