Road Trip

We just got back from an amazing weekend road trip to Southern Idaho. On Friday we got off work early loaded up the vans with teens and stuff and hit the road. We arrived in Nampa/Caldwell and stayed the night. Lots of poker and watching Olympics and at least some sleep for the teens and Mark - Karen went to bed early. Then we were up for a huge breakfast, some fun stops around town and by Saturday night we were at a Relient K concert. TONS of fun. Then it was off for a day of visiting the family while the teens had fun with Colin. Our new nephew is sooooo adorable with his red hair. Then Monday took us to NNU our alma mater campus. The teens went to classes and explored. We loaded up and made the long haul back late Monday night. It was another great weekend with the youth-group and our family. Plus it brought back some really great memories of where we first met at school.

Friends

Do you remember those days when you just had so much energy that you couldn't sit still. I do and I was reminded of that this weekend when we had over 20 teens come to our house for an Aftershock. We had a great time. We played video games, foosball, poker, uno, catch phrase, taboo, and I think there were a couple other games going as well. Sometimes I wish I could be a teenager again so that I could experience all that fun again. Sure I still have fun now but it just doesn't seem to come as often as it did back then. Life changes as you grow older, but at least I still have all of the wonderful memories. I thank God for the friends that he gave me during that time in my life. But I thank him even more that they are still my close friends now.

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.