We were pleased to be able to return to Hawaii – this time joined by Jankel, Venita, Tyler and Tanner.  The cousins were excited to meet each other and quickly bonded.  All eight, but especially the four boys, basically lived in the water and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  Randy and Jankel were able to get in a couple rounds of golf while the moms pulled kid duty. 

Daniel and David demonstrated tremendous growth as they were able to see good family behavior modeled day in and day out.  By the end, we think our boys showed more progress than they had in the previous several months.  Their understanding of cultural and family norms leaped forward in ways we could not have expected.  What a blessing!

Also, the parents enjoyed themselves.  We don’t get together often enough, but when we do it seems as if we had never been separated.

In the evenings, we held a Mexican Train tournament with the kids edging out the parents for bragging rights.  We will get them next time!!!

Click the picture to see more (lots more).  We’ll work on getting some video posted, but for now all we have ready are the photos.

Haystack Rock

Our good friends Gordon and Patty invited us to Cannon Beach, Oregon for Friday, the last day of their week-long conference.  On top of that, Gordon picked us up in their plane and personally flew us down!!!  What a treat!  There were several other friends attending the conference so we enjoyed great fellowship.  We also heard a wonderful talk from an Old Testament scholar, ate well (we always seem to eat well), played games, spent some time on the beach, etc., etc., etc.  God willing, we intend to make Cannon Beach a new tradition to start with the boys.

With Gordon & Patty

On Saturday, we got back in the plane (Cessna Skylane 182 Turbo) and flew to Sunriver, Oregon for the weekend.  We stayed at their condo in the beautiful resort.  Highlights included lots of bicycle riding, swimming, sunning, playing cards, and generally enjoying spending special time with Gordon & Patty.  On Sunday, when we had experienced all the sun we could fit in, Gordon flew us home to Puyallup.  On all flights, we got great views of the Cascade Mountains.  Sary-Jo, though a bit queasy, did quite well traveling in the small plane and Gordon provided us with excellent flights.

Thank you, Gordon and Patty, for your amazing hospitality and generosity.  We had such a memorable weekend!

Click on the photos for slide shows: Haystack Rock to see Cannon Beach photos; the airplane to see Sunriver photos.

At the airport

As vacation approached we had mixed feelings.  It seemed a bit foolish to take the week away with looming job loss, but we had already paid for the airfare and accommodations.  So, after a few days to think and pray, we decided to go.  Along with us were Paul & Chris Jakeman and Larry & Gayle Seitz.  We stayed in a 2 bedroom villa at Ko Olina (on Oahu) and had a very good time.  We took time to rest, reflect, pray, and enjoy ourselves.  Sunsets were amazing!  Having the other couples there was a true blessing.

It was a bit cooler than we expected and it was quite windy.  We took TONS of pictures, but have posted a select set (so don’t panic – click the photo shown to see the rest).

Sarah and Kyle went to Europe and visited several exchange students of yesteryear.  They also did a pretty good job of truly understanding why beer is such an important element of Belgian culture.  They also met up with Janel and Ryan in Paris, as Janel and Ryan were returning from Uganda.  Click on the picture to see many more.