A Trip to Disneyland

Sleeping Beauty Castle at night

waiting to ride the 'new' submarine ride

enjoying the Jungle Cruise

smiles while waiting to ride Splash Mountain

one last trip down Main Street

Spring Break at Disneyland. How cliche'. How unlike our family, who having visited Disneyland so many times, knows to avoid the park in peak times like say...spring break! And yet, what fun we had :)





Although not the sunny SoCal vacation we were dreaming of (it rained, and we were careless in our packing...while we managed to bring the precipitation down, we forgot our warmer clothing!) we were able to enjoy the park all week and had great fun visiting with mom and dad gove, as well as Jeff's brothers' families.





While always difficult to leave behind loved ones, each visit down there brings a stronger reassurance to both Jeff and I that God has blessed us with such an amazing home up here. From the natural beauty of the land to the unpretentiousness of the residents, we are thankful that, for now...our brief time on earth...our place is in the Pacific Northwest.


And anytime we need it, a "Mickey-fix" is just 1,000 miles away!

introducing a fabulous young ADULT!

Shell and her friend, Maria, and boyfriend, Nick.

at Joe's Crab Shack doing a birdy dance.

Shell is 18 years old today! It is with both joy and sadness that I mark this occasion. First, and primarily, joy because she has entered this world of young adulthood with grace. Save a few, minor missteps(oh, now, even I know she's not perfect!), she continues to amaze me with her ability to think for herself, lead a crowd, bless her friends, and cherish her siblings. The twinge of sadness comes from the part of me that wants to rewind and hold on just a bit longer. That this beautiful person will no longer be living under my roof, asking my advice on a certain outfit, borrowing said outfit out of my closet...!, in just a few, short months.



A Chinese proverb says that a parent gives their child both roots and wings. My prayer is that her roots will be strong enough, her wings will be long enough...and that she will soar.



I love you, Shell.