A Glorious Weekend & a Catch Up

We thought it would be a good idea to take Tetta, our Japanese Community friend, on a picnic and then exploring on some trails.  It would show him more of Ellensburg and a bit more about us since this is one of our favorite things to do.  We picked him up Sunday afternoon and boy was the weather full of utter perfection. It was 70. No wind. No clouds.  And, all the leaves were budding with lime green teeny leaves.  Spring was around us and it smelled incredible.  

We went to Irene Rineheart Park and it was OPEN!  

Needless to say we were very grateful as it has been closed for the last 6 months.

It's about a 5 minute drive from our home and one of the most beautiful places.

I am so thrilled as to where God has brought us.  So much diverse landscapes here in Washington.  I could not imagine living anywhere else.  The beauty this land bestows is one of a kind.  

Picnic time

As we started our walk we found a remote control boat show taking place

They went SO fast.  It was a very neat experience.

The start of our walk 

Spring is exceptionally beautiful.  If only it would warm up
and stay warm.  

And, we don't like to stay on the trail for very long.
Exploring is the way to go.....

.....because, you find places like this where you can skip rocks....

.....and find really cool walking sticks.  

My hope is that Tetta feels apart of our family and goes home
with a wonderful sense of what Americans, here in Eburg, are like.

Another off the trail location we found.....

....along with this fly fisherman.  My first time seeing fly fishing in real life.

The beauty just doesn't get captured in photos......

....It literally takes your breathe away.

It was a wonderful experience.  And, Tetta kept asking for more. I like his attitude!  He appreciates nature and the effort it takes to get to the good locations.   After a few hours of walking, we headed to McDonald's for a ice cream cone to cool us down as we drove Tetta home.  When we got home we were exhausted, so Loren and I laid in the sun like cats and napped.  After our nap we grilled outside for dinner and played until bedtime.  My kind of Family Day.

Are you enjoying your spring?  Taking advantage of the good days, turning off the TV, getting off the computer and seeing all that God has created?  If only every day could be like that!   Nature is definitely when I see and feel God the most; when I feel most connected and my head is the most clear so I can hear Him better.  Maybe today calls for another adventure.......




On a differnet note....

SEATTLE & CHRIS TOMLIN

Mom graciously bought us tickets to Chris Tomlin.  He is our favorite Christian artist.  We love all his music and were so thankful to be able to go.  

We went up Friday night-stayed at Loren's Uncle Jim's place (he was out of town for the night). 

The next morning we met our friends in Seattle for some kiddo play time. 

Then we visiting Uncle Jim for a bit before running to Loren's Uncle Chucks and Aunt Barbie's for a visit and dinner. It was a jam packed day but it was good.  It was needed.  I feel very much content when we can visit with family.   Things just feel right.  

After dinner we headed on our way to the concert.  We got stuck in concert traffic and got their late (don't worry we didn't miss Chris Tomlin) but it was a blessing in disguise because Grace was sick-she got a fever the instant we got in the car to drive to Seattle on Friday.  Then Friday night she woke up screaming over and over again and was up 2 hours earlier than normal so she was sick & exhausted.  All that to say, she miraculously fell asleep in the car on the way to the concert (she never falls asleep anymore during the day) and got in a good 20 minute nap-thank you traffic!  When we got to the church we ran in, found our seats and had the most uplifting, exhilarating, Spirit filled concert experience of our lives.  Watching Grace close her eyes, lift her little hands and sing out Chris Tomlin songs made my heart overflow with gladness and thankfulness.  My soul was refreshed. 

Thank you Mom for the tickets!

Here are some photos of Gracie's time with her best bud Grace.

The view from Uncles Jims house-that is Seattle across the water way

Seattle Center

Starbucks and the Space Needle

watching a dance show inside the center

The center was flooded with bounce houses so we let the girls
go on two of them.

SMALL GROUP EASTER EGG COLORING AND HUNT

We are apart of a fantastic small group that meets Wednesday nights from 5:30-7:30.  We meet in each others homes and take turns hosting and cooking meals for each other.  We fellowship, then we send the kids with a sitter to another room so we can dive deep into God's word, share what is going on in our lives and pray for one another.

Below are some photos of the Egg hunt we had with all the children.  An incredibly fun group of people to share our lives with.

Some of my favorite kiddos

 Thanks for letting me catch up a bit!

Now, go and enjoy spring!!!