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April 11 – 14, 2021. An amazing adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains – One of our favorites!

We set out for a day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We drove through the Cades Cove Loop. It was great! Lots to look at and enjoy. We followed along with our guide booklet and learned about the history of early pioneers and their lives in the Smokies.

Here’s an interesting scene. The picture on the left was taken in November 2004 (the last time we were here). 17 years later without knowing, I took the picture on the right – almost the exact same angle! This is Cades Cove Primitive Baptist Church – the first church in the area. It was encouraging and challenging to learn that God was a primary focus of life in the culture of that era! God is ALWAYS with us!

It was a bit rainy off and on during our hike and while exploring Cades Cove – and a good amount of others driving the loop. We found “Elijah Oliver’s Place”, a nice log cabin with multiple buildings. It was fun to imagine living here during his time. There was even a “cold house” that allowed the stream to run through and keep food cool during the day!

Traveling on the next day, We explored another hiking area in the Great Smoky Mountains that we had experienced 17 years ago – the Appalachian Trail and the Clingmans Dome Observation Tower! At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome boasts the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (The “Dome” refers to the mountaintop, not the man-made observation tower.)The Dome actually lies within both Tennessee and North Carolina and is the highest point in Tennessee.

The paved trail to the summit of Clingmans Dome is paved, about 1/2 mile, but very steep! We gained elevation of over 330 feet which makes the climb gradient almost 13%! There were several benches along the way – we needed to catch our breath several times! Then we needed to take the ramp to the top of the tower – another approx. 400′ and another 45 feet elevation! They say on clear days, visitors may see as far as 100 miles – it was very clear for us, and we had amazing views! (Again with the whole exploring high places – yikes!)

What a special treat to find this old sign at the Appalachian Trail near Clingman’s Dome. We were here 17 years ago! It was fun to re-create these photos and reminisce of earlier adventures together! (The sign sure has aged – not us! LOL!)

A picnic lunch by a river and more exploring in the GSM National Park. So beautiful and relaxing! We’ve had a full week of every-day adventures! One of our favorite get-away’s this year!

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April 6 – 10, 2021 From Alabama to Kentucky – we had adventures in Gatlinburg, and Dollywood / Pigeon Forge!

Kimberly suggested that we stop by and see the falls at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, AL our way out of the Anniston area. With all the recent rain it was very beautiful and scenic, a 90ft drop of water! We caught a fisherman down below fishing under a rainbow!

So, to get from Alabama to Kentucky you have to drive through Georgia and Tennessee. We’re sure seeing lots of states and highways. Its fun to find so many crosses along our nations highways!

Just follow that crowd to Dollywood! It was an early Wednesday morning during Spring Break – Dollywood had limited capacity (COVID regs) but we were able to enjoy a day with Buddy and Cindy Ward (Tate’s parents). They work here part time and were able to bring in guests!

We walked, visited, and saw many of the shows at Dollywood. It was interesting to learn that quite a few of the eateries and attractions were closed because they cannot find help. It seems that the COVID unemployment benefits out weigh the desire to work? It was a great day – Thanks Buddy & Cindy!

All you can eat catfish and chicken! We’re lov’in all this “fine” dining! (although we’re starting to look a bit plump LOL!)

We parked at the Welcome Center and rode the trolley into Gatlinburg. So thankful to not have to fight the traffic and try to find a place to park – it was crazy! We decided to go on adventure to Anakesta (“place of high ground”). It’s beautiful – we would recommend this to anyone! Such a different atmosphere away from the noise and crowds down below.

We took a stroll along the 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk. Wow – what a view (and a bit of sway!) from at least 60 feet or more! It’s claim is the longest tree-based skywalk in North America – around 880′ long! Little kids were running across as their parents hung on for dear life. We had fun taking our time across the bridges.

We took the gondola ride down the mountain back to street level in Gatlinburg. I think we are trying to face our fear of heights on this trip! It was a beautiful and gentle ride (except for a few start and stop moments). We’re “all smiles” but hanging on with white knuckles! LOL!

We walked the downtown Gatlinburg amongst all the people, whew, wonder what a summertime weekend crowd looks like!? Had to have some ice cream from Chocolate Monkey to top off the day – YUM!

SO.MUCH.FUN! To top off our Gatlinburg getaway, we really had fun on this mountain coaster! We even stayed for a second time up and down the mountain. Wheee! Highly recommended! (and yes more thrills out of our ‘fear of heights”!)

We had a great time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. We’ll cherish these memories until we come back again!

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March 31 – April 5, 2021 Hiking, birthdays, and Easter with the Ward Family! Anniston, AL.

Whew! We headed right into a major thunderstorm and wind warning as we headed to Anniston, AL. We were able to pull over at a rest stop and wait it out for about an hour. Thankful for a place to park it! We’ve learned to never be in a hurry while traveling – great advice!

We’re gonna be spoiled for sure!

Our first day…. “Hey Papa, what do you want for breakfast?” These girls can handle the kitchen really well. Thanks Mom for teaching them cooking, cleaning, and so much more!

Nana had a special project for the girls., teaching them to sew. She included everything from selecting material, layout and cutting, ironing, and machine sewing. The finished product is a nice zippered clutch bag to be used for anything!

Papa spent time with the girls teaching them to draw a face. “Where do the eyes go? …the nose? …the lips? We had fun and the girls did great! Lots to practice on till next time.

The weather was great so we decided to have a picnic and hike around Cheaha State Park – featuring the highest point in Alabama!

It was a great day – we could see for miles! We saw they have a very nice campground – maybe for a future visit!

It was Easter weekend and family friends came over for a night time Easter egg hunt – so much fun! Then we had reeces smores for a special treat!

On Saturday, we all helped get the programs ready for Sunday morning Easter service – then enjoyed Chic-fil-a at the park!

It was a great worship time celebrating our resurrected Savior and Lord on Easter morning. Thank you Jesus for loving all of us SOOO Much!

Then we enjoyed a wonderful grilled Salmon dinner back at the house. It was a beautiful day!

I think we ate it all – no leftovers! It was so good. Love these smiles!

And we celebrated Emily’s birthday before we left. These girls are growing up into beautiful young women! Jessica’s birthday will be next week – both are turning 12 years old.

Before we left, Papa set up the griddle and cooked up some chicken and steak fajitas. YUM!

It was great o spend these days with our kids and kiddos in Alabama! looking forward to being together again in July at Selah Acres at the cabin! We love you Tate, Kimberly, Emily, and Jessica!

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March 27 – 30, 2021 Some R&R in Louisiana – Swimming with Alligators – YIKES!

Our SOWER Projects are completed for now, and we’re headed for some rest & relaxation in Louisiana on our way to Alabama. We couldn’t leave Texas without one more stop at a Buccees for a great Brisket sandwich!

We were able to Zoom a get-to-gether for Mom’s 94th Birthady! It’s great to be able to connect all of us across the nation with a few clicks. Mom is doing so well – still going strong and full of bubbly joy! We’re all thankful for the health God has blessed us with. Looking forward to be together this summer!

WELCOME! Palmetto State Park – Louisiana.

This was a beautiful park/camping area. They have really made a great recreational yet rustic adventure area for families. We loved the natural setting and our great camping site. The Saw Palmetto’s were everywhere nestled amongst the pine trees and lots of Cyprus trees along the many water ways.

This crazy large statue met us at the entrance to the park. Pretty realistic and SO huge! (It should have been a warning of things to come!) But we’re clueless….

Found out that the camp offers canoe rentals, they have three “ponds” small lakes that are connected by a meandering canoe water passage trail though the foliage and tall grass. Let’s do this! We had a great time canoeing for about an hour meeting several others, families in kayaks along the way. It was a great time.

We stopped and took off our life jackets for a picture at the end of one of the waterways. It was a beautiful setting – we took lots of other pictures (which we no longer have!) [Strange to think this could have been the last picture of us].

After about an hour, we stopped at this pavilion to enjoy a picnic lunch that Lorree packed for us. Our canoe was beached at the far side and we ate at a picnic table on the deck. Of course we had to send an update of our adventures to our kids – including several of the pictures you see here (otherwise we wouldn’t have any!)

As we enjoyed our picnic on the deck, what we didn’t see was this sign warning of alligators! We had actually seen a few gators from the “safety” of our canoe – even rowing hard to be where they are so we could take pictures! (They were so cute – they even gave us “the eye”!)

After rowing into a large lake area Dennis saw a great BIG gator slithering into the lake from the shore – we were about this close – as the picture above shows! (internet photo) Lorree didn’t see it yet, so Dennis gallantly lifted his paddle and excitedly pointed toward the gator and said “look, right there!” and then…..

  • (Not our photo – from the internet)

…we both leaned the same direction and found ourselves in the water with our canoe upside down. It was a SHOCK to realize we were in the lake (with gators!) We were trying to orient ourselves grasping for the canoe and our belongings. Lorree’s sandals and the cooler were floating nearby so Dennis grabbed them as Lorree grabbed the canoe. We were able to flip the canoe over… Dennis remembered from Boy Scouts that it wouldn’t completely sink.

We did not want to swim to the nearest shore knowing the gators were there, so we swam hard across the lake about 300 feet (think football field!) We had just shared with our kids during lunch that Gators can swim 20 mph in the water – and that was on our minds! Lorree had the swamped canoe and had tied it to her life vest in order to swim better. Dennis had all the “floatables” and continued to swim in the rear telling Lorree to keep heading to the shore across the lake. We both decided to swim on our backs kicking our legs – it was much easier. Dennis prayed, “Lord have mercy! Don’t let them bite my legs off!” ! Lorree kept praying “give us strength Lord!” It seemed to take forever!

  • The name Evangeline comes from the Latin word “evangelium” meaning “gospel”… Good News!”

GOOD NEWS! We are so THANKFUL to our Lord for our “salvation” – just as He close the mouths of the lions for Daniel, He closed the mouths of the alligators for us!

Just as we landed on shore there were four young boys who “happened” to wonder by. They saw us and asked if we needed help. We were totally exhausted but full of adrenaline! They helped us pull the water swamped canoe ashore and then dump it out. After checking our pockets we learned that we lost both of our iPhones and the keys to our pickup. They had a cell phone and called their dad. He came with other men and helped us get our spare keys from our camper and then load the canoe to return it. We were exhausted but thrilled at God’s mercy and grace.

So Thankful for the protection and strength to swim all that way without a bite! Thankful for Life Jackets – seriously…we would not be here if we had not had them on! Thankful for the young boys who God sent to help us – they “just decided to see where this road went” at just the right time! Thankful for the men who helped us sort things out and get our lives back together.

(FYI: We both have a bit of PTSD when we get triggered with lakes and canoes!)

So now we’re on our way to our next adventure. Looking forward to the days ahead with our kiddos in Alabama. In retrospect, were loving nomadic lifestyle – everything has a new perspective. We look to an adventure with God everyday!

“I came that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:10

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March 1 – 26, 2021 SOWER Project # 13 Texas Baptist Encampment, Palacios, TX

We started our second month at TBE in Palacios, TX. It was good to have been here the previous month to know where things are and what kind of projects were ahead of us.

But first…

The first week of March (the week in between projects) Dennis tried to learn what caused the rain to leak into our trailer. He found the outside wall of our slide out had separated from the roof just enough for water to run down inside and soak our carpet and everything else under our desk. We had some etrna-bond sealing tape in our RV supplies so after putting in new longer screws for the wall, he was able to seal it up! Thankful for time off to attend to our own RV needs and maintenance!

That week we also did a bit of exploring in the area. We walked the fishing pier at the camp and took a drive to Port Lavaca. We read up on some of the history there and saw dolphins swimming in the bay! The weather was much more back to normal and we enjoyed some beautiful sunsets.

This month we enjoyed serving with Charlie and Diane Zaharako and Larry and Joyce Belcher (first time project!). We were the GL’s for this project. We also continued to work and fellowship with Howard and Verla LaChance, independent volunteers. We attended Rob & Sarantha’s church and enjoyed the special ministry services that were offered.

We have work to do!

Each week we received a “to-do” list from Rob Kessler (camp director). We started out washing windows, helping with some special office work, and finishing the construction of raised garden beds.

We sealed up the ministry housing with metal skirting and replaced rotted wood, rebuilt a steel and glass table that had been moved last month, corrected some electrical issues, assembled a conference table, and the ladies served in the food line for lunches!

And there were groups of campers!

We have been serving mostly at “empty” camps and conference centers during this COVID season. It was especially-special to have several groups at this camp during the weekends! The noise and laughter was a blessing to our lives!

More RV repairs on the weekend!

Dennis has a new skill – he learned to weld! The RV had broken rods in one of the cross girders that was causing the floor to be “soft” inside. Larry had brought his welding equipment and taught Dennis how to spot weld. The fix was accomplished! “I’m gonna have to get me one of these!” Always learning something new on these amazing adventures!

More repairs on a variety of housing and buildings at the camp. These two guys worked circles around me – they brought so much wisdom and “how-to” to the project. God always pairs up the right people for the task at hand!

This was one of those “you want us to do what?” tasks! A billiards table was donated to the camp but the felt needed to be replaced. We went to “You Tube University” and learned how to do it. It turned out great! We used over 1,100 staples (after taking out that many or more)!

The ladies did a lot of cleaning and washing windows. They really shined the place up!

Yes, we even power sanded and painted the bell tower and flagpole! Miquel from the camp staff helped us by being the brave one to stand on the tractor bucket and reach to the top with a 20 foot extension pole. He just couldn’t reach the last 4 inches at the tippy top!

Oh…and before you go, can you hang tis “antique” bike and a few kayaks for our dining room decor?

So many little tasks made for a BIG Project! It was a great SOWER project and many blessings for all of us. We ended our time together with a smoked brisket shared meal. Rob, Serentha, and Daisy joined us for some great food and sharing of stories.

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Feb 13-17, 2021 We survived the Texas Freeze of 2021!

Who knew that when we booked our Texas SOWER projects for the winter to “stay in areas that are warm” we would be living through lots of cold, damp, windy, and frosty weather from time to time. But the Big Texas Freeze in February while we were at Texas Baptist Encampment at Palacios, TX. was our biggest surprise! Roughly three full days and nights of below freezing weather with no city electricity or water. We were so thankful to be able to live in our trailer for shelter. We had battery power, propane for heat, and and water from our storage tank.

We prepared as much as we could for the cold after learning what was coming our way. We insulated and bagged all the water spigots we could find, we left water trickling in most of the buildings, we insulated and wrapped our RV water lines, and made sure generators were working.

This is what most mornings looked like out our window. We called off work for Monday and Tuesday with orders to take care of ourselves and each other. Everyone was so kind and generous with their help and equipment. A couple of generators were being passed around the camp to be sure every that could had charged batteries.

We hooked up our trailer to our truck and let it run for about 5 hours at a time. This trickle charged our batteries and keep us warm with the furnace running and also gave us lights. One night I left the trailer plugged to the truck with out it running – it drained the truck battery. Chris drove over and jumped my truck with his – and we were good to go again!

Propane was available in Palacios for the first few days till they ran out. We drove to Bay City and had to stand in line for 1 1/2 hours to get re-filled. We were thankful for the businesses that supplied the propane and stayed open extra hours to help so many people.

The February 13–17, 2021 North American winter storm, unofficially referred to as Winter Storm Uri, was a major winter and ice storm that had widespread impacts across the United States, Northern Mexico, and parts of Canada. The storm resulted in over 170 million Americans being placed under various winter weather alerts being issued by the National Weather Service in the United States across the country and caused blackouts for over 9.9 million people in the U.S. and Mexico, most notably the 2021 Texas power crisis.

We stayed warm and cozy in our trailer. So thankful we have this lifestyle! Nearby families living in houses had no electric, no heat, no water. They lived and slept in their houses with temperatures of 25 degrees or less!

We tried to get some needed supplies at the local grocery store and/or Walmart. This is what the shelves looked like through out the store for about two weeks.

The camp continued to provide meals for the volunteers even without electricity. They fired up the big propane cook stoves and kept everyone well fed. It was a highlight of each day to get together as a family and share “cold stories” with each other.

There were about ten leaks (a couple of major pipe bursts) that our team jumped on right away. Rob was tankful that he had a team of guys ready to work and could tackle these leaks ASAP! We can all add plumbing to our skill sheets now – or mark an increase in our knowledge factor!

The Survivors!

  • Ralph & Lella Bledsoe
  • John & Druann Bauer
  • Chris & Barb Schanan
  • Doug & Trish Wilhelm (GL)
  • Michael & Jackie Barber
  • Richard & Melody Miller
  • Dale & Kimberly Kapsar
  • Keith & Linda McNeely
  • Evan & Jaquie Asby
  • Dennis & Lorree Johnson

What a joy to share this adventure and these memorable moments with this special group of SOWERS. We are thankful to our Lord for being with us and providing all that we needed during these days. Looking forward to more adventures with Him in the coming months!

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February 6 – 28, 2021 SOWER Project #12 Texas Baptist Encampment @ Palacios, TX

South for the winter! We were excited to be “on the gulf” – actually “on the bay” – in southern Texas. We arrived on Saturday, the weather was warm, sun was shining and everything was green! (Little did we know what the weather was ahead!)

Palm trees – so beautiful! The camp was literally at the edge of the Tres Palacios Bay – a cement sea wall and sidewalk is the border of the camp on the water side.

We enjoyed our first get acquainted meeting and the Monday tour by Rob Kessler the Camp Director. We had our first “social” by watching the Super Bowl on a super screen in the dining hall. There were 10 couples signed up for this project – the most we have ever worked with at one project. We served with: Doug & Trish Wilhelm (GL), Keith & Linda McNeely, Evan & Jaquie Asby, Michael & Jackie Barber, John & Druann Bauer, Ralph & Lella Bledsoe, Dale & Kimberly Kapsar, Chris & Barb Schanan, and Richard & Melody Miller.

Lets move this house! – (the stuff inside)

Our first job assignment for the whole team was to move the entire contents of this house to the camp. The owners had sold the house and donated all the furniture and everything remaining to the camp. What a blessing! It took a few days – then we helped to organize and relocate it to various facilities within the camp. Great teamwork!

Ten Men and a Trailer – got the job done!

The ladies cleaned, prepped, and put a new coat of protection on the Camp Deck on the bay. This is used for all the water activities for the campers such as banana boat rides, paddle boards, kayaks, and more. Looks great ladies!

Keith and I tackled a major flooring job in Jeanie’s house (camp secretary & receptionist). Bathroom floor was totally rotted through and the hall/living area had a huge hump in the floor boards. Too much humidity and water leaks over the years. We were able to replace it all with new material. She’s so thankful!

What a job the ladies were given. Sort all the nuts, bolts, nails, screws, tools, and more. They did a major re-organization of the maintenance shop. Several days later it looked great! We can find anything now! Thanks ladies!

We enjoyed getting know each couple, such special servants for the Lord! We played games, had ice cream, went out to eat, and watched sunsets. Great memories!

We were able to attend a real live church in Palacios – it was so good to sit in the sanctuary and sing and hear Gods Word being preached again. We even had an in depth Bible Study at the camp dealing with end times. Lots of information and discussion!

More work with smiles on our faces – what a variety!

More work! With a crew this size, we accomplished a lot for the camp. Somehow Doug & Trish Wilhelm the GL’s were able to mix us up well enough that we all had some time to work with each other. It’s great to be able to remember each person and couple that we worked with.

Rob Kessler, the camp director insisted on feeding us. He also feed the city workers who braved the cold to repair water and electric lines! He shared that this is his way of showing his appreciation and gives him and the staff an opportunity every day to mingle and build relationships with the volunteers. Thanks Rob – such great food – it was definitely a “10 pound project”! LOL!

This was a great work project – a bit chilly for being in southern Texas, but we had a great experience…..

Remember those beautiful Palm Trees when we first arrived…..now look! What happened? Will they survive?

…..speaking of experiences, there’s more that happened here during these days. We all experienced the Texas Freeze of 2021! See the next blog for all the details…. BRRRRR!

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February 1-5, 2021 Volunteering to be spoiled by the Busenitz Grands!

We got up early in the morning for a long drive – headed to Newton, KS to spend some special days with our Busenitz grands! Mom & Dad have a scheduled church retreat…and we have a week between SOWER projects – SO LETS GO!

SO . MUCH . ENERGY ! And such a happy family, it was great to be able to share life with all of these kiddo’s –

“Lets play with this string! ….OH! Let’s see who can do the high jump! …”hey, lets wrestle!” ….”hey, let’s keep playing with these cool toys!”, “I get the horse and wagon!”

The “olders” were a bit calmer, they were into reading, cooking, cleaning, and sewing! Love ALL these kiddos!

Nana brought a sewing project to the kid’s – they each made a zipper bag for whatever they want to use it for. They had fun learning to layout patterns, cutting, ironing, sewing, and putting in a zipper. They all did great!

…Oh yeah – Nana monitored the homeschooling as well! Everyday was a busy active day (and this was just in the mornings!)

And we cooked and enjoyed eating together – everyone pitched in to help. As a reward, Papa cooked up a package of thick sliced bacon – each person got one piece (LOL!) Should’ve bought two or three packages!

Afternoons were full of board games, riding bicycles, shopping, and working in the garage.

Caleb made this neat version of the corn hole game, using pinecones instead of bean bags. Its all ready for our July 4th Family Reunion at the cabin! We have lots of pine cones!! He did a super job – Papa just watched and held a board or two.

Thankful for these kiddos’ – we were spoiled rotten (of course we didn’t’ spoil them back!) We had a full and fun 3 days in between our Camp Tejas project and moving to South Texas for our next SOWER Project in Palacios, TX – by the gulf!

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January 4- 30, 2021 SOWER Project #11 @ Camp Tejas, TX – Giddings, TX

We started our 11th project with SOWERS this year (2021) still in Texas at Camp Tejas. We had our get acquainted meeting in the chilly night air around a warm campfire near our RV site – it was a great evening. Then – later in the week – SNOW! (This is not what we came to Texas for – it’s supposed to be warmish?… through the winter!?!…right?

So…what do you do on a cold blustery day in southern Texas?

Lets make a warm flannel quilt! Lorree made this beautiful, warm, snuggly, patchwork quilt – it turned out beautiful and I bet it will be used regularly this month!

Here’s our SOWER Team this month – we know these people! Jim & Valerie Hornaday (we met them at the Florida Sower Rally last year), Dale & Barbara Livingood (we worked with them at Glen Erie, CO last year), and Dennis & Diane Simmons (we worked with them at Glorietta, NM last year).

Week one – lets take down all the Christmas lights (that Lorree and I put up last month!)

We did have fun – lots of lights to take down, roll up, sort into tubs, and store away until next year.

We decided to go out town and explore some history. We enjoyed the Barrington Farm – this is the past residence of the last “President” of Texas. We learned a lot about the culture and lifestyle of Texans back in the day. Even watched as a team of oxen pulled a sled of manure to be spread out on the cotton field – BIG animals!

Then…. the famous Blue Bell Ice Cream! The tours were closed but we enjoyed the delicious treat at the Blue Blue factory.

During our second week the guys got to tear a building down! (this beats wrapping Christmas lights (LOL!) It’s DEMO TIME!

…”Oh, and take out those stairs as well.” The weather warmed up this week and it was great to get into the destruction phase, we were beasts!

The ladies did some deep cleaning in the camp store (The Hub) and decks around the buildings.

The guys also were assigned to cut out a new doorway in the kitchen, cut out and add a door in one of the bunk houses, while the ladies painted several of the motel rooms. Week two went fast – we accomplished a lot of different tasks for the camp.

Another weekend – more fellowship! We really enjoyed a dinner out at Murphy’s, a local steak house. Very good food and lots of fun. Then we decided to turn The Hub at camp into a “sports bar”! We all brought snacks to share and watched the final NFL playoffs before the Super bowl on a big screen TV. It was so relaxing and fun to feel “at home” with this family of SOWER friends!

Paul (Camp Director) spent some time with us early in the third week to explain the vision and ministry of Camp Tejas. We love their heartfelt purpose of “setting the stage for Jesus to transform lives”! Jim & Donna Dorrah (SOWER area reps) came to visit – so encouraging and blessed to be a part of this serving ministry!

So much work to do here – with limited resources due to COVID situation. We did all we could to bless them with a work of excellence in all they asked us to do!

Whew! it was great to be able to do so many projects in the short time we had. We were blessed to serve at Camp Tejas for the last two months. So encouraged by their commitment to do all they can to remain open to the public, large and small groups. It would be fun to come back again and see all the changes others have made since we left!

Time to move on! Our next adventure is back to Kansas to sit with the Busenitz clan as Jon & Becki “escape’ for a week Bible retreat. Here we come kiddos!

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December 27, 2020 – January 3, 2021 Christmas and New Year celebrations with the FAM’ in Colorado!

We never get tired of this view! When we see Pikes Peak on the horizon, we know that were close to our home and our Colorado kiddo’s. We’re so excited to give and get our hugs!

Anya…. lets play a little peek-a-boo with Nana! She’s growing up soooo fast, what a treasure!

On the Saturday following Christmas we all met at Nick & Rachel’s house, it was a beautiful reunion. We all enjoyed a soup and sandwich lunch – will all the fix’ins! We spent a lot of time just sitting at the table talking and getting caught up with each other – sweet memories!

Then we gathered around the Christmas tree and shared gifts with each other.

…and enjoyed all the energy and noise of the grandkids! It was a great day, so thankful for pictures to remanence with. Everyone has stayed healthy and are doing well in their work and lives. While in Colo. we were able to connect with ALL of our kids – so blessed!

Here are Christmas family pictures of each of our Children and Grandkids – our heart is overflowing with love and gratefulness for every single one – LOVE!!

On Sunday, we were able sneak in a quick trip to our home church and our little cabin in the mountains!

It was another beautiful blue sky – sunshine day! We had snow still on the ground at the cabin – it was so good to be there again! Looking forward to this summer when we will be spending several months working on adding some features that we are dreaming about (Lord willing!). It was a great day to live out and dream about new adventures to come!

Adventures with Nick, Rachel, Isaac, and Kaylee!

Adventures with Carl, Beth, and Anya!

Carl smoked some great Ribs for a New Years Dinner – YUM!

Adventures with Ben, Heather, Josh, Jeremy, and Jayden!

We had an unbelievable time with each of our precious kids and grandkids! So much adventure at each house – we are full of joy and thankful for the lifestyle of freedom to travel and live life together with ALL of our family!!

We’re already planning a spring trip to Alabama and Michigan to be with our other kiddos! (…and there are plans for a summer 2021 Family Reunion at Selah Acres!) We have chills just in the anticipation of all the fun adventures headed our way!