It's official . . .

Today was my last day with just Ali before she starts school. The boys start summer break tomorrow, so the girl routine will be turned on its ear! Although I am looking forward to time with the whole gang, I am reticent to miss out on the girl times. I spent the day playing games and watching movies with Ali intermingled with household chores. About which, Ali said, "Mom, I can't wait to be a big girl and get to do girl things all day, every day. You know, cooking, cleaning, and laundry. What fun!" Well, I strive to have that attitude as I approach my tasks that I so often call chores. I pray she looks at "girl things" that way as she grows!

Ali turned five!

Ali turned five in March, and the reality of what this means becomes more evident each day. We've had kindergarten screening. We've had her last well-baby doctor's visit. She has been officially accepted to HA for the fall. She 'graduated' from preschool. I'm sending my baby to school in just three short months . . .

As I spend the last three months with her before she starts school, I am ever prayerful that she'll be guided and guarded by the Lord. I pray she'll make friends who will prove to be good influences and who will encourage her to do what is right. I pray she loves school and learning as much as I did. I pray that she'll always act as nice as she looks. (Because, in my humble opinion, she's a cutie!)

We're at another milestone . . .

(Picture by TK Photography)

It's almost here!

I must say that I am anxious for summer more than any other year . . . at least that I can remember. My kids have had tough semesters getting back into routines after our overseas travel. They've had to play catch-up at school for much of our time back, and, to be honest, we're done with that! SOOO very done. As a parent, I know that school is an important, vital part of my kids' development on many fronts . . . spiritually, socially and academically to name the big three. However, I am SO convinced that school is only a small part of their education. Having spent three months traveling abroad, I see the value in having my kids experience the world and other cultures. I witnessed their growth while being with peoples different from them. (In age, gender, cultures, societies, etc.) I also see the value of having them with me. Nathan and I have missed the consistent time that traveling mandated. Although it was tiresome at times, I miss knowing that my kids are two rows back on the bus or plane. I miss knowing what most all their conversations were about . . . I miss knowing whether they ate their lunch . . . I miss tweaking Caleb's hair or smooching JD's freckles. I just miss my kiddos. So, as I prepare for a busy summer spent with my family, I am ever ready to be with them all day, most every day. I pledge to eat with, read to, cuddle with, and smooch my kiddos over the coming three months. Just one more week . . .

Asia . . .

Well, the three weeks we spent in Asia were tough but such a blessing. We landed first in Malaysia. To say the culture in Asia was different from ours would be an understatement. The people were, well, different. As a whole, they operated on their own time. Schedules or prior arrangements were pretty irrelevant. (This type A person REALLY struggled with that.) The places we visited tended to be dirtier than we were accustomed. The food was, well, different. (We all lost weight while we were gone!) Asians were ennamored by the children, especially Ali. Men, women, and children would grab her, hug her, and wanted to take pictures with the kids. (Dad and I both struggled with this.) All that said, the people we visited, toured with, or stayed with were precious. God blessed us richly with the opportunity to see the different cultures. We were reminded on every turn how blessed we are to live with such riches and freedoms.

New Zealand

Well, New Zealand was truly God's country. The scenery was amazing. We were blessed to play in what I believe to be some of the most beautiful locations in the world. We visited Milford Sound with its amazing waterfalls, Mount Cook and its glaciers, and the cities of Queenstown and Christchurch. Some of the highlights were jet boating, riding a luge, and horseback riding in the 'Lord of the Rings' country. My parents were able to share in our time in New Zealand too.

The picture attached is of the kids at a sheep farm we visited by steam boat. It was such a beautiful day and captured our time in New Zealand perfectly.

Australia

Our trip was just . . . well, a trip of a lifetime. It's trite, I know. But, it was. I wish I could tell you about each amazing site we saw or introduce you to each unique person we met. But, alas, it's not possible.

In a nutshell, Australia was beautiful. From the Outback and Uluru, to the amazing coast, to the yummy food and accents, we LOVED our time in Australia. We explored the rain forests, swam in the ocean (when the rains and cool temps allowed), and saw historical sites galore.

The attached picture is my favorite from the beach. Aren't the kiddos precious?

Well . . .

I REALLY had great intentions of maintaining the blog while overseas last fall. However, upon arrival, it became quickly apparent that internet service isn't the same everywhere you go. So, after struggling to maintain basic contact with friends and family via facebook and email, I had to abandon the blog. Then returning home brought busyness at a whole different level. Excuses? Yep, but I am trying it again. I'll spend a few minutes sharing a highlight from each country we visited. Then, I'll move on to what is happening now!