Thoughts and Notions

We had a event-filled weekend. Really, it started on Thursday when Chesley, Kaden, and I drove to Mom and Dad Haynes' place to see Jeff (Karl's brother) and his wife, Amber, who had flew out from Washington for a short visit. Karl joined us when he got out of work and we ate some really good smoked meatloaf that Jeff had made.

I spent most of Friday preparing food for the Herrick Reunion that was on Saturday. The Reunion went well. For those who showed up, we had a great time hanging out together with the help of good weather and lots of good food. It was really neat to see Karl's Uncle Roger and Aunt Heidi. They got up at 3am to drive from the other side of Chicago in order to make it for the reunion!

Our weekend ended with some good quality time spent with Jeff and Amber on Sunday evening. They came over and we just hung out all evening. It was really special to be able to just enjoy each other and talk about what God's been doing in our lives. (We'll miss you guys!) Jeff and Amber should be arriving back in Washington tonight around 10pm PST, (1am EST time).

On Saturday Mom and Dad Hanna took us and the kids to Home Depot for their Kids Workshops. Chesley and Delorah each got their own apron and kit to make a toolbox. Chesley and his Gramps worked hammering it together and they both seemed to enjoy the project. I'm wondering… what is it about tools that gets boys so excited? You would have to of been there to hear his excited laughter when he got to use the hammer! It was so funny!

Yesterday we visited the Ingham County Fair. It was 97 degrees and we were all so hot! Chesley didn't seem to mind the heat, going on ride after ride. Kaden's favorite attraction was the misting fans they had set up around the fair to help us from overheating. Just about the time we were walking back to the car it started to feel cooler. But, despite the heat, we had a good time and made some memories with pictures to show for it.

Mom and Dad Haynes just got back on Sunday from a two week trip to Mabton, Washington where they visited Karl's brother, Jeff and Amber. Jeff and Dad spent time cooking together and from what I hear Amber and Mom were able to garage sail together. They seemed to have a great time out there and we only wish it it were us cause we miss Jeff and Amber so much. **Love you guys!**

My family dropped in today on their way back home. Today they left Pella, Iowa at 4am and are going as far as Sterling Heights, MI to stay with friends. (Google says that's a 9 hour trip, not including Chicago traffic or pit stops!) It's been a long day and a long trip for them. They've been on the road for a week and a half! Pray for strength as they make their last church visits, pack up their stuff, and try to get ready to leave for Papua New Guinea in a month or so from now.