Oregon Trail Trials

Fort Kerney.  Oregon Trail.  Literally walking in the footsteps of American emigrants headed west for a new life. A new beginning full of promise and hope.  The land of opportunity lay ahead.

But the road to get there... What road?  It was a trail.  Full of trials and challenges, even dangers to face, to overcome.  

Iowa. Nebraska. Midwest landscapes.

Big skies.  Both Toy Story blue and dark and looming.  

Farms and windmills.  

Rows and rows of crops. 

And an occasional fun bridge.

We are enjoying the drive through our beautiful country!

Forever friends

It was great to sit on the front porch with long time friends Mike and Gwynne McQueen whom we met back in 1996 the year we lived in Champiagn IL.  

Also we got to stop in on the Bergstrom family whom we met just a few years ago (2012-15) in Kyiv.  

Of all the things our military adventures gave us, we are most grateful for the many many friends from various places and backgrounds.  We truly cherish the people God put in our lives over the years- even those there for a short season. 

Our American Adventure 2016

Because we can... And for Clara and John "the youngers" still at home and because it is more affordable with 4 instead of 7.  We're doing our drive out west adventure!  Here we go!!  All

Smiles.  Futures so bright.  We gotta wear shades!  

The Boy. Scout. Mile swimmer.

It was one of those sweet evenings where you watch your boy turned scout begin to grow into a young man! He enjoyed his camp experience and independence from his parents/family (ironically Independance Day week) and was happy to share it with is this parents night.  Very moving for this mama

to watch her youngest baby moving the direction of manhood.  

5 redz 6 Flags

John had never been to Six Flags. He's been to many amusement parks and almost too young as he didn't really love Roller Coasters to begin with.  But he was more than ready now and we had a great day! Reuben was able to join us and was helpful because he knew the park well. We had a great time. Except for the nearly 2 hr wait for the virtual reality ride. Which we had to wait yet another ride because a fast pass stepped in front of us. And then the ride broke. Oh yes it did! And then it broke again after our run.  Yes it did!  Anyway.  Batman made it better. And a few more rides too. And although Joey and I ran out of steam about 8pm... (Began at opening at 10:30am!! And in Georgia heat all

day!!) the kids closed the park at 9.  Really glad we were able to go!