Happy 1st Birthday, Jordan

The day I arrived in Albuquerque was also Jordan's birthday.  Karissa wanted to wait until Dennis got there to have his party.  But we went to the store and picked up a couple of cupcakes for him and Caden to eat for the celebration!  Here Brett was holding the cupcake while we sang "Happy Birthday"!

Anxiously awaiting to sink his little teeth into it :o)

He didn't make the mess that could've been!  Of course, his hands were messy but he didn't get it all over his body and in his hair!!  He enjoyed his purple iced cupcake!!  And this Grammy just loves his smile.  What a cutie pie!!

Wow!

What an amazing way to start the day!!  Yesterday, I told Dennis that I wanted to go to the beach and get in the Sea.  Now remember that we've lived here for over 1 1/2 years and I've only went to the beach one time for leisure other than a baptism!  That time was back in March and I sat in a chair while Dennis went swimming.  But something got into me and I wanted to go in the Sea.  We both woke very early this morning, got ready and off we went.  Before long, we were walking down this sandy trail toward the beautiful, clear Sea!!

Dennis walked right out into the water, but me I only inched in a little at a time.  The water temperature was almost like bath water!!  Ahhh!!  Finally, I walked out to Dennis and immediately fell in love with the beautiful, pristine Caribbean Sea.  You can go way, way out and look down to the bottom.  Amazing!!  I could kick myself for not doing this sooner, but now I have plans to hopefully do this at least once a week or more often if time permits!!

The tide was coming in but it was just so calm!!  There wasn't hardly anyone around the whole time we were there which was about 1 1/2 hours.  Eventually, Dennis got out of the water to do his walking.  He's been walking on the beach now for several weeks.  He doesn't walk on the packed down sand by the water, but walks in the soft sand.  He really gets a major workout!!  While he walked, I went closer to the shore and sat in the water.  It was so peaceful and relaxing.  Again, I can't believe I haven't done this before now, but sure plan to do a lot more of it in the coming days!

I was out in more than chest deep in the water (and I can't swim) just walking around when I looked down and saw this good size fish swimming around my feet.  I took off as fast as I could toward the shore :o)  When Dennis finished walking he got back in the water and I went to the deeper area again with him.  We were just standing talking when we looked down and there was a school of fish just swimming around us.  They were probably only about 10 - 12 inches long and a whitish color with beautiful yellow fins.  If only I could swim ~ I'd love to go snorkling!!  Last Friday, some of our friends went snorkling and were swimming along side about a 6 foot baracuda!!  YIKES!!  I don't think I'd like that :o)  Anyway, going to the beach and getting in the Sea was a wonderful way to start off my Saturday.  It's been a lazy day.  In a few hours, we've got to run out to town to pick up a few things.  After that, we're meeting several of the school staff at one of our favorite restaurants for dinner.  Sure enjoying the laziness of this day!!  Gotta love it!!

Happy Birthday Thelma

Dear Thelma,

You aren't here for me to call or send a card to wish you a Happy Birthday!  And my, how I still miss you!!

You were an awesome "oldest" sis!!

I'm so thankful for the good times and all the memories we made together.

Happy, happy birthday today September 8th!!

All my love!

Your lil' sis,

Dorcas

The Reason For Going West

This is why I went West!!  My two little munchkins!!

And in action no less :o)))

A smile worth a BILLION bucks!!

One tired Little Man 

Hopefully he was just chomping on his thumb!! 

Go West, Young Lady :o)

After we had gone to the States, one of our Charter Members from our Church passed away.  She was a sweet little lady whom I had only met one time.  At first, Dennis wasn't coming back to Cayman for the funeral and then he was.  It was back and forth many times until the final decision was made.  He just didn't want to have to come home for a funeral when we were on vacation.  That meant that his plane ticket would have to be changed.  You see, after we had left Brett and his family in Tampa at the very beginning of our trip, they moved way out west to Albuquerque, New Mexico where he was transferred.  So, we decided that we would end our travels by going out there to visit with them before coming back to Cayman.  But that meant I'd have to travel alone :o(  I don't mind flying by myself, but I do if it's someplace I've never been to before.  So, we parted ways in the Pittsburgh airport!  To start off, I was in the wrong line.  When I found out the people in front of me were going to San Diego, it didn't take me too long to change lines :o)  I had a short layover in Dallas/Fort Worth, well it was supposed to be short but there were problems with the plane we were to take to Albuquerque which delayed us for several hours!  Finally, we got to board the plane and head to my destination!!

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So barren looking

And then there were some mountains

At first, I thought maybe this was Albuquerque but before long it was behind us :o)

It was exciting to be flying to Albuquerque!!  Hopefully it won't be too long until I go again!!

Our Last Days In West Virginia

We went back to West Virginia before we took our separate ways (more on that in upcoming posts).

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This beautiful black Lab met us every time we went down to the park.  He reminded me so much of our dear beloved Toby who has gone on to dog heaven!  I'd love to have another one just like this!!  Are you reading this Dennis?

A pretty sunset we saw on our way to . . . . .

look for these amazing creatures!

Click on the picture to get a better view

The sun going down while peaking through the trees in the woods

Again, if you click on the picture and look real close you'll see some more deer to the right of the barn!

This particular evening we saw sooooooooo many deer.  Dennis said it's the most he's seen in that area in years!!  He's itching to go hunting in November.  We'll see how things work out!!

My mother-in-law's hydrangea bush blooming away!!  I love the bluish/purple. 

Look who I found in the garden picking green beans!! haha!!  Dennis' dad has a really small garden but . . . . .

this is what it yielded and all the beans weren't even picked!!  It made us both miss the gardening and canning we've done over the years.  There's nothing like those goodies when the snow is blowing up north!!

And only in West Virginia do you see someone use tape to keep their car doors closed!!  Unbelieveable!!  We had run out to town for something and was I ever glad to have my camera with me :o)

Across the road from my father-in-law's house

Come back soon to see where we ended up on our last part of the trip!

Family and A Friend

Before leaving Ohio, I was able to spend a few short hours with a good friend.  Theresa has been right by my side through some pretty tough times while still living in Barberton!!  She's a true friend, but we don't get to see each other much, so this time was special for me.  And if you're moving anytitme soon and need a good packer give her a call :o))

And more so, because we spent some valuable time with Brandon!

We sure miss you, Brandon, and hope we'll start getting to see you more often real soon!

Love you!!

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