Blackberry bushes and a walk

The six of us went to Picchetti Ranch and Open Space Preserve this morning.  Before the walk started we stopped at the blackberry bushes to see if we could reach any juicy, ripe blackberries.  It looked like the visitors of the past few days had reaped the benefits of the juicy fruit, but each of us were able to have a small snack before heading up the trail.

Climbing on trees, crossing wooden bridges and running down the hills couldn't have been more fun!  

Enjoy the pictures--I added one just to prove that Stephen was here with us!

Playing with the grandkids

We arrived Wednesday night, but everyone was sound asleep by the time we got to the house.  So, fun times with the grandkids started on Thursday morning.  One of Maleia's favorite things is to have me read books to her.  She's got such a great memory, that if I miss one word, she will correct me.  I can't even imagine how many books she has memorized.

Josiah is crawling, pulling up and can stand by himself.  He's so close to being ready to step out on his own.  We're hoping that we will still be here when he takes his first steps.  This time, he has decided that he likes Grandpa better than me.  Actually, Daniel and Shannon tell us that, in general, he likes men better than women.  I'm fine with it--what I'm not fine with is the fact that Stephen reminds me all day long that Josiah likes him better!!!!

Jon drove up from Santa Cruz this morning--we hadn't seen him since Christmas.  Maleia and Josiah were also glad to see "Uncle Jon."  We are planning to drive to Santa Cruz next week to see his new place, as well as the "shop" that he is working on with his friend, Noah.

It's quiet here right now.  Stephen and Jon went to see the Batman movie; Daniel and Shannon went out for a short run; Maleia and Josiah are asleep (and I'm hoping they stay that way.) 

Dancing Kids

Last week the team visited private schools in Guatemala.  Emily Rhoades, Steffie Contreras, Stephen Parris and I presented the Honesty lesson, testimony and gospel presentation in this 2nd grade classroom.  When we finished, the kids wanted to show us a dance routine that they were working on.  What fun!  Listen at the end and you can hear Stephen saying, "Increible!"

Dancing Kids in Guatemalan School

9 weeks later . . . . we're home

Home sweet home never felt so good.  After nine weeks in Guatemala, we're home!  The guards remembered us because they didn't hesitate to open the gate--although, it was probably the sticker on our truck.  It's so nice to be sitting on the couch (and not a bed) and to be the only one using the Internet!

However, "there's no rest for the weary."  I have to get started on laundry because we're packing up and heading to California on Wednesday.  In the meantime, I'm really going to enjoy my 4 days at home.