Continuing computer issues

We are in the states and have the new hard drive for our laptop; however, we don't have anyone to repair it here.  So until we get back to El Salvador at the end of the year, I'm borrowing a laptop to do essential tasks and using my phone for everything else.

I sent out a simple email update in lieu of our regular newsletter.  If you didn't see it, you can find it on the blog homepage.

We finished two weeks in Kansas City and then flew to California on December 2.  We've enjoyed a piano recital, Christmas caroling, Sunday church and several other outings with Daniel and his family.  There's still plenty to look forward to as we prepare to celebrate our Lord's birth.  

I promise to catch up (or maybe just start over) in January when my laptop is up and running.

Highlights of Visiting California, Part 2

We had the chance to go with the grandkids and Shannon to Monterrey Bay Aquarium.  All I can say is "wow."  

Beautiful Stanford Campus

We took the kids, bikes and a stroller up to the Stanford campus.  It's a great time to visit because the students aren't yet on campus for the fall trimester, which means the paths are empty so the kids have a great, safe place to ride, while the adults have lots to look at, as well.

There were also some great trees to climb.

Here's some of the beauty of the campus that the adults were able to appreciate.

Juntos Together--Fun Day

It was off to Costa de Sol with the Juntos Together team on Friday.  We left the house at 8:15 a.m. to meet the team at the hotel and ride the bus to the beach.  The trip was about and hour and a half and it was HOT!  

We arrived at the resort about 11:15 and had time to play in the ocean before lunch.  The buffet lunch was delicious.  After lunch the kids spent time in the pool, played water volleyball, got back in the ocean and just enjoyed each other's company.  

Later in the afternoon, there were boat rides around the lagoon and more pool time.  

We left about 5:00 p.m. and drove the hour plus to the pupusaria in Los Planes.  Pupusas for 90 people, please.  Thankfully, Guillermo had pre-ordered and they were ready when we arrived.  Francisco was celebrating his birthday, so he got the giant birthday pupusa.

When the evening was over, it was good-bye until next year and/or let's connect on Facebook!  It was a great week thanks to Vladimir Vasquez, our youth pastor at Vida Nueva, and the rest of the IBVN team!  

Stevens Creek Walk

Since it's our last day in California, Daniel took a vacation day.   We left Shannon at home (much to her delight as she had things she needed to do) and the rest of us went on a walk/bike ride.  Beautiful weather and great trails make it easy to be active!

We were all so hungry after the 3 mile walk that we went to In-n-Out for lunch!

California Time

We arrived on Wednesday evening and have enjoyed every minute we've spent with the grandkids.  It's great to hang out with them on a daily basis and be part of their routine.  Thursday afternoon we watched gymnastics and Friday morning we went to swimming lessons.

Friday afternoon we went to Cinemark to see Cinderella (a first for us.)  Both of them loved the movie (and the popcorn.) 

Saturday we spent the afternoon at Shannon's parent's condo.  The swimming pool was too cold, but the hot tub was just right.  

On Sunday afternoon, Jon and his friend, Kate, drove up from Santa Cruz.  We had dinner and made homemade ice cream.  Fun times!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year and last day in California, bittersweet, as always.  We've had a fun day playing with the kids.