Our summer vacay!!

School is back in session. The summer was mostly spent at home or poolside. Right before school began we traveled to an Asian country to the south of us. It is by far one of our top places ever. We love it there. Even the big city. Here are a ton of pictures from our wonderful, vacation.

 

This place is beauty. Take me back.

We took an overnight flight that was only 4 hours long and then the next day we hopped on bus for about nine hours. We were not all at our best at that point, but to see the view above, I would definitely do it all over again. Thank the Lord for the kind Chinese tourist who were sitting by us that so graciously moved seats, offered snacks to our screaming and whining children and even exchanged pleasant conversations about our shared love for their homeland. We just happen to be there on their big religious holiday. And the area of the country just happen to be where most folks travel back to so they can spend time with their families. It was a special experience for our family to see this culture, so family orientated. Boy, do I love their modesty. We shared many conversations with those whose beliefs differ from ours. One of the perks was a shared belief that children are a gift and hey you all should have more...you only got five kind of attitude.

 

The kids (and us) might just have enjoyed some ice cream every day!The boys put their creativity to work and well -showed the love of Jesus. We had just a few stares.



These two.
They are about as close to twins as you can get.

Umm...this is a favorite. On those days when I
feel overwhelmed at the needs of our five...
I should just look back to this and remember these moments. Pure beauty.




Yummy seafood. I do not allow myself to eat seafood in this area  (that requires a post by itself) so when I am less than feet from the ocean I make it a priority.

These kids live life to the fullest in their own big way

Hubs did this at least 1083 times per child

He is so adorable!

I have a thing for jumping



She is such a joy.
Pretty much all the time.

 

Thanks to a kind stranger we got a family picture

See there I go jumping again.

He is such a fabulous Dad.

Soak it up Marilla.

We built a city.
 Complete with garden, school, church and a great wall.
 

My love of ten years.

This thing was huge. How many times did I tell the kids to step
away and stop poking it with a stick. It was science lab 101 by the end.

Ok, she has her moments.

 

Oh, my baby boy. That smile is what made me ache for six moths
while waiting to go get them in Ethiopia.

He has a heart of LOVE

We got to see one of our favorite families.
Though my boys might have taught their sons some bad habits
I believe our short reunion was quite sweet and memorable.

Who would have guessed 7 years ago our (almost ) 9
children would be sitting together watching a movie and eating Chili's for dinner.
I love the Lord's ways.
So thankful for these precious friends!!