Viviane and the squirrel

Shaun and Pam have a good bit of wildlife in their backyard. Viviane has been especially thrilled with the brown squirrels (she calls them squirlts). One day this past week I took her outside to let her run off some energy. We noticed a squirrel in the next yard over. Viviane called for the squirrel to come over--and it did. She vacillated between interest and fear as it drew nearer and nearer, but her excitement won out. She pulled up her shirt (I think that is a nervous action) and called out: "Come here squirlt! The funny thing is that the squirrel actually took two bounding steps toward her just after she called out. Viviane responded by whipping her shirt back down and shouting out to the squirrel: "Don't get my belly button! She then turned and ran back to me. I wish I had been thinking to get that on video. The photos in the collage will have to do, however. If you follow the shots from left to right/top to bottom, you will see a little bit of the squirrel's progression.

Shaun and his "parrot"

Just taking a quick break from the work of the day to post this funny photo. Tally loves to sit on Shaun's shoulder. She'll even sit there as Shaun walks around. Although I can't really picture Shaun as a pirate, this photo makes me think of a pirate with his parrot on his shoulder. It has been great to be around Shaun. His enthusiasm is refreshing and we've had some really good conversations. Leaving will not be easy.

Moraine State Park

On Saturday, Shaun and Pam took us to Moraine State Park for a picnic and fun time in the sun. The weather was gorgeous, the company was great, and the park was gigantic. We ate our supper with the lake in view. The lake gleamed in the sunlight and provided us with a constant breeze. To Viviane's great delight, we also ate within sight of the playground. The thought of playing stole her appetite, and after a futile struggle to get her to eat, we let her loose. She had an absolutely great time.

After a bit, we all took a walk down a scenic trail. We were able to talk, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Viviane especially enjoyed giving Sophie a walk. As the sun began to set, our families parted ways. We headed for Kittanning and they headed back to New Castle. All in all it was a wonderful trip that provided us great memories with our dear friends Shaun and Pam.

At the Park

On Friday, April 24, Liz and I took Viviane out to a park near Shaun and Pam's house. The Lord has given us beautiful weather, so we decided to take advantage of a little spare time that we had.

Viviane had a ball on the playground equipment. She surprised us with how adventurous she was. She went through the tunnels all by herself and slid down a pretty tall slide (with Mommy's help of course).

We are so grateful for little joys like playgrounds. Viviane really enjoyed herself and we had a wonderful time enjoying each other in God's beautiful creation.

With the Christys

We made it to New Castle and we are being spoiled by Shaun and Pam! They have been so kind to us. They fixed up a space in their basement for us to use while we base out of their house during our trip to Western PA. Last night we had a good time visiting with them and then we attended a service with them at the Alliance church in town (one of the two they are thinking about). Afterward, we spent some more time visiting with them. It is so good to reconnect and talk about what God has been doing in our lives. We know that our time with them is going to be beneficial for us and we look forward to learning a little more about the area.

So far, Viviane has fit in quite well. She is intrigued by their cat and a little scared by their dog. It is taking her a little while to warm up to Shaun, but she has taken immediately with Pam. And Pam has been so kind. If you know Viviane at all, it will not surprise you that she immediately asked Pam (she calls her "Ham") to read a book to her. We'll keep you posted.

Viviane's Big Girl Bed!

Viviane started sleeping in a "big girl bed" on Monday night, and she really likes it! We decided to start her on the trundle part of the trundle bed so that she'd be closer to the ground :-) We've had a few rough times during the night and little tumbles, but overall, she's done really well and seems to be enjoying the "freedom" of a real bed. Our little girl is growing up!

A Visit with Mamma and Pappa

This past weekend, we got to take a short trip to GA to visit Mamma and Pappa, Michael's grandparents. We had a wonderful time and are so grateful to the Lord for the relaxing visit He allowed us to enjoy with them. We love you, Mamma and Pappa!

The End of our UPS Era!!!!!!

We're praising the Lord that last Friday, April 10, was Michael's final day to work at UPS! We thank God for providing for us partially through UPS for nearly the past 5 years, but we're excited to now be able to focus all of our attention on deputation and getting to France.

We had Dunkin' Donuts on Friday morning to celebrate and then I surprised Michael with a breakfast date this morning to celebrate his first morning of "freedom" from the 3:30 rising time!

Michael's quitting UPS was an answer to our prayers and many of yours over the past several months as we've sought God's wisdom about timing for "making the plunge" into full-time deputation. Thanks to all of you who prayed for us. We're trusting our great God to provide for us--as he always faithfully does.

Our Easter Celebration

"He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!" What a blessing to proclaim those words as a body of believers yesterday as we gathered at CPBC to celebrate Christ's resurrection. The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day to rejoice about our beautiful Savior!

We had a house-full for the afternoon to continue our celebration. I failed to get a picture of everyone, but we fit 17 people into our little house for Easter dinner! We had wonderful food and, more importantly, wonderful fellowship. (Thanks to the ladies who helped prepare the food and the ladies who helped clean up!)

The kids (and Henry--well, and some of the rest of the adults too!) had fun hunting for the 12 Resurrection Eggs that Michael hid outside. After the hunt, we gathered inside and Michael led the kids in a discussion using the items inside the eggs to tell the story of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Thank you, God, for our risen Savior! He is our Hope!

V with M&M

A couple of weeks ago, we got to have Micaiah and Miriam over for a few hours, and boy, did we have fun! We read books together, made Play-doh creations, had arts and crafts time, and squeezed in a picnic AND a tea party! Oh, and Viviane got to wear Micaiah's hat and bandana. A fun time was had by all. We can't wait to do it again, M&M!