Capturing the Visit!

Goodbyes are bitter sweet! Mama left today heading back to America, but hopefully with her, she took fond memories of Chiang Mai. We had an incredible time and were sad to see her go. Now, we can't wait until she returns. These are a few pictures of her stay. Mama with the Sojo's staff. Sojo's is a local "western" restaurant, that our family calls the "Cracker Barrel" of Chiang Mai.
Mama, Austin and Adriann at a waterfall on a nearby mountain.
Adriann and a hill tribe child.

Off they go in a tuk tuk!

Memaw rode the elephants. Hold on!

Memaw and Austin sitting by the river.

The girls ended the day with a foot message. Memaw loved it!

Smiles all around

She made it!

Do you see Memaw yet?

Happy Mother's Day!

Some Motherly Advice...

Always change your underwear; you never know when you'll have an accident.
Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position.
Be careful or you'll put your eye out.
What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
You have enough dirt behind those ears to grow potatoes!
Close that door! Were you born in a barn?
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!

How funny! Reading this list, I laughed as I recalled having heard every one. What was really humorous was the fact that now as a Mother myself, I am guilty of having said a few! Guess, I really am turning into my Mother. Thanks for all the advice through the years but most of all thanks for being an Incredible Mom!

I love you Mama,
Happy Mother's Day!

Rick poses for a picture!

This picture speaks for itself.

This was our last day in Yantai. Beautiful costal city in Northern Shangdong province.

2 Goals!

The futsal season is in full swing. Today, Austin scored two goals at the game. Mom missed it due to running for shelter in the thunderstorm. The teams continued playing as though nothing was happening around them. No pictures, but we can assume it was great!

At another city. Can you guess?

People, People and More People! (About 20 million)

Xianyang Market! Very aggressive salespersons trying to sell their products. These products included clothes, shoes, watches, golf clubs and a lot of other things!

This was actually not the normal crowds that you would see in this part of town because it was overcast but it was enough to know that there are quite a bit more people here than in Thailand.

Where in the World is Jerry?

Most everyone may already know, but this skyline picture has a small hint in the background.

Happy Birthday Adriann

Absolutely the most incredible daughter

Dramatic

Really thoughtful with cards and letters

Imaginative

Amazingly energetic

Never turns down chocolate

No other girl is as special as Adriann

Happy 7th Birthday Adriann!

We love you very much

Mom and Dad

Family Fun Day

Annual Family Fun Day at school. As you can see, we all had a great time!

Jerry and Adriann on the obstacle course. Don't miss a step Daddy!

Austin taking on the obstacle course.

Hurry get all the balls in, let's beat our record.

A party on every corner!

The funny thing about our neighbor's wedding was that Adriann's birthday party was Saturday as well. Imagine that, 100+ of your closest friends to celebrate your wedding and across the street a group of 6 and 7 year old girls giggling with excitement, among pink and purple balloons. Fortunately, the wedding was ending about the time the birthday party was beginning. Adriann had a great flower party to celebrate her 7th birthday.

Crashing the Wedding!

How exciting, our first Thai wedding, right across the street! As the weekend approached, it became obvious that our neighbor had something BIG planned. Large white tents in the street, a freshly planted, blooming lawn and beautiful cut flowers everywhere added to the festivities. Kelly was determined to get pictures! As she was in our yard preparing to get the perfect shot of the happy couple, the groom said to come around and get pictures by their backdrop of flowers. The groom later asked Kelly to get in picture. She felt really underdressed for the occasion until she noticed the groom's shoes!!

A Glimpse into Our Phuket Vacation!

The pool at the resort provided lots of fun in the sun.

The island where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Clear waters and a great area for snorkeling and swimming!

Sand, sand everywhere and Adriann loved every minute of it!!

Even at sunset, Austin continues to sculpt!

All smiles, with memories of a wonderfully, relaxing vacation in Phuket.

A Proverbs 31 Woman

March 18, 1915, Gladys Kelly, my beloved grandmother was born. What a Godly example of a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as friend, neighbor and Sunday School teacher, she has been and continues to be for so many. Proverbs 31:10-31 gives the qualities of a noble/virtuous woman. I have often thought how this scripture so clearly describes Granny Kelly. Words alone could never adequately express my appreciation for the life she has lived before me, her love, and faithful prayer support. My life has been richly blessed by having had her as my grandmother.

Happy 91st Birthday, Granny Kelly

We love you very much!

Joe and Hilda Visit Chiang Mai

Friends Joe and Hilda left today after visiting and working at Im Jai House here in Chiang Mai. What a small world! Who would have ever thought our city would be the destination of their mission trip. God is so good! It was a great to see them and spend time together.

I don't know who received the bigger blessing? The children at the orphanage or Joe and Hilda!

http://www.imjaihouse.com

Amazing Race

The Amazing Race has it's first couple from Mississippi and who would have thought it would be our Dentist from Hattiesburg! Wonder if they were selected for their great teeth? We will certainly be keeping close eyes on the CBS website to watch their progress. Way to go Lake and Michelle!!

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race9/bios/lake_michelle/

Track

Austin and Adriann had a Track Meet on Saturday! They both did great competing in several track and field events. In the pictures, Adriann is running the 400 meter race and Austin the 100 meter.

We love you guys and are very proud of you both!