Wednesday, December 29, 2010

White Christmas!

This year was our first "White Christmas". Although we were in GA over Christmas (and got snow there too!), it snowed quite a bit at our house. We got back Monday night to a winter wonderland. Polly, Blue, and I played in it a little Tuesday morning. Blue likes catching (and eating) the snowballs. Polly just likes to grab a mouthful and eat it. They both love running around in the snow! What a beautiful site, especially at Christmas!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94359&id=1059445769&l=5acde79a7d

Guate pics...for real...

Well, kinda...I am going the "cheater" way since I have just spent a lot of time uploading them to facebook. Even if you don't have facebook, you should be able to view the albums using the links below.

#1: All of the kids flew in together on the same flight. Mom and Dad met us at the airport and after a quick lunch at the Arkansas House, we got in the mission van to head to their house. On the way up the mountain, the van pooped out on us - literally - on the side of the road. So, we had to wait for a wrecker. Since there was no other way, we had to ride in the van on the flatbed trailer...the first of many crazy experiences of the week! After finally arriving to the house and a nice chili dinner, we crashed in bed. On Sunday, we attended Mom and Dad's church and enjoyed a nice lunch at D'Marta's (cafeteria style restaurant). But no Sunday afternoon naps...we changed clothes and jumped back in the car to head to Panahajel and Lake Atitlan!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94348&id=1059445769&l=8935a0508f

#2: Sunday afternoon we arrived at the Pana House in Panahajel and settled in. That afternoon/evening we walked around town and took pictures with the beautiful sunset in the background. After a quick breakfast on Monday, we (Dad) got a water taxi to go to Santiago (one of the many towns around the lake). After a day of shopping and great lunch, we headed back to Pana for more afternoon shopping and ice cream. Tuesday was our ziplining day! On our way out of town, we ate at another local restaurant and then headed back to Chimaltenango to get ready for our next adventure...the Pacific!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94350&id=1059445769&l=711bed54a2

#3: On our way back from Lake Atitlan, we stopped by Chichoy to get coffee and pies for a snack. For dinner, we went to a little place downtown that Mom and Dad like to visit. They have an open grill and the meal consists of grilled beef, grilled onions, grilled potato, tortillas and sauce. With a drink, the total cost is about $2 US.

On our way to the Pacific, we stopped at a "travel center" to get snacks and to get Stephen a pair of swim trunks. Then, before we knew it, the heat hit us! We were able to enjoy the facilities and snacks soon after arriving. Can you say "all-inclusive"??

The sand is actually volcanic ash and is black. It looks like crushed oreos and ranges from tiny grains to small pebbles. We enjoyed the ocean and the pool - and played numerous games of volleyball. As a family, we also endured the wrath of the bucket! What a fun time to get away and have some fun in the sun...especially since it was snowing at home while we were there!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94356&id=1059445769&l=72d8035dcc

#4: After the Pacific, we returned back to Chimaltenango to spend the night. We got up E.A.R.L.Y. the next morning to catch a bus in Antigua. Our day began at the base of our hike to Volcano Pacaya. This proved to be one of the most difficult things we have ever done but one of the most rewarding!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94226&id=1059445769&l=269be7eb50

#5: After the hike to Pacaya, we came back to Antigua for lunch at McDonalds (the coolest one in the world!) and then shopping in the market. Then back to Mom and Dad's for family Christmas and packing! Wow...the week went too quick.

Sunday, we loaded up and hung out at the Arkansas House (mission house) for a little while until our flight. After a few quick pictures and teary good-byes we were on our way back to the US. Can't wait until June when Mom and Dad are back to visit for 6 months!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94357&id=1059445769&l=6186ce8829

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Finally...Guatemala Trip Photos! or not...

I'm hoping to get the photos from our recent family trip to Guatemala on here soon. Yes, 900+ photos is somewhat overwhelming so I'm working on a condensed version of some of the more "blog-friendly" photos.

After being gone to Guatemala, and then turning around and going to Georgia for Christmas...the time has just gotten away.

Pictures coming soon...

Thursday, December 23, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

We hope you remember the real reason for Christmas - Jesus - and know the joy of HIS Son.

Monday, December 6, 2010

A light dusting was forecasted...

Yeah, right! We were surprised on Saturday to get almost 2 inches of snow! Combined with a fire in the fireplace, a warm drink, and a GREAT football game (WAR EAGLE!) - it was a wonderful day.






And, as nice as these pictures are and beautiful as this snow was...it sure will be nice to head to a warmer climate this coming week!
F.A.M.I.L.Y. T.I.M.E!

I'm dreaming...

of a WARM, fun vacation to Guatemala with my family!!! After a cold week that started with snow, a few days at the Pacific and other fun places in Guatemala with my family sounds FANTASTIC! Can't wait...Saturday can't come soon enough!