Where in the States are the Amors?Tennessee (again)

view from our room

               As missionaries, we get two nights free a year at this great place called the Whitestone Country Inn in Tennessee.  This was the only two days that we have had alone as a family the entire summer.  It was beautiful!  We really enjoyed being focused on our kids and just being mellow.  We wanted to spend more time outside on the gorgeous grounds, but it was so stinking hot that we did not last long.  However, we did manage to create a little Dora-style adventure for the kids.  I marked a little map and made-up objectives for Alethia to complete at each marker. 

We went out on a paddle boat, but we were not out more than a few minutes when Alethia complained of being hot and we were all wilting, so we turned around and went back to shore. 

Then, we went “searching” for the fish food that “Swiper had taken” and fed the fish in the pond.  It was a fun little excursion.  However, I think the kids enjoyed playing in their room uninterrupted even more.  Anthony and I were playing a game in the main room of our suite and noticed that the kids had gotten awfully quiet.  When I found them, they were laying in the closet and Alethia was “reading” a story to Masami.  So sweet!

We had a relaxing time, but it really made us long for home and our own space, time, and privacy. 

               We managed to meet my dad and step-mom for a brief breakfast date.  It was nice to visit with them and say goodbye before heading west again. 

               We stayed one night outside of Knoxville at a little B&B called Majestic Mansion.  We had meant to stay there a few years ago when we were in the area because of the owners’ connection with Cadence, but did not get the chance.  Anyhow, we figured-out earlier this summer that Anthony actually knew them from his childhood days in Japan.  Now we couldn’t just drive on by without stopping!  It is a very cool old house with tons of character and fabulous hosts.  Their daughter was even there who just happens to be one of Anthony’s best friends from the early 90’s.  She even pulled out her old My Little Ponies for Alethia to play with.  Masami got to push around a play lawn mower, and I had some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.  So, it was a fun stop for all of us. 

               Now we head west until we get to Kansas, then hope to turn north to catch our flight out of Milwaukee at the end of the month.

Where in the States are the Amors? Maryland & Virginia

Karen

             We were in Maryland for 5 days visiting families that were a part of our ministry the first year that we were in Germany.  Some of you may remember that our first year of ministry in Germany was in Wiesbaden.  We filled-in during a transitional time for the youth group there.  We have fantastic memories from that year and are very fond of our students from then.  It was great to get to catch-up with them, now 4 to 5 years later, as they are in or graduating from college.

Mark

Scott

Rebecca & Zach

Anthony & Ben

Owen, Joanna, & Carol

               We got to stay with our former volunteer staff from that year, Doug and Joanna.  They were such an important support to us that year before we all had kids.  Now it is fun to be together and watch our kids play together.  (Their two are just a month older than our two.)

Doug & Anthony

         

Gwynn, Alethia & Sara

             Next we stopped in Virginia for a couple of days for my cousin’s wedding.  We happened to be in the same town that another former Malachi worker lives in now.  So, it was fun to catch-up and see her and her sister.

               I did not manage to get a photo of the bride and groom as I was a bit distracted from taking photos by keeping Alethia and Masami out of trouble.  However, it was a lovely wedding and it was wonderful to get to see family.  We were disappointed that my grandparents were unable to make it due to health issues.  They were definitely missed.

Our Comedian

               We have gotten many comments this summer about how expressive Masami is.  His facial expressions can be so entertaining and dramatic.  So, he has sort of developed this little comedian side to him when he has the attention of a few adults.  He uses facial expressions, hand gestures, and sound effects to entertain.  

Also, his little dance moves are quite amusing.  He loves music and loves to get a groove on.  This we will have to try to get on video when we get home.