Where in the States are the Amors?Tennessee (part 2)

We have managed to build quite a few friendships here in Knoxville over the past 5 years. We really try to invest and dive-in relationally with people at my dad’s church when we are in town (which is not too often). It is a pretty big church and much changes between our visits; however, we have been able to maintain some relationships that have come to mean a lot to us. This makes it extra fun when we come to visit my dad and step-mom because we have friends to catch-up with as well. However, this also makes our visits very hectic.

This time we got to meet four new babies (born to four different families) and catch-up over meals, coffee, and appetizers and darts. It was awesome to see what the Lord is doing in these peoples’ lives and how He is growing them. We love hearing their stories and getting a glimpse of their hearts. And while our schedule was packed full, I know there were others that we missed. So, let me take a moment here to apologize to you if you were one that we missed! I’m sorry. We do really want the opportunity to connect with everyone, but our time is often so limited.

Baby Theo

The Thornton Family

The Hightower Family

Alethia with Caedman & Chloe

Where in the States are the Amors?Tennessee (part 1)

We get a week in Knoxville. We can actually unpack the whole car and settle in for more than a few days! This is our longest stop so far. It is good to be here at my dad’s house. They have lots of space for us to spread out and toys for the kids. It is also really good to get time with my dad and step-mom who we haven’t seen in a year.

It is hot here! Our now-German adapted bodies are in shock with all this sun and heat and humidity. It really is the humidity that pushes it over the top and just zaps any energy that I muster to leave the air-conditioning. The temperature is in the nineties and even hitting 102 this week. Unfortunately, the heat has kept us mostly indoors. I was hoping to get the kids out to some of these great Knoxville playgrounds, but we have only managed to hit the play area in the mall. That was fun, though. We followed it up with a stroll through the mall and Alethia got to browse the Disney store…a treat we don’t get in Germany.

Dad and Vicky have a little pool in their housing community. We managed to get the kids to the pool twice this week. Alethia loves the pool. Actually, she loves playing with/in water whether it is the pool, the bathtub, the kitchen sink, or a cup of water at the dinner table. As she would put it, “It’s my favorite!” Masami, on the other hand, could take or leave waterplay. He does his fair share of finding the only puddle in a parking lot to splash in, but really he finds limited pleasure at the pool and 9 times out of 10 cries his way through bathtime. Despite this, we all found relief from the heat by playing in the pool this week.

We also cooled off at a local “water pad.” It is like a water playground. There is water raining down, shooting up, and launching from every direction. Alethia made friends with a little girl who was willing to share her Tinkerbell bucket. Meanwhile, Masami chased down every ball he could find. We all had a great time for the very low price of FREE.

My dad and Masami wearing the hats I brought back for them from Thailand

Where in the States are the Amors?Missouri

We stopped in Springfield at Anthony’s grandparents’ house for little more than 18 hours. We are working our way to Knoxville. Though it was a quick visit, it was wonderful! I am incredibly blessed with the greatest in-laws…including my grandparents-in-law. We chatted and ate and walked. The kids got to play at an outdoor playground and then an indoor play area in the mall. Masami went down the slide for the very first time all by himself! He was so proud. The kids liked their great-grandparents, even if they were quite restricted in what they were allowed to touch. So many breakables! We also stopped in on Anthony’s great-grandma…still spunky at 94!

Next we drove to St. Louis to have dinner with our dear friends who moved from Germany last year, the Tucks. We have missed them greatly, so it was fantastic to see them! Their kids are two of the best, and they played great with Alethia and Masami. A few hours was not nearly enough time with them, so we look forward to dropping in for a longer visit in August.

We hopped back into the car late in the evening and are headed to Knoxville. The kids will sleep and we will trade off driving. Hoping to roll in around 6 am and get a few hours of sleep in a real bed.