Back to Normal

For most of you life returned to normal on January 2. The holidays were just memories and bills. Ours was extended a couple of weeks. We made the trip to Michigan for a wedding and Camdyn came for a visit (see earlier blogs).

Last week was our return to normal. Cheryl taught an intensive class (Gender Studies) that ended Friday with a noon meal at our house. I spent Saturday cleaning carpets at the church. Sunday was full with two great services, lunch with new church members, and I had a deacons meeting in the afternoon. Monday was return to the office and committee meetings and student advising and D.Min. defenses. Monday evening we had the church elders meeting at our house. Last evening (Tuesday) I had the church staff meeting at our house. Tonight we have a farewell reception at the church. At some point this week I have to patch a leak in the roof of our house (over the garage). Cheryl is working hard grading.

Ahh! Its good to be back to normal.

A Little Model

I needed to distract Camdyn so that Cheryl could leave for the store. I asked if I could take her picture in some goofy glasses. But when we got down stairs she refused to wear the glasses which she had been showing off upstairs. Instead she wanted her picture without it. She proceeded to direct the photo shoot, telling me where and how to sit. She chose her place and posture. She turned the television off because it was distracting her.

Kitty

I wanted to take a picture of Camdyn and the cat. She decided she wanted kitty in her lap for the picture: a two year old set the picture up.

Guess Who

Do you recognize the toddler in these photos? Hint: look at the previous post.

I love to climb high.

I love to slide.

Oops!!!

I love horses.

I love all kinds of horses.

Camdyn Visits

On Tuesday Cheryl and I drove to Pulaski, Virginia where we met Justin's parents (Randy and Gail Allen) and picked up Camdyn. Justin and Camdyn had stayed in Virginia following Christmas for Justin to complete a couple of Doctor of Ministry courses at Wesley Theological Seminary. Justin will pick her up this week-end on his way home to Memphis.

This afternoon we took Camdyn to Tensley Park. She met a new friend and otherwise had a great time. She worked up from going down the big slide with Nanna to insisting on doing it all by herself.

GiGi, Nanna, Camdyn, and Pa.

More, Higher

Twins of spirit

By myself

Pooh Sticks

Wedding Trip

On Friday I drove to Grand Rapids, Michigan and Cheryl flew there from New York City where she was attending a consultation on ecumenics. We came to perform a wedding for two of our students, Leslie Carpenter and Matthew Holmes. We had a wonderful time doing the ceremony together and received many complements. They were a beautiful couple as you can see from the pictures.

We will drive home tomorrow. Karisa returned to Wheaton with JohnMark. Alethea is in Memphis working at St. Jude's Childrens Hospital this month. Justin is in DC staying with his parents for another week while he takes a couple of Doctor of Ministry classes. Camdyn is with Justin and his family.


First Dance as Mr and Mrs

Cutting

More Cutting

Cutting up: Cake anyone?

Seminary Family Present

A Promise Kept

Gatlinburg

On Wednesday I went to Pigeon Forge to spend a few days with family. Shirley, Ryan, Darlene, and Thurman met me there. Karisa was ill so she and Cheryl came up on Thursday. Mike came up on Thursday as well. Alethea, Justin and Camdyn stopped on their way to Washington DC and spent Wednesday evening with us. Traffic was terrible, and restaurant service was slow but we had a great time. Our cabin was nice (three bedrooms, three baths, fireplace, mountaintop, etc.-- not to mention a scenic view of the Pigeon Forge traffic.) Karisa requests we refer to this as a trip to Gatlinburg.

Unfortunately, Jimmy had to work so that he and Iris could not join us.

Camdyn took to Thurman. It's a Grand-pa thing.

Gatlinburg

Portrait

So much excitement