Last of the Sparklers

As part of saying goodbye to summer, the kids enjoyed some fun - and instagram worthy pictures with the sparklers.  Good to enjoy some fun shots - and good to get a look at the world through our kids' eyes (or at least through the cameras on their smartphones.)

Chalk Art

The kids sure had some fun with some chalk - and what great pictures enjoying some impressive chalk art.  Cool shots!

Meanwhile, in Ohio...

While Doug was in Malaysia getting ready for the new school. . .the kids were enjoying the rest of summer with Tracy.  Here are the cousins enjoying some snacks and the delights of summer in Ohio. 

The Jungle

At the Young Life Camp, Reeve's friends were aghast that Reeve lived right next to the jungle, but never really went into the jungle.  It is a bit hard to explain - but it isn't as though the jungle is very accessible - it is so dense and not exactly easy to enter - no trails in our neighborhood and not really wanting to go a few feet in and stand next to a tree - not much reason for that.  So here is a picture of the jungle in our neighborhood to illustrate why we might not just go stand in the jungle. 

Lot 10

After church on Sunday, it was a chance to stop and I enjoyed a nice Japanese restaurant on the 4th floor.  Delicious food and a nice reminder of being back in Asia. 

Rania & Costa Rica

Rania is enjoying - and wrapping up some of the end of the Grandkids Costa Rica trip.  I don't have pictures currently - and fun to see and hear the highlights from their trip.  Perhaps can add pictures and highlights later. How great that grandma could return from Rome just in time to head to Costa Rica - and have the tax issues solved as part of working a year in Rome.  Also, praise God that dad (Rania's Grandpa) is able to go and enjoy the final grandkids trip. 

A Day in Amsterdam

En route back to KL and preparation for moving into our new school, Doug had the chance to stop in Amsterdam for a long layover.  Getting into the city on a summer is always fabulous - and what a chance to get to visit the Anne Frank House - and so sobering and so enlightening to read so much about just one person's story during a horrific time in history.  And what a change once moving outside - and seeing such a picturesque city!

Family Photos

With the new portrait lens I got for my Canon camera, it was fun to take some portrait shots and capture some family pictures.  Here are some of the shots as we enjoyed some time in our condo as the summer wraps up (at least for some of us).




Fun to have family over to visit!

Aunt Marcia's

We made the wonderful annual trip to Aunt Marcia's condo, complete with a wonderful meal, lots of fun in the pool and fun chances to enjoy each other's company.  Indeed, such a beautiful setting in such a beautiful place - and great to get to return to a place of so many wonderful memories. 

Hamilton!

 For our anniversary (a bit early), we decided to splurge and get tickets to go to Hamilton, which was showing in Cleveland.  It was a wonderful evening out - and what a spectacular show!  What a treat to get to witness such a popular and inspiring musical event in person.  It was a fun evening out - and so wonderful to get a first crack at Cleveland's theater scene. 

Time With Family

Before Doug, Tracy and Gabi headed back to Ohio - and Reeve stayed a while longer in DC to wait for Rania, we had a good time with Mark and Marta and their family.  There were some chess matches, as well as just general laughing time and fun with cousins.  

Reeve and Laura's Camp Video

What a labor of love to share the camp video from Canyon 2018 - Reeve and Laura's YoungLife Camp.  What amazing experiences - big thanks to Silverton's chapter for helping make this possible. 

Reeve and Laura Camp Video Preview

The final video is coming.  Here is the trailer / preview from a fabulous week at Young Life Canyon 2018!

The Dessert Bar

It was a fun chance for Gabi and Auntie Marta to head out to some yumminess and time together. 

Pre-Grandkids Tour Meal

With Rania and Micah getting ready to head off on the third and final grandkids trip to Costa Rica, everyone began to meet in Washington DC.  Tracy, Gabi and Rania drove from Ohio (while Doug and Reeve were still in Oregon waiting for the conclusion of the Young Life Camp) and were ready for the big trip.  So fun!

Freeze Daddy's

When you have family that owns a local ice cream shop, there need to be a lot of wonderful chances to stop and enjoy the ice cream there, right?  A great picture of Rania outside the shop. 

Ice Cream

Back in Ohio (for the girls), of course, requires a visit for some ice cream.  Yum!

Mo's

Of course, every trip to the Oregon Coast must include a trip to Mo's - so we made sure to visit the wonderful seafood restaurant, including some of the famous Clam Chowder.  Yum!

The Oregon Coast

The Oregon Coast is always a fabulous place - even when it is plenty windy!  Of course, we made our way on a Monday to visit the Coast and enjoy some time on the beach.  So beautiful.