Our trip to California was AMAZING! Shawn did an excellent job speaking at the retreat at Double Arrow camp in the Sierra-Nevada mountains. It was a relaxing time with a great group of people.

Then we made our way to the coast to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing the great Redwoods. It was cra-zy!



They say that the Redwood forest is the quietest park in the country, I would have to concur. Walking amongst these giants can leave you word stricken. I think the wonder of it is found in several factors. The first being, there's more that one monstrous tree. It's not just one giant tree, it's thousands! Next, they're living! We've walked amongst the ruins of people who lived thousands of years ago which is cool. But walking amongst these trees, we're standing next to the oldest living organisms on earth.....just incredible.



































This is us inside a tree....with room to spare!

















Then the sun came out and gave us this spectacular view as we drove up the coastal highway!!!












and finally the seals at Crescent City













WE loved our trip!! It was such a great experience and just nice to be away!

Hooding Ceremony!

This past Tuesday was the hooding ceremony for Miriam. This is the unofficial end of her seminary career! During this ceremony she received her master's hood so she can have her complete garb for the ceremony on May 9th. Several of our family members were able to attend this event and we are so thankful for all the support and love they have shown us during this process!

And below is Miriam in a less than academic state...

Our Pictures

Our Trip to Guatemala!

Turkey Time

So we are having Thanksgiving at our place this year. It is going to be delicious as Miriam will be serving her amazing turkey. I will be helping with the sides. Her parents and grandparents will be here on wednesday. My folks are showing up Thursday for ham and some tasty goodness. The tree is up and we are ready for the holiday season in Anderson!!!!

Mmmmmm, the Mountains!!!!!

We went to the Smokwy mountains a couple weekends ago and it was fantastic! It was so nice to get away from Anderson and be surrounded by creation in one of its finest forms, the mountains! Our original reason for going was to go to a "festival" in NC, but when we got here it was a bust, so we made out way back up to the smokies and camped in the park. We were able to see two baby black bears! We were driving on a primitive road, and they both just popped up from the side of the road. We also saw wild turkeys, deer, coyotes and all kinds of odd TN folk. Just a warning, if you loved Gatlinburg as a child and think it's still an excellent place to visit...I'd reconsider, the place is ridiculous anymore. It is now the absolute prime place for neon signs and airbrushed T's. Either way, it was fantastic and we were thankful for the time away from this crazy town!

Hope all of you are doing well! LOVE!