Days 10-15 - Hanging out in Houston

MAY 24th-29th

Our first week in Texas was filled with so much fun. We were able to catch a little down time with family and friends as well as meet with some dear supporters in the area.

The Pigotts - Jason, Jennifer, and Halie

Many of you know that the Pigotts are one of God's sweetest gifts to us in friendship. Jason and Jenn even came and visited us last December in Albania for a week. When we arrived in Houston, we learned that their 3 year old, Halie, had just been diagnosed with an agressive form of cancer. They have 3 other children as well. It was an immense blessing to us that we were able to be here and to visit with them at Texas Children's Hospital during this overwhelmingly difficult time. We continue to be amazed at the faith and fortitude that they are showing in the midst of this trying time. At this time, Halie has finished her 2nd round of chemo and is doing well. Please pray for her!

Taste of Texas restaurant

Kaitlyn, always the melodramatic one, plays around with a bronze statue of a true Texan cowboy. This photo was taken outside Kris's and my favorite restaurant, Taste of Texas. We had a fantastic lunch and great fellowship with family and friend, Jeff Wood. Thanks, Jeff, for a super lunch! We LOVED every minute of it!

Incredible Pizza Company

One highlight for the girls was a night out with just us 6 to the Incredible Pizza Company. We got a deal with games included and the girls played to their hearts content. Kaitlyn won the jackpot on this game and won 200 tickets (which "bought" a few do-dads at the toy center). However, the lights and smiles on the faces were worth the price of admission. We had a super time together and they made some fun memories doing bumper cars, miniature golf, racing cars (Whitney won), and bowling.

Lunch with the Taubers

Chelle and Kris were privileged to get to spend some quality time with dear friends, the Taubers. This amazing couple have been a source of great encouragement and support during the past 3+ years. We had a super time with them talking over a yummy Mexican meal. We are thankful for their faithful example of remaining steadfast and pliable to God in the midst of difficult times.

Sprinkler time for the girls

The hot Texas weather has allowed plenty of time for the girls to get out and play in the sprinkler. Dad and Amanda also set up a little pool with lawn chairs, an umbrella, and a cooler like a little beach area. The girls are having a blast running in and out of the pool and spraying each other with the sprinkler. They are such hams for the camera! They are loving all the Poppy, Mimi time too.

Rite of Passage - ear piercing!

Kaitlyn, age 13, finally got her ears pierced. She has been waiting ever since her 13th bday in December to get her ears pierced and she finally got it done. She did a super job and looks so much more grown up with earrings. It was a fun girls day out with Chelle, Kaitlyn, and Mimi. We went to the mall to get her ears pierced, had lunch, and shopped for a few clothes for Kaitlyn. What a super memory we made!