Camping

Although it is cooler here in Flagstaff, we only need to drive 30 miles south to find warmer temperatures. Last weekend we camped in Sedona with the local CC group. The boys both opted to sleep outside their tent, Noah on a cot and Lukas in a hammock. Noah's only complaint was that the moon was 'too bright' and once it moved out of his sight, the shooting stars were so frequent that it was hard to sleep.
The next morning, while I enjoyed hot drinks by the fires, the boys explored the surrounding areas on a hike. They came back a bit sweaty so a refreshing dip in the river seemed fitting before we packed up our gear.
Since we were already in Sedona, we decided to stop at the famous Rock Chapel. It has an interesting story,

and the view is spectacular.

A quick stop for lunch we headed back home to Flagstaff. A fun start on the weekend.

Washington DC

On Monday we traveled to Phonix so that we could catch an early Tuesday morning flight to Washington DC and attend ‘Back to DC’ with Teenpact.

Since we arrived early, we had the pleasure of spending time with dear friends, and we thoroughly enjoyed their hospitality and friendship.

Teenpact kept us busy for the reminder of our stay in Washington DC. The boys had a private tour of the Capitol, walked through the Supreme Court and attended a lecture in the courtroom where oral arguments are delivered, visited the National Archives, walked the monuments at night, and participated in worship outside the Lincoln Memorial. In addition, we heard several influential speakers, and for the second time this year, the boys heard President Trump speak. This time, they sat three rows from him, as opposed to at the Jamboree where he was ‘one pixel in my photo, Mom’ as Noah put it. They also had the opportunity to participate in mock debates and listening to lectures on leadership, resume writing, and media influence.

The event was attended by about 75 students, and they played Ultimate Frisbee on the National Mall, spent time in worship as a large group, and in small group discussions.

And, we walked, and we walked, and we walked – one day we managed to walk almost 12 miles.

A fun, energizing, and educational visit to our nation’s capital.

 

Lab Assistants

Bob purchased a robot for use in his classroom. Lukas and Noah eagerly accepted the challenge and opportunity to be his lab assistants. 

 

Birthday Celebration

Lukas lamented that once again, he was heading out of town right after opening his gifts. This year, he is heading to Washington DC. The packages were beckoning him, so after church, he had the opportunity to open his presents. 

He desired roasted chicken and oven potatoes along with a salad for dinner, and rather than a cake he wanted apple pie with ice cream. Noah helped make the pie and improvised the candles on the ‘cake’ since birthday candles never made it onto the shopping list. 

blow hard!

Lukas is 16!

It is hard to believe that the little guy we brought home to our house in Whidbey Island is already 16 years old. He has brought us much joy, much laughter, and filled our house with electronics.