Back to ASU

 Lukas packed up all his gear, loaded everything, and we headed down the hill. Lukas kindly drove all the way. We made a few stops on the way, loading a dresser for a Flagstaff friend at IKEA, and enjoying a tasty frozen yogurt treat before it was time to unload and say goodbye. Since no one is allowed in the dorm, he had to make a few runs to get it all up to his third-floor room. 

I was grateful for the distractions of phone calls with friends as I headed back home - the car much lighter, and my heart a bit heavier. Lukas will be missed, but we are confident this is where God has him. There is joy in the sadness. 

Last Night with the Whole Family

 Friday was Lukas' last day at home. We continued our Friday evening tradition of making pizza. Noah placed his pepperoni with exact measure, while Lukas' creation was deemed the best thin crust pizza yet. After dinner, now that all Lukas' projects were complete and the dining room cleared, we played Scrabble. Noah eeked out a last-minute win. Hearing that Elisabet won the Swedish Scrabble game and claiming the white wine was the secret ingredient, I will replace my red wine with white next time we play. Maybe that way, I am not last? 

                                                        Lukas' pizza is in the background

                                         Never give up hope, Noah. Don't be too confident, Lukas!

This is How We Know Lukas is in the House

 Lukas always has several projects underway. Things are being soldered on his desk, programs being written on his computer, and new products made on the dining room table. He generously and happily cleans it off so that we can eat dinner there, but who has the heart to ask him? One of his last sewing projects was making new, thinner, and more comfortable masks. He graciously made a few for his Mama and brother while he was at the machine. 

Light Fixture Complete

 It is always sad to say goodbye. Our friends headed out early in the morning to fly back home. Lukas spent some time completing his light fixture, finalizing the layout. It is now ready to be transported back to his dorm room. 

Carcassonne

Our guests brought two new games, and all of us played "I dissent." The four young men spent several evenings playing a cheater's version of Monopoly and Carcassonne. There were much laughter and a few protests when the rules were bent, just a bit too much. Time with good friends is precious.

                              Christmas is not over until Epiphany Day, so the hats are quite appropriate.

Horseshoe Bend

 Chris and I headed to Horseshoe bend while the young men went hiking in Sedona, and Bob worked at his computer. The drive up and down was magnificent, bright blue sky, large colorful mountains, and wispy vistas. Since Chris was driving, I had a chance to take a lot of photos. 

Horseshoe Bend proved to be well worth the 2-hour drive. A short hike brought us to the edge of the cliff, looking down on the Colorado River as it makes a significant turn. We climbed the rocks, searching for the 'best view' of the river, continually clicking off shot after shot on my camera. 

After our hike back to the parking lot, we explored Page, driving what ought to have been named Church Row with its 20+ churches lined up. Covid restrictions made the decision for lunch simple, drive-thru, and then heading back to Flagstaff in time for dinner. 

A great time with a dear friend enjoying God's creation. 

This is what happens when a newbie takes a selfie

More Work For Food

 As if it was not sufficient to make our guests concoct their own sushi on the last day of the year, we started 2021 by asking everyone to make their own pizza. Once again, lots of laughter, bumping into each other, and a fun dinner where people were rating each other's pizzas.