OceanicThai

Kennedy has been to another painting class, with a little help from his mom, aunt & grandma. (Painting classes aren't cheap.) He also just finished a portrait of Poppy. Now he's doing a self-portrait. He brought home 2 paintings from his class and I can't wait to see them framed and put up. We have someone interested in working with us to help teach our children, I am excited! I asked Poppy about it this morning and she is excited about it too. I am eager to get back to Thailand and start a ministry with the youth of the area by teaching English and developing relationships that way. It will be great for those kids to have a good influence in their lives, this is the worst drug area in the entire region and the youth are a mess.

Not long now, 6 more weeks in the U.S. and then we are on the jet flying off to the other side of the world. Kennedy just finished a lovely portrait of our daughter. I'll ask him to post it on his blog. It has been so good to see friends. Our kids have had a blast here. The hardest thing about coming and going is that it is so comfortable here. The weather, the furniture, the house, the culture, my bed, (especially my bed!) Oh well, having an uncomfortable bed helps me get out of it in the mornings better!

Grandpa has been teaching Poppy some new chess moves and she finally beat dad! Now she's begging me to play...how long will I be able to excuse myself?

Well, we've been here 2 months now. It's been a lot of fun. So much food, such comfortable weather, soft beds, so much privacy, libraries, parks, sidewalks, bike-paths, wow...we are so blessed here in this country. I am always amazed when I come back from Thailand. It's always a good time to watch our skinny kids gain weight and do some fun things here they can't do in Thailand. I laughed out loud when Jasper was complaining how America hardly had any bugs and they were all so little! He has been having a great time eating desserts, going to Karate, talking to people (they speak English!)playing with toys and helping Grandpa. He is going to be 7 in July, a "big boy" now. Poppy is enjoying gymnastics, eating lots of cheese, making friends, and getting great books to read from the library. She is crazy about her grandpa & having a ball spending time with him. She will be turning 10 in a few days. It has been great to re-connect with friends and mee