Count down: 4 days

We are taking it easy these last few days before we return to Uganda . . . 4 days before we fly and much to do, but we're finding joy in the necessary busy-ness. Last weekend we were able to visit with some dear cousins; the kids are enjoying the unusually warm weather and riding bikes anytime they can; I love to sit out front and watch them laugh and play while I enjoy "chewable" starbucks. If it isn't strong enough to take paint off it isn't worth my while :)

Just a bunch of goof balls that happen to be related!!!

We made carmel apples the day our cousins came to visit . . . yum yum.

Boys vs girls in exercise ball dodge ball. The girls won!

Science with papa. Waiting for yeast, sugar and warm water to pop the cork . . . waiting . . . waiting . . .

Still waiting, so Kevin makes creative faces to pass the time.

D - O - R - K

Dortha and I made the final pillow covers for our room. I cut the pieces and she sewed. Great team.

Fall Bliss!

We all are thoroughly enjoying the change of seasons! Fall is crisp, but not too cold, the colors are beautiful and the fun of raking leaves into mounds and jumping in them is a treat ! The kids played for hours yesterday--raking, running and jumping! Only a little more than a week and we'll be taking off for another climate altogether. We'll be arriving at the end of a rainy season and soon be entering the hottest, driest time of the year in Uganda. Though we have been blessed with Fall Bliss these past few weeks, we so look forward to getting home no matter what the weather is when we arrive!

Beautiful Vail!

Last weekend we attended a marriage conference hosted by Family Life Ministries. We enjoyed the conference and the time away to rest, learn, laugh and eat sushi!!!!! The weather was warm and the aspens still had some golden color. It was absolutely beautiful! This view is from our room.

The villages have the look and feel of Europe--quaint, clean and the look of bavaria.

Right now is the off-season, so it was not crowded and most of the businesses were discounting their merchandise and food. What a great time to visit!

The sun was shining so brightly it was difficult to get a picture without the glare!

Vail mountain.

Colorado Colors & the 47th year!

My 47th (yikes-where does time go???) birthday is Sunday, but Geoff and I will be in Vail for a marriage retreat, so we celebrated early. The kids each made me something special with the help of Grandma and Geoff surprised me with my favorite Crabtree and Evelyn lotion & a coffee mug from San Francisco! Jerry and Dortha treated us to a wonderful meal at Rodozio's Grill. If you ever have a chance to eat there, DO IT! They bring all kinds of meat to your table until you say "STOP, NO MORE!!"We ate wild boar, rattlesnake, bison, and the regular ol stuff--chicken, beef and fish. Yum, yum!!

Last Friday we trekked along beautiful mountain paths in the Golden Gate Park near Golden, CO. Due to our schedule we missed the prime colors, but it was still gorgeous and peaceful. The hike was 2.5 miles and the weather was perfect! What a blessing from God to be able to enjoy the crisp air, sweet mountain smells and to hear the crunch of leaves underfoot.

Now that the kids are older, they serve as "Pack Mules" on our hikes :)

Acacia misses her friends in Uganda!! Here she is typing to either Anya or Stella. The kids are anxious to get back to New Hope and their buddies.

What we've been up to . . .

Geoff flew to South Dakota to see Gary and Louise Wood and to meet up with some others interested in New Hope. They had a great time. There was another picture---one of those where everyone is prim and proper and staring so nicely at the camera, but I chose this one because I think it better captures the joy they had during their visit.

The day after Geoff arrived back in Denver we were privileged to go to the Denver Art Museum and see the King Tut exhibit. We weren't allowed to take any pictures in the exhibit, but we took some as we wandered around the museum the rest of the day.

Toby found the area where we could try on Egyptian costumes.

Acacia enjoyed coloring an Egyptian collar.

Papa and Kevin staged a duel between Nile animals.

Kevin gives a special Nile Crocodile a Colorado bear hug.

Just a bunch of Egyptians yahoos.

In another area the kids dressed up in animal costumes. Toby chased Papa . . .

. . . And then when Papa tried to rest, Toby showed up in a pesky bird costume :)

Meanwhile, Geoff, Nicole and Acacia played a shell memory game.

Kevin found a good book and climbed on the turtle to read to us all about the "Not a box."

Back at the ranch, the rootin' tootin' toothbrushin' cowboy.

We made a second trip to Pueblo to attend New Day church and visit with a family so special to us. When Geoff first moved to Pueblo in 1993 he was "adopted" by the Tomlinson family. He spent many Easters and other holidays, plus just plain ole fun times with them. We requested a special afternoon to just sit around and visit with them. And much to our delight, all those busy people made time to answer our request. It was a very enjoyable afternoon. Thanks Jim and Carol especially for opening your home once again to the Brittons!!!!!

Jackie, Geoff, Drew and Jaret

Kevin felt right at home with their fountain made to look like a water pump.

Jamie, Laurie, Geoff and Jackie

Jamie, precious baby Eli, Mike, Jackie and Aaron.

Michaela and Acacia, Jim, Eli & Julie in the background.

We're officially in the last month of our time in the states. We have so enjoyed our time and look forward to just a few more weeks.