Travels

~ Laurissa's Trip to California ~

Laurissa had the privilege of visiting California earlier this past month.

 Our oldest sister's family was planning on attending a huge food convention in LA and needed a babysitter to come along and watch the niece and nephew while they were away.

 Laurissa got nominated for the job. :) 

Headed to California!

The Rocky Mountains. 

Laurissa and the little niece, Leana.

California is so beautiful!

They have lots of orange trees.

And delicious ones at that!!!

Not only did Laurissa babysit her niece and nephew, but also the five kiddos of the friends that they were staying with. 

Here they are playing a game of Settlers of Catan.

Making fruit pizza with these two little helpers.

All done and ready to eat!

This little cutie.

Playing another game, Ticket to Ride.

During their time in California they got to see the Pacific Ocean.

Here is our oldest sister Andrea with her adorable son Ethan.

They found an Octopus.

Rummaging in the water.

So beautiful!

Homeward bound!

~ A Visit to Friends in Michigan ~

Four of us, Dad, Mom, Naomi, and Miranda made a visit to some good friends of ours in the UP of Michigan. Our friends own a maple sugar bush and make lots of syrup. 

It was so much fun to be able to spent time with them and help with the maple syrup operation!

Smiles with these two cuties.

Making syrup.

It was fun to spend Naomi's 19th birthday with our friends. 

Boiling syrup took place on the evening of her birthday, so we brought the cake out to the barn and sang her happy birthday on the job.

Smiles with this dear girl while making some homemade bread.

Music jamming.

Selfie time!

Thank you Paul family for making our visit so sweet and special! We love you guys!

~ Matthew's Trip to Georgia ~

A friend of Matthew's got married last weekend and he was asked to be the best man. 

Matthew agreed to the offer and hopped onto a flight to Georgia for the wedding.

Waiting to board the plane. 

The underground terminal in Georgia.

Matthew and another grooms man.

All dressed up and ready to go.

The wedding ceremony took place outside.

They're married and are now cutting the cake with a sword.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."

Psalm 34:8