This little squirrel was named Benjamin -- after an animal shelter dog I had years earlier refused to adopt -- and for that, Scott has never forgiven me. Now he tells me he always wanted a pet squirrel - to think Dave had one and named it Benjamin!!
Dave, Bruce, and Bailey were very invested in keeping Benjamin alive and did so through the weekend. After returning to Enid, Dave was able to turn Benjamin over to -- who? The Humane Society? Animal Control? Who takes care of these poor orphans? In any case, Benjamin left the OK Adamsons' home, sad day for most, and is hopefully doing well.... somewhere.....
Angela was recovering well when Heather and Ryan had gone out of town and I was able to spend several days with their children. What an unexpected gift that was! Love these kids!!
Can't believe I didn't get pictures of all our grandkids over the course of those two months in the States -- what a lame grandma I am!
Back to Enid in time for Bruce's 75th birthday -- for which I, again, have no pictures, I'm so sorry to say! Bailey made a banner, we gave him funny and sentimental cards along with a few gifts, and Angela bought him a pumpkin roll -- knowing he'd like that better than birthday cake! Dave and Angela's card to Bruce said: "Know how to have a relaxed, enjoyable time on your birthday? .... Get a different family!" And we all laughed. :-) Angela, did you take pictures that night that you could share with me?
I enjoyed spending time with Bailey, Matty, and Mia -- it was fun going to the baby zumba class that Angela takes Mia to. Mia wanted to dance in style, hence the princess dress.
One evening, inspired by something I'd seen on Instagram, we made beef stew in a pumpkin -- yummy!
Angela and I got excited about making magnolia leaf wreaths from the huge magnolia tree in their yard. It's a beautiful tree, but is too big and too close to the house and they plan to take it out. So it was totally okay for us to cut down and strip branches. We got styrofoam wreath forms at the dollar store and made 18 wreaths, plus another one on a grapevine wreath form, which we gave to family and friends. They are beautiful - I wish I could have brought one back to Japan! Angela has since made a magnolia leaf garland for her fireplace - gorgeous!
The top center wreath had been made a few weeks earlier than the rest, you can see how the leaves change color and curl as they dry. And below is the one we sent to Mindy after Thanksgiving --
Of course, we all gathered in Colorado Springs for Thanksgiving. Heather and Ryan hosted beautifully and eventually everyone got there. What a blessing our family is!!
In the midst of so much fun, Scott and Ashley announced that they're expecting a new little Adamson in July of next year! We're all so excited and happy for them and us!!
It was wonderful and a bit surreal to have this time together in the middle of our mission, we certainly never expected it. But what a gift, and a silver lining to the concern that took us home in the first place. Bruce was able to help Dave with the roof, we were able to meet Kendra's boyfriend Sam, and we all loved spending time together.
Saying goodbye before coming back to Japan was even harder, I think, than the first time, especially to the children -- but we'll be home in under a year now and are determined to work hard and the time will pass quickly. We look forward to visits to Japan from some of the kids before the year is over!
1 comment:
How did Benjamin not come up in our Thanksgiving conversations, I never heard of him! So funny - thanks for sharing! And what fun for US to have you home and be in those everyday moments with us! We are the ones blessed beyond measure - love you!
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