Study, Pray, Play... Life as a College Freshman

 This is... 

easier for him
harder for us

(as we've been active participants)

in his 

"first day of school" 

experiences... 

since 
the beginning

but this year 

he began school

387 miles away, 

yet 

we are grateful 

he is gracious 

to share 

"some" 

of it with us!

-------------------------------

Micah James

"Our College Athlete"

To recap...

he recently left home

moved out of State 
settled into campus housing

has subsequently...

met new people
made new friends
adjusted to a new city

and

started school

(all during a pandemic!)

Dixie State University

and when it all gets a little loud...

he's found a quiet place to 

pray, meditate, or take a walk

Red Hills Desert Garden

take a virtual stroll...

redhillsdesertgarden.com

and a spot 

to play...

Thunder Junction

All Abilities Park

Student Athlete Meet and Greet

w/ the Dixie State Football Team

And although it's not 

the season he anticipated, 

he's grateful for 

the opportunity to...

train

lift

work

(and emerge)

"Bigger, Stronger, Faster"

 

and my prayer is that 

he continues to...

let the Lord lead him as he finds

more spaces and opportunities to

study

pray

play

(find more Family Adventures here)

New Zealand Winter Getaway w/ Jack and Shoni

We have been missing

our international travel...

our take-offs

and landings

our hotel stays

and excursions

(and it is not clear exactly when/if we will

ever return without rules and restriction)

so I asked my family on the other side of the pond

to share some of their recent adventures from home

to show us how to appreciate

the beauty and grace

of wherever you are

AND THEN...

when the photos hit my inbox, it 

reminded me of WHY travel is so important

the opportunity to see new places, meet new people,

and experience authentic food, language and culture

provides perspective

because when you're born and raised

in a certain place, you only truly know that place

but when you have the chance

"to get out into the world"

see

visit

explore

you'll find that your way

of viewing things 

expands

and only then 

can you understand that

even when you're experiencing 

triple digit heat waves

in your hometown...

It's still Winter somewhere!!

----------------------------------

Jack and Shoni

my younger cousin and her hubby

popping in from New Zealand to greet us... 

"Kia Kaha" 

(translated- stay strong)

because during these times 

we are all trying to... 

take time to refresh

spend more time outdoors

and

enjoy moments with

our favorite people! 

Wellington to Queenstown

(approx 570 miles)

When you've been working seven days a week,

you are definitely due for a break!

Queenstown, New Zealand

Shoni enjoying this majestic view of Bowen Peak

She says...

Queenstown is a beautiful destination 

-a tiny town set on a lake surrounded by mountains-

that is enjoyable no matter the time of year.

We'd been twice in spring and summer,

so we thought we'd give winter a try 

Onsen Hot Pools

soaking in the hot pool 

(while enjoying a starry night 

view overlooking the Shotover River)

Yes, yes, and, yes!

www.onsen.co.nz

"We've been both during day and night,

and it's hard to say which we prefer"

Helicopter Ride to Coronet Peak

Crisp air... Beautiful view

Amazing time right here with you

No matter what the future holds, I will

never forget soaring to new heights...

with you

Thank you Jack and Shoni 

for taking us along for the ride!

(find more Family Adventures here)

Family Time in Guadalajara w/ The Richard Family

Childhood memories

linger for a lifetime

(and when pleasant)

we often jump at the opportunity

to relive them

to revisit them

to go back

and

bring someone

along with us

Please welcome our new family as mom

introduces her hubby/kids to family time

in Jalisco, Mexico!

-----------------------------------

The Richard Family

"Le Chateau de Richard"

"Tlaquepaque of my heart"

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco

She says...

I spent my entire summer here each year growing up,

and it is where my favorite childhood memories were made.

It wasn't anything grand, but there was the freedom of walking

the streets to all of the local shops and meat markets.

I wasn't sure my children would appreciate it,

but turns out they did, and now we often 

talk about how they can't wait to go back!

Centro de Guadalajara

Look up... Look around... Look within

to see the true beauty of your cultural heritage

Blue Agave Fields

Tequila, Mexico

because...

no matter where you are, where you 

are going, or where you are from

"The love of family

is irreplaceable"

Tio Rafa is in his early 70's

and still very energetic!

There is no greater joy in our story

than when we take the time to notice

Share your family time?

tondradenise@att.net 

(find more Family Adventures here)

Food, Art, and Culture (Latino Heritage)

No matter...

where you go
where you've been
where you're from

our favorite experiences

always include

the music
the people

THE FOOD!

(not necessarily in that order)

Join three of our families for a
recap of some of our favorites

------------------------------

The Harris Family

"The Single Sisters"

One of the best ways to dive into 

new cultural experiences is to 

fully immerse yourself

in

what...
why...
how...

the people celebrate

Cartagena, Colombia

"Independence Day Post"
here

and a 

Selfie w/ a Stranger

because you'll find...

that at the end of the day, we all
just want to give and share love

------------------------------

The Schaffer Family
featuring

"The Doctor"

Cuba

Girls' Trip!!

The Doctor visited Cuba last year
with her best friend Dee-Dee

(original post here)

proving...

each day provides

an opportunity to

-meet new people

-embrace our similarities 

(and differences)

-see and explore new things

Finding the beauty and grace
in everyday life activities...

produces gratitude!

------------------------------

Toyah Brooks
"Certified Life Coach"

Puerto Rico

(full post here)

in 2018, 

the Life Coach hopped

on plane for a solo trip

because sometimes...

you must go alone

Salsa Dancing

and once you find 
your life rhythm...

don't be afraid to just

show up, and dance!

 (find more Family Adventures here)