The boys' adventures

Andrew started his summer off by spending a month in NY working on my brother's farm. From there, he flew in Osaka and spent a few weeks with us before he and Jeph headed to Thailand. The purpose of the trip to Thailand was for Jeph to get some work done on his knees at the Bumrungrad Hospital. The thought was that he might need a total knee replacement so we were thrilled to have Andrew on hand to serve as J's private murse.

While in Thailand, they did get to do some sightseeing- mostly temples. They did do a little shopping, with the highlight purchase being a custom made suit for Andrew! They also enjoyed watching the last World Cup games during their stay.

Here is the patient preparing for surgery- which thankfully only involved an intensive cleaning of both knees-

The almost-like-new knees! J has a DVD of the procedure if anyone is interested!

From Thailand, the guys flew back to Osaka, spent the night and went back to the airport the next morning to fly home! It made for a few very L O N G days of travel!

Karen's July

What an incredible month. It began with a trip to London to attend a weeklong training for International School Counselors. It was a great course and the highlights included: getting to know my colleagues (truly amazing people), touring the city, and getting to see two plays- Wicked AND Blood Brothers. Both shows were incredible.


I got back to the States and two days later, flew up to OH for a truly magnificent Jubilee celebration. Three of us joined the ranks of AARP (Andi had a head start and showed us how to 'do' a Jubilee year)and we were treated to Andi's over-the-top hospitality! She made us feel like queens and our time together was filled with so many special memories- hours of talking, laughing, relaxing, eating and making sweet memories that will last well beyond our Jubilee year-

Enjoying our Phi Beta Chi sisterhood- Go Beta's!!!!It still amazes me that this all worked out. Judi flew in from CT, Sheryl drove in from MI, I flew up from NC via London and Andi hosted us in OH. When Andi first posed the idea, we all submitted dates and somehow.... there were four days that could work! Andi took it from there and wow.... what fun!!

Here are the ladies with Kokeshi dolls- tokens of love from Japan!

From OH, I drove to Pittsburgh to spend a few days with Kristin!! What a treat that was. Here she is being loved (and squished)by two friends after church! And as much as I loved seeing Kristin, it was fun to see Kobi too! I have missed them both!

Here is my attempt at being artsy. These are K's earrings- I loved her display.

I have to admit, it's fun being back in the US- and it's especially wonderful being literate, enjoying some favorite foods/restaurants and seeing family and friends.

While I was having all kinds of fun, the boys (Jeph and Andrew) were on an adventure of their own...

A few days with Momsidoodle

Yeah, I can post pics again! There's a bit of catching up to do, so here goes a quickie update. I (Karen) ran up to NY to spend a few days with my mom and thankfully, was able to see my brother and his family which is a huge treat. What a blessing it was to share in their lives-

Me and momsidoodle (I feel tall!) My brother, Keith, who may in fact be the world's greatest grandpa! (he is amazing!)

Keith, Lori and momsidoodle at a restaurant on one of the Finger Lakes- gorgeous view and great food too. We were tempted to stay a little longer and catch a wedding that was to take place later that afternoon!

Great nephews Micah and Nathan on G'pa's IPad. Think this would make for a great advertisement! These two little guys are a riot and a little brother will soon be joining the party!

And here's Lori- behind the wheel of their maybe new car?! What fun to not only be friends, but sister-in-laws as well. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality!