Now, that our great trip is over, at least for me, I am enduring the pain of withdrawl from my favorite narcotic, The Family. You know the agony from your youth; summer vacation over and you must return to school; your cousins go home; brothers and sisters return to their workaday lives; and your daylight dreams of high sun and warm weather must come to an end. It hurts. Just in case, you decide to extend your summer idyl, the season starts to change, the days grow shorter and cooler, reminding you that you need a home and mortage, and job to pay for it. Ah, but summer with The Family, is the greatest!
FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
Safari - Seeing the great 4 plus 2, and the big 5 (just like a safari). Thats B+H+W+A plus A+C, and the five grandmuffins.
The pool with Harlands family, they like to swim. Thanks for coming over. I miss it. I wish it was every week. I truely do.
Extra repeated time with Belinda, the talks the movies, and finding agreement almost all the time. I still can't get enough.
The flight and Powell trip with Warick, nothing like sleeping under the stars, and monsoon storms for camadarie. Can we please go again, please?
Adi to the rescue, coming and spending a week with us, air mattresses on oak are so wonderful. Basking in the glory of Adi spending off time with me.
GREATEST FAMILY DISCOVERIES
Belinda, - is slimming and avoids sunburn, and turned other wonderful corners in knowledge and interests, wow great! Thanks for the Bulge trip, I learned. Her best is just ahead.
Harland, - He is not actually Canadian, but he is a super host, even if he doesn't own the place. "Well done" is still pink and tastes great. I still wish for deeper talks with him.
Warick, - How much fun it is to sit before the rainbowed Waterpocket Fold and talk and talk. What a great guy. If he wasn't my son, he would be my trusted friend.
Adriel, - is slimming and wants a sunburn, can waterski, and has not yet developed that aloof senatorial personality, - good. She progresses even when she doesnt know it.
Cassi, - All the kids need a reoccurrant dose of Mom, it really settles them down, her left handed afterthought has more mothering skill than an entire parenting library.
Harrison, - Actually liked the C-47, DC 3 we got him, like him, capable, peaceful and enduring. The guy is a gaming monster; the next digital general.
Ella, - This girl likes to be tickled and and chased, and caught. Glad to oblige. She is so tender, she wins my heart. I just want to protect her forever.
Gigi, - Like her father, two steps above the development curve watching an older brother and sister. That girl is on the move; happy, undaunted.
Amy, - Says such great things to her dad, no wonder he is crazy about her. She is kind to so many different personalities, quite a stretch. I love the way she dresses the girls.
Grace, - Is still about up for anything, but a drop in the St. Lawrence did not please her, could she actually be mortal? Can't wait for the next aphorism.
Abbie, - Her two approved food groups, crackers and apple sauce, do not include almonds and chocolate, but her dietary insistance does demonstrate genetic connection.
Daughters in Law, - They're awesome. How can I get them to like me more. I gave them my sons, what more can I do?
Smith Family Funerals, - Truely, a glimpse into the Celestial Kingdom; spiritual gardens; all that I have truely known is confirmed in them.
I love my family and long to be with them.
FLYING HIGHLIGHTS
Landing on the "Green Dot" on Runway 27 at OSH with my favorite co-pilot.
In storms above the upper Missipp.
Talking to controllers about OSH and weather while in the envelope of rain and cloud. Headwinds and a record 6.5 hours to Scotts Bluff (Alliance) Nebraska.
Over 14,000 with Warick between Boulder Mountain and the Henrys, circling Rainbow, Hole in the Rock, Waterpocket Fold.
Flying between the fingers at Monument Valley. Ah hah, you wouldn't believe it! - and around the Mittens.
Flying by storms and Table Top Cliffs, ivory and coral, and discovering upper Red Canyon with Warick.
Crusing up the Mighty Missippi to Nauvoo, swooping over the river around the Temple and Stillman' s place, great western light on the Temple. Exultant spirit. Dream come true.
Skipping trough the line of storms on V12 and flanking a big one over Allentown. It hit after we landed. This was not skill but blessings and prudence.
Return flight from Watertown with three lovely lovely ladies I love so much; severe clear, tail wind, finger lakes, Harmony, speedy, smooth and wonderful, better than an airline.
Ocean City and back with Adi and Karen, quick and high, the beach, the silky surf and green Alexandria.
The last day's early morning flight, Delaware fog licking Runway 08, balloons, a light plane and freedom in America.
Captain David
We wanted to share this photo that was sent to us by Jay. It had snowed and he went flying before anything had been plowed. There is another picture taken from a plane showing the whole estate. It was rather hard to look at these pictures becuase it brings back wonderful memories of the past and dreams that haven't occurred yet. I have moments when I feel homesick, moments when I feel that there are great things ahead for us here in Europe, and moments when I miss everyone in our family. Sometimes they hurt. I cherish the time spent last month with my brothers, sister-in-laws, cousins, childhood friends, and most importantly my children, daughter-in-laws and grandchildren. The times playing Wii with Harrison and Elly, (they always beat me in every game and laughed when I tried Indiana Jones), running and falling in the parking lot (hope you feel better Elly), watching two little girls dress up in princess outfits again and again and most importantly, all the hugs and kisses that I received from all my loved ones. Thank you so much for providing me with new memories, new dreams. One day I do hope to be back in our home that was built for our family and future. A time that we could all be together in that house to swim, laugh, play games, eat and just enjoy one another. Those are dreams that are worth working toward. May they come with security and soon.
Adi and Emily at the Maduradam (miniature village in Den Haag).
This, and the following two pictures, is at the Kinderdijk (about 20 minutes from us).
Our leader at the Arc de Triomphe.
The picture on the left is at