Christmas Vacation

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy New Year! Sorry that we’re a little late in announcing that news, but it has been a whirlwind since returning to Costa Rica. We had a wonderful visit in the USA with family and friends and will share a bit about the fun-filled two weeks in this blog.

Probably the biggest praise is that even through hazardous travel conditions, we never had any serious problems and were able to see everyone we had planned on seeing. It all started in Chicago where David’s brother met us at the airport. The next morning after a quick shopping trip to WalMart, (YEAH!) we got to visit with Amy Wallace and her daughter. Amy has been a special friend since our Tennessee days and we try to get together whenever the Lord allows.

Then it was on to Iowa and Shelley’s family. Yes, there was snow and lots of it. And yes, it was COLD! With wind chills near or below freezing, it was a shock to our systems, but we fully enjoyed it.

The kids outside in blizzard conditions.

After four days with Shelley’s family, it was onto David’s family in South Central Iowa. We stayed at Grandma Webb’s house and enjoyed the extended family (David has 4 siblings who all have kids and many of those have kids).

We also took a quick road trip to West Des Moines to spend a couple of hours with our former Pastor from TN (now in West Virginia), Casey Shorr and his family. It was a treat to see old friends.

After 13 days of festivities, it was time to hit the road once again for Chicago. We enjoyed a last meal of steak and twice-baked potatoes (and the kids went to the movies!) before heading for the airport once again on New Year’s Eve. We were delayed in Chicago and thought sure we would end up sleeping on the airport floor in Miami, but God delayed that plane too, so we had lots of extra time. We finally landed in San Jose just before midnight and enjoyed viewing the fireworks out the airport window at the strike of 12.

It is always tough to say goodbye, but by the end of two weeks, we were already thinking of what needed to be done here in Costa Rica. The kids missed their dog, Tawny, and their own beds. No matter where you call home, it’s always nice to get there.

Thanks to all in our family who took care of us while “home.” We encourage you all to visit us here in San Jose, since we’ll not likely return for a visit to Iowa until summer of 2009.

God bless your 2008!

Shelley, David, Joshua and Kayley

P.S. Joshua would like you to know that at the age of 13, he is now officially taller than his father!