God's creativity...

For the past few months Jud has been taking classes at Eaton Canyon Nature Center right behind our apartment which has been great for him. As you can guess Jud has definitely been missing the ocean since we've moved to Pasadena, but he now has the Angeles Crest Mountains which he's been hiking almost everyday now. Last week he officially graduated from his docent class is allowed to volunteer as a trail guide taking kids on field trips throughout the canyon! I am so proud and excited for Jud, as those of you that know him well, know that it is outside that he feels most alive.



To add to God's creativity to this season of our lives, my family on my dad's side reunited last weekend to celebrate my Grandpa's life and come together to support one another in this time. I was excited and hesitant about seeing relatives I hadn't seen in 12 years! I thought it was going to be awkward and a bit fake. But, God surprised me! (as He usually does!) It was the most amazing time. I related with my cousins like I never have before. We talked and talked. We talked about God's sovereignty and how good He is in His timing of taking not only our grandpa home with the Lord, but their mom as well this year. I got to meet their adorable children for the first time. One of my favorite moments of the time was listening to my grandma share how her and grandpa met and how he had to ask her three times before she said yes to marrying her. I think it was healing for her to share all those memories with us. Praise be to God for bringing us all together and giving us the hope we have in eternal life with knowing Christ!


Here we are with my grandma Tures...she's hanging in there, holding on to the hope that grandpa is in heaven enjoying the presence of our Lord!


It was so good to see my sis and our cousin Dustin!


Here are my three cousins: Nannette, Janette, & Danette with Danette's little girl Emma.


This is a stepping stone that we all took part in decorating for my grandma to take back home with her in memory of my grandpa. That was really special to do.

Our trip to the state of cheese curds!

So, here we are in Plymouth, Wisconsin with Jud's grandparents, Doris & Flare. They so graciously flew us out to spend time with the family for my spring break!


This is us out to lunch by Lake Michigan.


We played lots of the game Sequence as well as Continental Rummy.


Then, we went up north to visit Jud's cousins Kim & Ted. This is their daughter Anie. She is absolutely adorable.


Anie had to show us her clam she kept in her sand box...that's when we played "Monster & Jaguar" (Jud was the monster and I had to help her protect the Jaguar from getting eaten) =)


We also got some great quality time in Madison with Uncle Bob & Aunt Kristi. This is Anie's little brother Jack. Isn't he so cute?!


Our night out on the town for Wisconsin Friday night Fish Fry and cheese curds. Kristi, Bob, & Ian took us to the Old Fashion restaurant for our last night in Madison, WI.

We are so thankful that God provided the time and finances for us to go on this trip. We had such a wonderful time! Thank you so much Grandma & Grandpa Fred, Kristi & Bob, and Kim & Ted for having us in your homes and spending the quality time with us that you did. We love you guys so much and Happy Easter!