May 16th

Kara had to work today and Pam is in to much pain to really go anywhere.  Kara will take tomorrow off and hopefully Pam's foot will be a little better so we can go to Wichita to visit Cowtown, the original site of Wichita when it began as a cattle town in the 1800's.  It was nice to just relax and hang around the house.  Amanda was home with us and the big girls had a good time with her.  Around mid day, they decided to go to the mall in Wichita so off they went with Amanda.  Caught up on laundry...laundry....laundry....it never seems to go away....what a blessing to be at a house where we don't have to pay $15.00 to wash and dry.  Kara got home around 3:30 and I was glad to see her.  I wish we lived closer to each other. 

When Kale got home from Track practice, he and Christian hit the court at the neighbors house across the street.  Christian really likes Kale.  They have had a good time getting to know each other.  He is the cool older boy!

Mark came home and got busy making Jambalaya for us, a soupy mixture of shrimp, chicken, sausage, and vegies. He is a great cook and it was really good! All of the kids loved it and came back for more. All of the adults sat outside having dinner and a glass of wine.  Mark lit the chiminea and we enjoyed the night sky and conversation.   It was a beautiful summer feeling night. It made me a little homesick for our summer nights at home. It was such a blessing to have this wonderful time with my sister and her family....I love them and have enjoyed the time getting to know Amanda and Kale. Seeing my kids with them and how well they all hit it off is a great gift.

Later on, all of us girls watched dancing with the stars all piled up in Kara's king sized bed so that Pam could have her foot elevated and on ice.....we were like a bunch of teens on a sleep over!  We dipped into Kale's double stuffed oreos!  Sorry Kale!!  Mark and Christian watched a Lakers game together down in the basement and they both fell asleep.....Kale was at youth group and the big girls went with Amanda to the donut shop which is where the kids hang out here. 

Soon, it was time for bed.  Kara and I hugged goodnight, not wanting the night to end.....there is just not enough time here in Kansas, I say.  We are determined to see each other more often than every 6 years...somehow..."Determine that the thing can and shall be done, and then we will find the way."  Abraham Lincoln

Amanda and the girls came home and we chatted for a minute.  Maddie and Brittany hit the hay and Amanda and I got carried away in our conversation.  We ended up staying up all night, talking into the wee hours of the early morning....CRAZY but how often do I get to do that with my niece in Kansas???

I am praising the Lord for his blessing me with this time here and I am going to enjoy every precious minute.