Snow, then to Excelsior

I got up around 5am  to let Denny get another 2-3 hours of sleep undisturbed.  Coffee and goodbye wishes to Matt (5am) Haley (6am) TJ (6:30) and Kane (8am).  It was snowing and so we waited until 10:30 to head to Excelsior.  For lunch Karen, Lincoln and we walked downtown to eat Mexican.  SO good.  Then a visit to the museum, toy store, and we went to pick up Rose from school.  Rose walked a friend to her car, headed toward us, gave us a hug, and off we went as she wrestled with 2 neighbors girls who also walked to school and home.   We took much needed naps until Luke came home from work.  Karen played the piano and Rose danced,  we read books,  had pasta for supper.  It was so good to be there.  Happy Pearl Harbor day!!!  

 50 years ago Denny and I got engaged.  It was snowy and we drove to 4-H camp where we stayed in the car and he asked me to marry him.  I said YES!!!

Happy Birthday TJ!!!

Happy Birthday TJ!!  May God continue to guide and lead you your whole life.  We are so proud of the young man you are becoming.  

      

GAME  FACE with the COUSINS at the FARM

  

We got almost all of our work done last night and so we took a leisurely morning packing and cleaning.  We left for Zimmerman and TJ's birthday/basketball game.  It's a long 5 plus hour drive.  We plan to get there around 3:15.  Lord, grant us safe travels.  The game is canceled because of sickness for the Zimmerman team, too bad, but we still get to visit the Z Johnsons on TJ's birthday.   Becky fixed Sausage &Rice casserole (TJ's requested meal) with corn and biscuits.  WITH a BD cookie.  Wyatt joined us for supper and TJ's friend Zoey stopped by after supper for a birthday wish. 

Denny Cardio check

I headed to IG early to take the Prius to get new tires.  Renea picked me up and took mr to the Rec center to play PB.  Denny picked me up there and off we went to SC,  Mandy joined us at Dr Sharaf appointment.  Denny's heart has not experienced any more A fib, and the changed medicine seems to be working well.  It all looks like a go for a trip to Nepal.  We ate lunch with Mandy at Fire house then went on the last walmart run.  At home we weighed and packed and cleaned.  Another good day.  

Heading home

 I stayed in bed for a while and then headed down to visit with family as they ate breakfast and had coffee before heading home.  Matt and family left about 8, Luke left about 9:30 and Mandy took her boys to the water park, so they got lots of exercise before nap time on the car ride home.  It worked out well. Denny drove home and we got home about 5.  Next was unpacking and sorting for Nepal pack.  Another great Newhouse weekend under our belt.  Thank you, Jesus.  

Saturday in the (WATER) park

 I was quiet, left our hotel room, and went down to the breakfast area for coffee.  T'was good to see all the family:  Nancy, Craig, Marilyn, (Missing Sue and her 5), Betsy Wade, Marti, Maggie, Molly,  Ben (missing Becca) Benson, Beau, Rae Lynn. Julie, Josh, Joe, Erin, Barb, Jeszo, Toekoe, Two Lonni, Tundi, Gail,  Bruce, Hope, (missing Scott, Beth, Todd, Julia) Brad, Micki, Amelia, Beckett, Tillie, Faith,Denny, Matt, (missingBecky and TJ), Haley, Wyatt, Kane, (missing Missy and her 5) Luke, Karen, Rose, Lincoln, Mandy (missing Jason) Jack, Tyler, Jean, Arlan, (missing Katie and Adam) Everett, Aleen,  (missing Christie) Beth, Steve, Jason, Grant, Keith, Jane, Justine, Jaimie, Jessa, Nancy, Steve, Willow, Ian,  Bruce, Maynard (missing Devon)  ... plus Steven, Sydney, Staci, Myrna, Dobbin, Linda, Gerry,  Equalling about 69 of us.    Most of the young parents and kids spent time at the water park before food came to the Platinum room about 10:30.  Santa came.  Arlan did a great job!!!! A lot of ho ho ho's.   The famous/infamous grab gift exchange was next.  I just enjoyed visiting with adults as they waited for their number to come up.  I brought home a stained glass made by Nancy,  Denny brought his Teifentaler gift card back with him.  Luke got the spatula/ hot pads that I brought.  Lots fun.  I went bowling with Matt and 3.   Mandy ordered pizza at night.  Some went to the casino later to spend adult time together. 

Tyler was bombarding me with bubbles.

OFF to Dubuque

 I baked 4 dozen cookies and then went in to play pickleball for a while.  I left about 11 to get a prescription, and headed home to meet Mandy in Holstein at 12:30.  Sheh drove us on Highway 20.  Great way to travel.  jason was headed to Omaha for a surprise birthday party for Andy Mac.  Jason was not aware that attendance was optional.  We got to Grand Harbor about 5.  The sons were on their way.  After swimming we ordered food from The 7 hills for support.  I determined the water slides are not for me any more.  Once the centrifuge force threw me back -on my back- and the water drenched me.  The next time Igonked my head as we went around one corner then another corner.  Uffda!!  I said to myself," Faith. you don't need to be doing this."  Ouch!!  The ole grey mare she ain't what she used to be.  T'was good to be here with family.  

  

Denny DR. Me Dr.

 I was up early and had devo.  At 8 we headed to town for Denny's  check up.  All looks fine.  Dr. V was very helpful/concerned with us going to Nepal.  He has Denny taking a z pack today, prednisone, and he prescribed antibiotics in case either of us get sick while we are in Nepal.  Now that's a kind, thoughtful Doctor.  Denny went to Sharon's to audit the church books.   At 11 Jensens stopped to bring gifts to pack for N.  I went to study at 1:30.  Only me Susan and Teresa.  T had just gotten back from Haiti.  I left for Nurse P office visit.  She swabbed and gave me a prescription for sleep.   At home we packed for Dubuque.