congratulations nick and emily!

Last month we went to Washington state to celebrate the wedding of Nick and Emily. Michael was a groomsman so Esther and I flew in a couple of days later so Michael could participate in the groomsman festivities.

Esther did well (for a baby) for her first time flying. And I did ok too;) I did learn a couple of tricks that made flying back to Phoenix better ... All in all Esther and I survived our travels alone, but decided we prefer to have daddy along.

Since the wedding was in Washington we also had the chance to see family. Esther had the chance to meet her auntie, uncle and cousins and great grandma for the first time as well. But more about that later.

As you will notice we didn't manage to get a picture with the groom and bride (lame!), but I guess that is what happens when you attend a wedding with a baby and you flew in just hours before (lesson learned: too much packed into a day for a baby?! who knew. ha!)

london

our team

Last month we were incredibly blessed to be able to return to Kenya. On our way there we had a layover in London, which we took full advantage of.

We had some lovely tour guides - Naomi, Paul and little Livvy. It was great to see friends from Kenya (now living in England) and to meet sweet Livvy. I was also grateful Michael had a chance to meet these wonderful friends of mine. We were so thankful for the time we had with them. Miss you guys!

jennifer's wedding

A couple of weeks ago I went to Arkansas for the wedding of my dear friend Jennifer. Jennifer is part of the group of girls from college that I get together with every other year. So Jennifer's wedding was also a great excuse for all of us girls to get together. It was fun catching up and seeing spouses and children again (and meeting some for the first time). The wedding venue was gorgeous and the weather was perfect. 

All in all a great weekend ... and once again 

Congratulations Jennifer and Thomas!

obu

a couple of weeks ago i went to arkansas for a dear friend's wedding. since i was in arkansas i simply had to go visit my alma mater and spend time with friends there i hadn't seen in a while. lots had changed in the last fourteen years ... but it was fun to be back to see all the upgrades and reflect on the memories made there.

girls reunion 2013 cont: sedona

One day during our girls reunion we went to Sedona to explore some of the beautiful sites Arizona has to offer. We had a great time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Thanks for making the trip out here. I look forward to the next reunion in 2015.

girls reunion 2013

 

 

As I mentioned in a previous post, I meet up with five of my close college girlfriends every other year to catch up on life and enjoy each other's company. Kids and husbands are left behind and serious girl time is had. We usually meet up where one of us lives, and this year I hosted here in Phoenix. It was fun to have everyone here to see where I live and for them to meet Michael for the first time (Michael even moved out for the extended weekend to give space for the girl invasion:))

 

I am so thankful for these sweet girls and their friendship. It is great to have honest down-to-earth friends that understand you and care for you.

 

 

 

 

playing with nathan

Our friends Brent and Kelly and little Nathan moved last week. We are excited about their new opportunity, but we are sad not to have them across the street anymore. Before they left, Michael and I had a chance to hang out with Nathan a couple of times. He is such a laid back dude:) Super cute.
We will miss them.

 

 

san diego

 

 

 

 

a couple of weeks ago we took a quick trip to san diego with friends

coffee with friends

 

i always enjoy coffee with friends. it is even more special when it is with long time friends, with whom you have lots and lots of history. with friends who get you. with friends you didn't think you would get to have coffee with for years to come. that is a great way to spend a morning.

playing with julius

 

 

 

On our last day in Denmark we were able to visit Camilla and see their new house ... and of course play with Julius. He is full of energy and willing to let us play with all of his toys:)

a visit from allison

 

This past weekend, Allison came to town. It was great to see her again. After her initial stint in Uganda in 2008/2009 she returned in 2011 and came back to the States at the end of last year. Since she is not returning to Phoenix to live:( it was great to have a chance to catch up in person and to hear more about her experience in Uganda and to process what might be next.
Welcome home sweet friend.

tillykke idag

on my birthday michael taught some of our friends to sing happy birthday (tillykke idag) in danish. they did a great job. so fun:)

grand canyon

 

Last weekend, friends from Washington came down to visit us. We had a great time hanging out and also took a day trip to the Grand Canyon. It was a gorgeous day - perfect for viewing one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

I thought I would throw this one in here of a random lady that we met ... we didn't ask her to take a picture of them:)