My series last year on our family vacation seemed to be appreciated, so I am going to try it again this year. Because of time limitations while traveling, the series is delayed by three weeks, but I will write as if I am describing events that occurred today.
Our plans this year are for a three-week trip to about a dozen states in the Midwest. The “centerpiece” of our trip is a week with Kelli’s parents in Illinois, including a celebration of their 50th anniversary. We are going to take the long way to Illinois and we ‘ll take our time returning home. We plan to see family, friends, historic sites, and scenic landscapes.
Unlike last year when we started out with a 14-hour drive, we began this trip with a four-hour hop to two sets of friends in Oklahoma. Of all the places in Oklahoma where they could live, these (unrelated) friends turned out to be only 2 miles apart.
The first was a special treat for Kelli and Bethany who lost close friends to a job transfer earlier this summer. We were able to enjoy many hours plus an overnight stay with Gina’s family.
Bethany enjoys a special tea with her friend Ashleigh (and sister Katie)
A post on this blog last year was partly to blame for a fun reunion with IBEXers from the famous Fall 99. Andrea Heck responded to my need for a proofreader and that re-connection may have helped convince her to host us and the Nate Madden family for dinner. We had a delightful time with Andrea, her husband Charles (IBEX Spring 97 but permitted at the reunion nonetheless :-)), Nate and his wife Rachel, and a host of children. We love being with those who are serving the Lord faithfully, especially those who have studied at IBEX.
Charles and Andrea Heck with children
Nate and Rachel Madden with children