Fall fun

Jaden going on a Jaden-sized hayride in a radio flyer wagon behind Grandpa Bowker's lawn mower. Complete with a pumpkin and a warm soft blanket, he enjoyed the ride!

Jaden & Aunt Kim

Aunt Kim and Jaden playing outside during our recent visit to Indiana. While Alan was in Chile, Jaden and I spent five of his days away with my parents and sisters. We really enjoyed our time with them. Among other things, Jaden learned to say "Aunt Kim", "Uncle Tim", "Aunt Kelly" and "Markle". (Markle is my younger sister's little dog. Jaden still mentions his name from time to time, two weeks after our visit!)

"Don't cry for me, Argentina"

A view of the majestic Andes Mountains on Alan's 10-hour ride from Santiago, Chile to Mendoza, Argentina. The team traversed the Andes by bus, reaching a peak elevation of 13,000 feet. The team enjoyed an overnight excursion in Mendoza for a time of rest and relaxation after twelve full days of building and serving.

Chilean Chica

Alan spending time with a Chilean girl. Alan, along with fifty others from the US and Canada, traveled to an orphanage/group home outside Santiago for two weeks of hard work. The team constructed walls, painted playground equipment, laid ceramic tile, built shelving, hung siding and spent time with the girls between and after projects.

Important Discovery

Passing time on the long car ride south to Georgia and NC.

Big Shoes to Fill

Jaden trying on Daddy's basketball shoes before we packed them in the suitcase. The second weekend in October we headed down to Georgia and North Carolina to spend time with family and to attend homecoming at TFC. Alan played on the alumni basketball team and, yes, he can still tear it up out on the court! His college team, which took second in the nation one year, was remembered and honored at a special centennial awards banquet.

Looking Up

Just hanging out at home snapping a few pictures. In recent weeks, Jaden has become much more interested in the camera. (The trick most days is getting him to be still long enough to have his picture taken!)