Go Hogs Go!

While we were in the States, we had the chance to take the kids to their first Razorback basketball game!

Of course we all had to wear Razorback Red!

And what made the day extra special was that we got to share it with several family members. Here Carly and Caleb pose with their cousins, Josh and Rachel Burns, and their uncle, Sam Reddin.

In the museum of Bud Walton Arena, the kids compared their height to a former Razorback player......

...and also shoe sizes!

Caleb and Josh pose with one of the mascots, Pork Chop.

It's all about the fashion!!

The kids pose with Papaw


Caleb's favorite part of the day was when Mom got a funnel cake! He couldn't bear to let any of the powdered sugar go to waste!

Carly and Rachel got to visit with some of the cheerleaders after the game!

Christmas in Springdale

We were also blessed with some time at Wade's parents' house in Springdale. Obviously, we hadn't planned on being in the States for Christmas, so we weren't able to be with the whole family, but we did get to spend a few days with Wade's sister, Janna Burns, and her family. Carly and Caleb were sooooo excited to see Josh and Rachel!

Josh got a new gameboy from Mamaw & Papaw and was so good to let Caleb play with it also.

(Mamaw had already bought all our Christmas gifts and mailed them to the Philippines several weeks earlier. Caleb knew he was also getting a gameboy, but it was somewhere between Arkansas and the Philippines. Thanks, Josh, for being so willing to share!)

Christmas at Mamaw and Papaw's wouldn't be complete without a Christmas "play." This year, we were missing a few actors, but the four of them tried to make up the difference!

Caleb took his role as shepherd very seriously!

Since older cousin, Landon, wasn't there, Uncle Jason got to be the donkey. Josh and Rachel were Mary & Joseph.

Carly had several roles, including the angel.

The actors ended the show with a song.

Christmas in Conway

The Philippines has the longest official Christmas season of any country in the world. Here, Christmas lasts for all 4 "BER" months....SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and DecemBER. I still can't get used to hearing Christmas music on the radio or in the stores beginning on September 1st!

This year I remember walking through a store sometime during October (I think) and hearing the song, "I'll Be Home for Christmas." I thought to myself...."Yeah, I wish!" I NEVER expected God to fulfill that desire! I can't say I particularly enjoyed the way He did it, but it sure was nice to be home for Christmas!

Here are some pictures of Christmas with my family in Conway.

Joanna's parents, George & Jerene Reddin, and brother, Samuel

Carly & Caleb pose in front of Minnie's tree

Don't you wish Caleb would be a little more expressive about how he feels?! LOL.

Carly & Caleb gave their Minnie a Minnie (Mouse)

And gave Uncle Sam some cool Razorback pillows

On Christmas Eve, the kids decided to write letters to Santa and leave cookies and milk. (Not sure why they did this. We've never really done the "Santa" thing with them. Maybe it was because there's a real chimney at Minnie & Papaw's house?)

Don't know if you can tell from this picture, but Carly drew that picture of Santa. It was really good! Also, notice the carrots for the reindeer! Ha ha

Wade's parents, John & Linda Allen, drove down for the day and we spent Christmas day with both families - something we've never done before.

After lunch, we all drove to my parents' cabin for the afternoon. Sam and I watched football while the others played dominoes. I think Wade and Dad were the champions of the day.

Even after opening all her gifts, one of the highlights of the day for Carly was eating fresh strawberries - a very rare find in the Philippines.

Cousins, Chuck E. Cheese and Conway Friends

Not too long after arriving in the States, we had the privilege of spending a day with my cousin, Karol, and her family. Karol's husband, Kevin, is an Army Chaplin and they were preparing to move to Italy in January. It was great to have this time together, even if it was short.

Kimberly, Carly, Caleb & Kaylee

A rare moment for Caleb - he posed for a picture without his usual "cheesy" grin!

What better place for cousins to "re-connect" than Chuck E. Cheese's!

Caleb and Kaylee

Carly tutoring Kimberlee on the fine art of air hockey

It was a great day together.

One of our favorite things to do in Conway is to go to Bro. Keith's lakehouse and ride the 4 wheeler - especially when Hanna, Abby, Josiah & Jonathan show up!

On Christmas Sunday, Caleb posed with his best friend, Turner Aultman. (The unusual thing about this pic is that Turner and Caleb were STILL long enough for us to take it!)

Then Turner's sister, Landry, had to get in on the action!

Minnie & Papaw's House

The first few days we were home, Wade and I pretty much rested. (You will notice we aren't in any of these pics because we were probably sleeping!) We were totally exhausted. Even the kids were pretty tired.

When I found Caleb like this one afternoon, I knew he must REALLY be tired. You've gotta love jet-lag!

Thankfully, Uncle Sam was available to "entertain" the kids while Mom and Dad got some rest.

I'm not exactly sure what was going on in these pics, but I have a feeling that not many leaves got raked that day!

Well, at least the roof got cleaned off!

Thank you, Lord, for several days of beautiful weather!

Playing frisbee

At least SOMEONE was actually working!

Our good friend, Mrs. Janice Attebery, brought the kids some school supplies. They were excited to get the supplies, but not so excited about starting back to school! Carly was especially excited because Mrs. Janice bought her a calculator. (Mom hadn't ever let her use one before.)

Thanks so much Mrs. Janice! How sweet of you to think of just what we needed.

At this point I'd like to say thank you to everyone that blessed us in special ways while we were home. We were given so many things - everything from school books to winter clothes. Although I can't mention everyone on this blog, please know how much we appreciate all of you and all you've done for our family.

One of our favorite places to eat in Conway is China Town Restaurant. Caleb especially enjoys is because he can get his fill of rice! This is a picture of Caleb with his friend Jenny. Jenny's mother is the owner of China Town.

And Mom even got to eat her favorite food also....prime rib with a loaded baked potato! Wade's parents came to Conway and took us out for our anniversary. Wow - it was good!
Thanks John and Linda.