Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas 2008

Christmas morning - gotta love those first few pictures





Miller's - Upadhaya's - Miller's Christmas - 2008


Nicholas Phillips - 1st Christmas (my little cousin)

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Kaitlyn's 6th birthday! I can't believe our baby girl is six years old. We do birthday parties every other year so this was not a party year. Kaitlyn has wanted to go to Kanki for dinner so we surprised her on her birthday. Then we went home and had cake and ice cream and let her open presents.



Kaitlyn - first time using chop sticks





Do you think she liked the present?

Monday, December 15, 2008

Fall 2008- Kevin Update

Kevin was able to go to soccer camp this summer for a week and learned a lot. He played fall soccer this year and made several goals for the team.




Kevin and Kisan were able to go deep sea fishing in late October----and well-----we now have two fishermen in the family. They are already planning another trip for early spring to go back.


Fall 2008 Kaitlyn Update

Kaitlyn started kindergarten this year. She is adjusting well to ‘big girl school’. They are learning to write in cursive which is a bit challenging but she is getting the hang of it.

Fall 2008 - Death of Elizabeth Mendies

As many of you may know, in late August of this year, Mrs. Elizabeth Mendies, who ran Mendies Haven Children’s Home in Nepal (and raised Kisan) went home to be with the Lord in Heaven. We were all saddened by her death but very grateful she lived a very long a fruitful life. We are also very grateful that Kisan was able to go to Nepal and attend the services. Please continue to pray for Mendies Haven and the 30 children there in the orphanage as they are still dealing with the death of their mom.
October: We were able to send 50 lbs of clothing/shoes for the children in October as the cold weather approaches. November: We were able to send another 50 lbs of clothing/shoes for the children along with the donated school supplies. December: We were able to send money to the orphanage to help buy toys and necessary items for the children. Thanks to everyone who helped out and contributed. We really appreciate your help.

Here are some pictures from Mrs. Mendies funeral as well as the last picture taken of Kisan with his mom.



The current Mendies Haven kids singing at the funeral


Kisan and some of his sisters that were able to attend the funeral


Kaluram - offering his condolences

Monday, September 1, 2008

Family Reunions - 2008

At the beginning of this year, we decided we wanted to reconnect with our extended family members. Little did we know that this year, nearly everything that happened consistently took us back to what is most important – family. To us – family may be different than your interpretation. When you have 50 brothers and sisters as Kisan did, you understand that family runs deep and isn't always blood related.

This year, Pam and I decided we wanted to get our families together so we planned a series of family reunions. All of Pam’s moms family came over for a cookout, and then her dad’s family came the next weekend. We then asked the Mendies Haven kids that are in the United States to come.







Pam's Family (mom's side)(ignore the date on the pictures - I don't know what is going on with that)







Kids from Mendies Haven (August 2008)

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

Spring 2008

Kevin wanted a 'carnival' birthday party for his 10th birthday this year with all of his friends. We had a bounce house, cotton candy and a snow cone machine. The only bad part of the day was it was VERY cold.

Kevin and Devyn

Kevin and Chris

Kevin's 10th Birthday

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Spring Break - 2008 (Chicago)

This year for Spring Break, we went with Kisan on a business trip to Chicago. He went to work everyday, while we went out into the city and had a great time (thank goodness for the GPS). On Thursday, we were able to drive to Hammond, Indiana to First Baptist Church and attend one night of Pastor School - Wow - what an experience!!


Kaitlyn & Kevin at Navy Pier


Kaitlyn & Kevin at the Aquarium in Chicago

Downtown Chicago - yes, I was driving!!