There seems to be a bit of confusion about my last post. Let me clarify…We are not moving home! It was just a farewell to the Knepps followed by a trip to the US for the summer. We will hopefully stay in Belgium for two more years. We have more to see and do. Can't go home yet. :)
A trip to the US was not really the plan for the summer, but with so many friends moving home, we thought it might be a good idea to take a little break from Belgium and spend some time with family and friends in the USA. On top of that, my mom bought a new condo, my sister got a dog, and my papa had a stroke. It was time to go home. Unfortunately, Chris was not able to go with us. He was stuck in Belgium working his butt off. I'm sure watching us have a ball was no fun at all. The kids and I were home for three weeks, and this was the fun we packed into the first week and a half we were home.
In an effort to save money (hahaha…flying to the US…yeah right,) we had a layover in Montreal. Because our flight was delayed out of Brussels, we missed our connection in Montreal. That gave us several hours to hang out with free wifi and Starbucks. I think the airport in Montreal counts as a visit, so I bought a mug to add to the collection. Our flight from Montreal left late as well, so we didn't arrive in Chicago until after 7:00 pm, and we still had a 2.5 hour drive ahead of us. We were delayed more when our luggage never arrived, forms had to be filled out, and we had to collect the rental car.
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| At least I got this... |
So, we made it to Dekalb and a stop at McDonalds for an iced coffee was in order to make it the rest of the way without falling asleep. It was about 4 am Brussels time. I forgot just how large the large is in the US. Wow! But, it did the trick, and we made it safely. Our luggage arrived safely nearly 48 hours later, and my mom had a broken dryer. That was fun.
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| My lovely coffee model |
We enjoyed a beautiful sunset on the way to my mom's house.
Just a few weeks before our arrival, my papa had a stroke. He was recovering in Peoria, so we made a trip the next day to see him. We were only about 10 miles from our home, and the kids were dying. They couldn't wait to see their friends, but they would have to wait just a few more days.
We had a lot of good cousin time. Watching these cuties play tee ball was so much fun. They came back to Grandma's to spend the night for a few nights while their mom and dad took a trip to Florida. Terrible timing on my sister's part. I wanted to see her!
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| The kids loved spending time with their cousin Kylie too! |
We went to visit Grandpa too (my dad.) Thomas never had the opportunity to meet him. They missed each other by just 24 days. But you wouldn't know it. He talks about him and loves him like they were the best of buds.
I don't think you can go to the Quad Cities without a trip to Whitey's. So, we went five times. LOL! We're TERRIBLE!
I loved walking each morning. There really is no place like home.
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| Pretty views on my walk |
Yes, this happened. No nail polish of course, but it was nice to get those toes all shined up. I know his dad is DYING right now.
Ann and I have been friends for years going all the way back to Sunday School at First Congregational Church. It is so much fun to watch our kids enjoy each other's company. This was actually the first time they had met (and remembered.) It took a little bit for them to get acquainted, but after a while you would have thought they were friends forever. Thank you Ann for such a fun day, and thank you to your parents for the use of their gorgeous pool. It was so nice visiting with everyone!
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| Crazy kids! |
I really wanted to make it a point to do things we don't get to do in Europe. One thing I have really missed is baseball games. I desperately wanted to go to a game in St. Louis, but the River Bandits and Davenport would have to do. And, it was a really fun night.
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| Having some fun with the panoramic setting on the phone. |
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| Allison and Grandma…Look at those smiles! |
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| A great end to the night with fireworks. |
On Saturday, we were off to Morton! Our first stop was a cookout at the Heer's house. We were so excited to see so many of our friends. It was a beautiful night of hanging out and catching up with one another. I had the pleasure of spending the evening with the Stanfield family. Joal and I got caught up on Lincoln School, coaching, mutual friends, etc. I am so thankful for that night because just a few weeks later, Joal suffered a major medical trauma and passed away four days later at 34 years old. It is such a huge loss for his family, students, players, colleagues, and the entire town of Morton. It is still so baffling for me and my heart is continually heavy for all who loved him. Please keep his wife Kiyle and their three beautiful children in your prayers. I cannot imagine their life without Joal, but the love and support of so many will hopefully give their hearts a bit of peace.
Being a photographer, I walk a fine line between taking pictures of events and trying not to be too annoying about it. One thing I really wanted was a group picture from the evening, but I didn't want to bug everyone, interrupt conversations, gather all the kids together, etc. From now on, I will just bug everyone and get the shot. Because I wish more than anything that I had a picture of the group from that night….
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| Relaxing around the bonfire. |
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| A movie in the yard for the kiddos. Thank you Tracy and Sam for a perfect evening! |
Sunday morning, we were able to attend church in Morton. We haven't been back to our church since we moved away. In fact, we haven't even been in Morton on a Sunday since we moved away 2.5 years ago. It was so good for all of our hearts. Seeing all of our friends, hearing a wonderful message from our new pastor, singing familiar hymns with familiar voices around us...It was perfect. The warm hugs and smiles made it the best morning. At the end of our trip, both kids agreed that morning at church was one of their favorite parts of the trip. Coming from a 13 and 11 year old, I think that speaks volumes about the people we worship with. They are a very special church family.
This week, my dear friend Jill passed away. Jill and I met through church and my friend, Valerie. Valerie had invited me to their church for a scrapbook night, and it was there that I met Jill for the first time. She walked into the church basement wearing a hat as she was in the midst of chemo, but before noticing the hat and lack of hair, I noticed her smile. It always lit up the room. And, she had a smile no matter how she was feeling. Jill was the kindest soul and always had a hand to lend. I adored her, but for my kids it was even more. She was their leader. They learned how to love Jesus from her. They learned how to be a good servant. They loved her so much! And for that, I will forever be grateful to my friend Jill. We were meant to attend church on that Sunday because I got to see Jill. She was thinner and looked a little more tired, but she was still beautiful Jill with her beautiful smile and loving heart. I will miss her very much. We all will.
We spent a lot of time at the Morton Pool with the Phillips kids. They had the BEST time together!
A trip to Morton is not complete without a stop at DQ. Just like old times, we walked here because that helps burn the calories. ;)
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| A beautiful Midwest sunset. |
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| We picked up Sherrill and Isa along the way. I look at this picture and just can't believe how much they have all grown. Unreal! |
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| Reunions at Culvers! |
I had the pleasure of dining with Alex (a former student who visited Brussels in June) and Kollet (her lovely mom!) What a fun evening at a great restaurant in Peoria. Thanks girls!
The Morton Pool sells these cookie dough cups. They are so good that they made the blog. Yep! That good!
Swimming with more friends at the pool!
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| Allison and Abby |
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| Thomas and River |
I loved the girls' night that Andrea hosted. It was so much fun. I like laughing until my stomach hurts. These girls do that to me. Everyone should be so lucky to have girlfriends like that!
We also gathered some Lincoln School friends for dinner. It's like no time has passed when we are back together. I miss them so much. They will always be like family to me.
The kids enjoyed swimming in Kathie's pool (The Phillips family graciously hosted us during our time in Morton…THANK YOU!) This gave me, Kathie, Molly, and Diane time to get caught up with girl talk.
And, that is just the first part of our trip!! Next up is the Danceline Girls trip to Michigan!
Until next time,
Wendy
