Quick weekend up to Oregon!

I found out sometime early January that George Fox was having a May Serve Reunion during their Homecoming weekend reunion. Some of my best friends were going to be there, and it would give me a great excuse to go see my long lost nieces and nephews that I dearly miss! So I looked at my calendar and at a plane ticket, and by God's amazing miracle I was able to go!

Since it was such a spontaneous trip, I decided to keep it as a surprise for my sister who would not suspect a thing, because with my two jobs, living in So Cal, the chances of me visiting are slim to none. Plus, she already knew that Tobin and I will be visiting in March...so even more reason for me not to be coming in February. So with the help of my amazing brother-in-law, I flew into PDX, Feb 5th, rode the Maxx downtown, and enjoyed a cup of joe at Starbucks, while AJ and Maryanne drove up to Portland for a "day of shopping." Facebook even came to my aid, as Maryanne conveniently and promptly put up a post, "We are on our way to Portland!" She was excited to get to spend some Christmas/Birthday money...little did she know her sis was there waiting for her. Kudos to AJ for getting everyone out the door early so they could come meet up with me. Well, the surprise was a success. I wish I had a photo, but your imagination can probably generate a close enough picture. I was sitting in Starbucks, trying to scan the area and see them walking up, but I had no idea what corner they would be coming up (due to parking). Anyways, I was trying not to look like a nervous stalker (by continually scanning everywhere and everyone). I guess I wouldn't make that great of a spy, because I got bored, started playing a game on my iphone, and wouldn't you know that's when they walked in, and I missed them! The next thing I knew, I heard AJ's voice say, "Hey!" I turned around, and the look on Maryanne's face was priceless...absolute bewilderment. She couldn't get her mind to grasp that her sister was sitting having a cup of coffee in a Portland Starbucks! It was such a great moment. I love my sis, and I love Porter who was also a bit confused, but happy for whoever would play peek-a-boo with him!

We then shopped around Portland that day, I got to finally use a Nordstrom gift card I had gotten for my birthday back in October (that's Marty!). We went back home, stayed up late, and had lots of fun. Mostly having Porter entertain us! He's such a cute kid!

Then it was off to Fox, for a May Serve Reunion. Every May, Fox sends a International Serve Trip to various countries. God blessed me with the opportunity to go May 2003 to Brazil! It was a life changing experience for me, even though I had intentions on going and changing other people's lives, God shaped my heart to continually love and pray for those a far!

A few photos:

Homoncles Reunited! So glad Sarah got to come all the way out from New York!

It was great to see both of them and my beautiful extended family nieces!

Jane and I

We then had dinner with the May Serve Team that went to the Phillipines, lots of catching up, seeing old friends, and just enjoying being together as Believers in Christ...amazing fellowship!

Then we went to a Bruin Basketball Game! We missed the girls game, and we sat on the old people side...so it was a little hard for me, but good none the less! =)

The Boyz

Cheese!

This short three days was packed! I wanted to get it all in! So on Sunday morning Maryanne and I went over to the Miller Redhead Household! It was wonderful to see all those little redheads running around and being able to play with them! Love them!

Porter loving the swing!

My newest niece, Kate...hadn't seen her since she was just a few days old!

The whole gang, minus Andy and Ruth making faces in the background. Thanks to my amazing brother's photography skills we got this photo!

Go to this link

because you can only see a portion of it here...the photo's too wide for this blog.

Then just before leaving, we walked over to a close neighbor's house, Jana and JJ, for a little preview to Superbowl. Maryanne and I had to leave just about when the game got started, so she could take me back to the airport, but that was ok...we got to chat a bit more on the way up without a little one making noises in the back (we love you Porter, just not always in the car).

Love the baby backpack!

Can't wait to be back there soon...more on that to come!