The Cahill Family Christmas...2015...Building New Memories

The thought that Christmas number three in this house waits in the wings stirs some memories and nostalgia. I looked on my Facebook feed earlier this morning and lo and behold, a message told that I had memories to take a gander upon from years past. Of course I looked! A number of them stuck out to me and made me smile:

Spencer’s first time really helping decorate the tree back in 2008. His face glowed with excitement as he hooked the ornaments up on the branches of the Christmas tree. Fast forward to last night and he still lights up as bright as strands on our current tree when I pull out the ornaments. He loves this time of year. He remembers a lot of the ornaments. This year he set up the little Christmas Village for the first time all by himself. 

Chandler’s 7^th grade play, American Idle, made me chuckle. It blows my mind that this feels like yesterday yet at that the same time looks like so long ago. An incredible reminder to me to not blink too many times. Chalin is in 8^th grade now. He will be in Chandler’s shoes soon studying for finals in college. It all goes so fast.

Christmas at the barn with my sis. She just recently moved her horses from the old and famed Trails End in Kingwood to another barn which has opened so many doors for her when it comes to lessons, riding, and personal time. The memories of Christmas at the Barn though will always remain in a special place in the heart though. My sis went all out by dressing up her horses, hoisting up kiddos to feed carrots to them, and posing for pics with everyone.

Three years ago, the boys and I moved into Ohana. The move stood for something. The sojourn from Bear Branch to the new place marked a new beginning for the three of us. Seeing some pics from 2012 of the view from the second story window with literally brought back the emotions from when we first got here. Filled with the hope of a new beginning, little did I know where these moments would take me. Today, the last home in the neighborhood begins the construction process. The cleared land awaits preparation for workers to start plotting plumbing, cables, and then the inevitable foundation. Once that finishes up, time starts ticking away and in just a few months this last home in the neighborhood will stand and construction will cease in this small location in Kingwood.

On the horizon, the sun’s rising colors invade a darkened sky. New memories anticipated around each corner. My one year old family put up our Christmas Tree last night – minus Chandler as he is in Corpus studying for finals, but we saved some decorations for him – and each person put up some decorations around the house. Terra had a splendid idea. Let the kids put all of the decorations out wherever they wanted, so that we start making it completely new. She’s such a blessing and wonderful bride.

I look forward to the future when I get to look on the timeline of memories, whether it is Facebook or sitting and looking at pictures on the Mac, and seeing these pictures of the tree and remembering the feeling of Chalin helping with the lights. Spencer creating the village, and Terra putting some ornaments on the tree. The banister awaits Chandler’s touch when he arrives from Corpus. It’s his specialty.  

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!

Blended - "They're blendiiiing..."

Terra and I watched a funny movie this summer as we were going through what we termed "pre-engagement" counseling. I didn't want the pressure of a ring and an engagement as we dealt talked about challenges, baggage, etc etc etc.

Okay I'll admit it. I'm an Adam Sandler fan. Happy Gilmore still brings out belly laughs to this day. When I heard a new movie hit theaters with him and Drew Barrymore, Terra and I decided to go because it looked like something right up our alley and might even hit on some things that we were about to experience as well. Needless to say, if you have not seen the movie Blended, put it on your list. It's not only funny, but heartwarming.

We laughed throughout the flick. Sure it was over-the-top. What Adam Sandler movie isn't?! It was refreshing to see a good dad and a good mom from differing backgrounds come together and make it work despite the challenges. Yes, it ended with the Hollywood "happily ever after". What else would anyone expect? You can see it coming and, in this case, I applauded it.

In all my years, I never thought I would have a blended family. Like my tagline states, I "thought" my life was headed in one direction. Life doesn't always work out the way we intend it to nor does our big picture turn out to be our picture. Sometimes, we end up on a different canvas altogether. This is my story. Now, the dad to three boys (9, 13 and 18) and husband to a woman who compliments me in ways that I never conceived. Who would ever have thought that a dorky goofball like me who has had crazy dreams of voice-over acting, stage acting, and racing in the Tour (need Steve Austin's 6 million dollar man legs for that now with my knees!) would marry a woman with a PhD in Chemistry who is literally one of the smartest people I have ever met in my life. Cool? For sure!

A blended family. Not for the timid. One of the greatest assets in our favor? All three boys get along quite well. All three boys do well on their own. All three of them like to laugh. All three of them bring a unique personality to this family. (On that note, Terra brought up a great term that we both use now all of the time. Our boys are not "step-children" to each other. They are "bonus boys".)

We took these three boys - all of which are sort-of dare devils (this also brings a fun and unique blend of entertainment) to go snow tubing on the last day of our Christmas vacation trip to Asheville, NC. The rain didn't seem to stop most of the week, so our plans changed a bit from active outdoor activities to a more subdued sojourn around town. Even though it wasn't what we all had planned, we made it work. So, when the sun came out on the final day, as we drove from Asheville to Charlotte where we would spend the night to catch a flight the next morning home, on a whim, we decided to go snowtubing! The drive turned out to take us through a gorgeous part of the state with scenery from postcards, small cute towns, numerous Christmas tree farms and even a stop to fill up with gas at a fueling station with a gas pump from 1975...you know...the non-digital kind where the numbers actually rolled like a slot machine. This blew Spencer's mind since he'd never witnessed a machine like this before in his life.

Once we arrived, we paid, waited, looked around and eventually walked over to get in line and receive our tubes. The lines were long, but that didn't bug us as the wait didn't seem to last long. The of the daredevils to go was Chandler. Head first. Chalin stood behind him. Of course - head first. Terra waited to go next. Head first. We leaned on the conservative side with Spencer. He blasted down the slope feet first. I took off in a running start head first as well. All of us flew down the slope rebounded off the snow/iced barrier that separated the 5 lanes. At the end of the run, mounted on all four faces (okay 5....I grinned ear to ear as well) were smiles and laughter and the normal jabber after a cool experience like this. Much like a first roller-coaster experience, I heard "do it again", "this time lets do this lane", or "lets try this one!". Memories etching in all of our minds. Something to look back upon that is happy, fun and well, memorable.

I couldn't help hear the song that Terry Crews hilariously sings throughout the movie Blended. "They're blending. Oh yes...they're blending". A smile. A memory. A new family. Not a bad way to end 2014. A wonderful way to start 2015.


My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!

Thanksgiving and The New Beginning - Thank You...Everyone!

Thanksgiving. Thankfulness. Thanks. Where to start? As I sit in the breakfast area of the LaQuinta surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed Community Coffee (yes I chose the Dark Roast with Chicory) here in the thriving metropolis of Hammond, LA, I ponder on this Thanksgiving the numerous people who have poured their hearts into my life. So many individuals sacrificed time, given words, shed tears, brought laughter, and so many other things to my life since that fateful day - March 11, 1969. I want to take some time to thank those who have impacted my life. There is no real order to this, but I did decide to save my most recent and the person who has built my hope for a future for last of course.

Thankful for my parents for getting everything started (I know...TMI...hee hee).

Thankful for my dad for teaching me work ethic, love, loyalty, service, family priorities, and that nothing is free in life. The older he gets the more his heart grows. He has such a love for his grandchildren. He is the quintessential grandpa.

Thankful for Jan. You love my dad. You make him smile. You travel the world with him which grants one of his dreams to come true. You greet us with a smile.

Thankful for my mom. She taught me the importance of having a big heart, a good attitude, nurture, how to fall asleep on a couch before 8:30, and some of the best southern sayings on the planet. I miss her all of the time yet so thankful for the time I was blessed with for the thirty years I had her.

Thankful for my sister. We fought like the proverbial cat and dog growing up and now grow closer each and every day. How special is that? I'd take a bullet for her and she'd do the same while riding her horse. To have her so close by is something I never want to take for granted. It sure beats the 9 hour drive to Oklahoma.

Thankful for the rest of the Cahill family. Bobby, Sandra, Scott (I miss you and think of you often still), Jenny and Vince - I don't think I laugh more until I am around all of you. The reminiscing of stories growing up. The constant stories of my dad that make me roll on the floor (sometimes literally). You always bring a smile to my face and I just wish we saw each other more often.

Thankful for my grandparents. The smell of fried chicken will always remind me of my childhood. The wit of my grandpa. The strength of my grandma. The giving hearts of both of them. Need I say more?

Thankful for my Chandler and Spencer. Ten years apart. Totally different yet so much a like. Love them more than words can express. I well up inside knowing what we have been through together. The Lord is going to use these two. I just know it. He hasn't brought them through so much for His word on their lives to return void. They bring true joy to my heart.

Thankful for Chalin. My "bonus boy". My heart grows each day knowing that he is part of the family now. What a privilege. Love this boy and can't wait to see how God uses him. He is talented, naturally brilliant and has a quick wit. Love this bonus in my life. What a blessing!

Thankful for the Zaruba's. Robin and Danielle have been there for me and Spencer especially throughout so much of the past five years. I don't think I could ever come close to repaying them for all they have done. What an amazing family. When the Lord created these two, he ran out of room in their chests because their hearts are so big.

Thankful for the Barrett's. What amazing friends. They have served us, loved us, laughed and cried with us. All while going through the worst pain parents could ever conceive. The loss of a child. I love you Chad and Melissa. I love your kiddos. I miss your precious Kristina. I am so thankful the Lord put you in my life. So fortunate to call you friends.

Thankful for Curt Williams. What can I say about Curt? I can't be thankful enough for a friend who loves when it's tough. Suffers when there is no strength left. Counsels when the words aren't popular. Clings to God's word when it's viewed as archaic. Loves his wife, Shelley, and family publicly and privately with a servant's heart. Loves the unlovely. Touches the untouchable. Hugs the unhuggable. Thank you for your example of biblical Christianity.

Thankful for Jerrell. This man has stuck with me through thick and thin since I was 15 years old. He is always only a phone call away even though is a 24+ hours away by car. He is one of the best listeners I have met. His desire has always been to take away pain and heartache. He truly has a heart for knowledge of scripture and how to apply that to his life. Amazing friend.

Thankful for Woody and Tracie. I love these two people. I can't think of a couple who loves each other more publicly yet are so different in personality. The glue that constantly grows them closer together is their passion for the lost, heart for the hopeless and devotion to their kids and grand daughter. What a blessing to call them friends. They have done more for me, Terra, Chandler, Spencer and Chalin than they know. They make us laugh. They challenge our hearts and minds. They are true friends.

Thankful for Jason. This guy loves. That's all there is to it. I don't think I have ever met a man who has a deeper passion for the word love and how that is lived out to the flock he pastors, to his friends (me included), to his bride of so many years, and to ministry. He and I have known each other since 1987. He has always been a friend that "sticks closer than a brother". The type where we pick up right where we left off each time we talk or meet.

Thankful for Rick and Nina. This couple is gold pure and simple. They have been here for me constantly for years. Not just a phone call away. They drop everything when they can to help and to love. They are such great examples of pouring their hearts and lives into their kids. Such a lost art in today's society. This couple knows the secret! They empower their boys to succeed and fail. What an amazing gift to watch. So blessed to call these two my friends. They are adopted Cahill's and we are adopted Dodgen's. The fact that that will always be the case makes my heart happy. Rick was one of the first to look at me in the eyes, after spending time with Terra at the MS 150, and asked me what the world I was waiting for? He saw almost immediately how special of a woman Terra really is and that she and I just fit each other. Thank you, Rick.

Thankful for Madelyn. She is a phenomenal friend who has been there for me through so many times and trials. An incredible lady who loves God, has a heart for her children and is always there to listen. 

Thankful for Phil and Caroline. Friends that keep in touch no matter the schedule. Phil has the gift of encouragement and Caroline has the gift of service. Put those two together and the blessings are bountiful. 

Thankful for Clark. What a great friend and so fun to watch the Lord work in this man's heart. Big heart. Gentle spirit. The Lord is going to use him in amazing ways. Thank you for being my friend.

Thankful for Dean Fullerton. Dean has become a great friend (since 2002) and business partner (since 2012). He believes in people. He shows grace. He is ethical and fair in his business practices. He loves his bride and kiddos (grown and still at home). A great example of big kid, smart business man, and lover of those less fortunate due to his love for the Lord. So thankful the Lord put this man and his family in my path.

Thankful for Duane Mills. How can I put together a list of thankfulness without Duane? The man gave me the "double-take" when I asked him about "all of this Jesus-stuff" back on January 23, 1985. He loved me enough to walk me through not only Who Jesus is, but how to walk with Him and enjoy a rich relationship with Christ. Duane taught me the importance of spending time with people one-on-one and how that makes such an impact on those seeking to know more about a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Thankful for Jeff Chandler. My years of interning under this man were some of the most memorable of all of the ten years of vocational ministry from 1989-1999. Never have I met a man with more of a passion for evangelism, broken-heart for teenagers, and creative mind for ministry. So thankful for my time with Jeff, the fact that we are still friends to this day and that he is still a grace-giver.

Thankful for Bill and Sue Himmell. What a couple. I had the privilege of serving with this couple from 1991-1995 in Pearland at Fellowship Bible Church. God did amazing things through these people. I learned so much about humility, not taking myself so darn seriously, and loving unconditionally. They are still friends to this day that I can pick up the phone and call. Sue has such a love for Bill and Bill for Sue. What an amazing example. This couple sets the benchmark when it comes to long-suffering as they have served at FBC since the 80's. God has a special mansion and crown for couples like this.

Thankful for Tom and Maureen. A lot of ups and downs in the last five years. Such a love for their grandchildren. Such a heart for embracing change when it is difficult. Accepting my new bride and bonus child with open arms. Great pictures of grace and mercy this couple and so thankful they are still in my life when with all that has happened the since 2009, so many would have walked away. The door is always open.

Thankful for Terra. My bride. My heartbeat. My breath. You have given me a new grapefruit. The jolt of happiness I experience when I see your smile (you know the one...yep when your eyes disappear) brings more to my immediate life than water for nourishment in a dessert. Who would have thought that a refrigerator, a drama ministry, a friendship, and a few beers and margaritas would bring us to a young amazing marriage. You could have walked away so many times (and I wouldn't have blamed you in the least), but you chose patience over impatience. You decided to show grace and mercy toward me over misunderstanding and judgement. You fell in love with not only me, but my boys. You love them unconditionally like they are yours. That kind of love only comes from the Father. God gave you a heart for the three of us. For me. For Chandler. For Spencer. To express how much an answer to prayer would be impossible with the written word. You would need to carve into my emotionally scarred heart to see just how much this truly means to me as a dad and as a man. I am thankful to wake up next to you every morning. Thankful when we cook together. Thankful when we exercise together. Thankful when we make the time to pray together. Thankful for your heart for God, ministry to ladies, your love for the simple, your passion to have fun and explore, your giving spirit, your sacrificial spirit, and your ability to make the complex understandable. I love how you dream of the future with me. I love the fact that you want to see us grow closer and stronger as a married couple each day. I love that allow me to lead even when I fail and then you don't judge. You embrace grace. You display mercy. I love you, Terra. I am so thankful God dropped you in my life back in the summer of 2012 at such a trying time in my life. You waited a year before I was ready to date. You were patient with me when I was frightened to tell many people. You stayed with me all throughout the next year and a half until I finally "took the leap of faith" to ask you to be my bride. What a beautiful picture of Ephesians 5 and Proverbs 31 you are to me and countless others. I love you.

There truly are several others I am sure that I have not mentioned and I am sorry if I didn't mention you. I don't want to hurt feelings in any way.

So much to write about now! I can't wait to get started! Oh wait...I just did. <[8^}

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!

Hope...

Hope.

Hope brings me vision.

Hope sustains me through difficult times.

Hope raises me out of bed in the morning to tackle the day.

Hope disperses the mundane.

Hope opens doors when others have been slammed shut.

Hope stirs the soul's fire when despair has attempted to toss water on the flame.

Hope starts new dreams and keeps older ones alive.

Hope fills the glass that was half empty to overflowing and spilling over into aspects of life that I never thought could be touched.

Hope reaches down to pull me up when I am at the bottom and points me to a Savior who is completely crazy about me.

Hope pushes me to be better for my two sons.

Hope aids in the healing of the past and ushers in the meaning of "new creation in Christ".

Hope keeps my eyes fixed on the prize.

Hope presses the re-start button each day so that I keep looking forward and dwell on the past.

Hope will grow me past PTSD.

Hope gives me the future that I thought could not be attained.

Hope doesn't drain me...it motivates me everyday.

Hope brings a smile to my face when I watch my two sons laugh, fills me with warmth when I hug them, wipes my tears away when there is pain, and holds all of the pieces together when I think all is lost.

Hope.

Hope is bigger than me.

Hope is the Lord God Almighty. Crazy about me. Crazy about my sons. Wants the best for us. Wants us to succeed. Desires an intimate relationship with us because we are His creation. His masterpiece of art.

I am so thankful He gave me His Hope.

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!

Vacay 2013...A Change of Plans Brought Memories for a Lifetime

Chandler and Spencer walking at Fiesta Texas. A thousand words.

"What time are we leaving?" Spencer asked me as I pounded away on the keyboard Thursday around 5:00.

"I have about 30 more minutes on this project, buddy and then we can start putting all of our things together, load the car and get on the road." I responded to my quite excited 7 year old.

Thirty minutes turned into an hour of course, but the spreadsheets were complete and emailed. Up the stairs we climbed to pack up the final bits of clothing and other needs for the Cahill Family Vacay to San Antonio. The goal was to leave at 5:00. We drove out of the garage at 7:15. Man plans...God laughs.

Awaiting us in the quick 3 1/2 hour drive out I-10 was a 103 year old hotel in the heart of San Antonio just around the corner from the Alamo and two blocks from the famed Riverwalk. Priceline blessed us with this first night for only $60! Quite the deal to say the least.

On the drive, a gorgeous sunset led the way as we sojourned west. Once we arrived, checked in and parked, we took the elevator to our room. Spencer opened the door and his mouth fell open. There in the room stood two four post cherry rice beds and two bathrooms. They upgraded us for no additional charge. What an awesome way to start the vacation. The place was beautiful and filled with history. A perfect fit for being around the block from the legendary Alamo.

The plan? Our only plan for the entire vacation was to have fun, go to Sea World, Fiesta Texas, Alamo, Riverwalk and see some family. No real strategy on when. Lets fly from the seat of our pants and soak in every moment. No rushing. No stressing.

Sooooo...off to Target to pick up a couple of things and then back to the Riverwalk. I have traversed the Riverwalk many times over the past twenty years. I don't remember the fish ever being this large! The river was full of ducks, ducklings and fish awaiting all of us patrons to feed them. Of course we obliged as we found a great Tex Mex place with good shade and a table sitting on the Riverwalk edge. Chandler, Spencer and I threw chips to all of the begging animals and aquatic life as we ate chips/queso, quesadillas and soaked in the scenery. After the feast, we walked the river, took pics and ended up at the Rivercenter Mall where we had fun at The Disney Store (miss this place) and other places. That night we met the cousins at County Line BBQ and we chowed again while all of the younger cousins played and Robert (2) entertained us with his cuteness.

Day 2 cranked up with a morning boat cruise around the river with an entertaining history lesson

Riverwalk River Cruise

from the driver. One of the best decisions of the day? Not doing this cruise in the afternoon when the temps rose to over 100 degrees. Getting on the boat, the mercury stood at 85-90, so the 30-45 minute river cruise brought much less sweat and even lesser discomfort compared to the people that decided to take the trip down the river in the blazing afternoon heat.

The plans quickly changed later as the cousins got caught out in a diaper emergency, so the Alamo got pushed to later in the day. Chandler found a place that served Italian Gelato! Oh man...if you have never tried this stuff you truly have not lived. I think we sampled almost every one of them (except bubblegum...YUCK!). Spencer had some then and Chandler and I decided to wait and come back later after we had more Tex Mex on the Riverwalk. Our Tex Mex choice was the long-standing Casa Rio. They started their restaurant in the 1940's on the Riverwalk. Amazing! Off to the Alamo to meet the cousins again. I minored in History at U of H, so I love this stuff. What made this even more awesome was walking these hallowed halls with a History expert in Vince. Vince is a history teacher who has studied Texas History for years. He told me things that I had never heard from his recent research. Always amazed at his knowledge.

Spencer feeds me some gelato

After the Alamo, we walked across the street for our gelato (I had the Tiramisu - who wouldn't?!). We hung out and laughed and talked some more, but we had to check out of our hotel and head out to the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball game.

The Missions game turned out to be pretty epic for a minor league baseball game. They had just called up a guy who had finished his college playing days and it was his first night. He didn't have a name on his jersey. The guy played like he was ready to be called up to AAA ball. He almost knocked the game winning home run to deep center field only for it be caught on the warning track. The next guy up hit the game winning home run over the left field fence and the place erupted. It was good old-time baseball. To top it off, seats were only $11 at the field level. When was the last time we paid that for an Astros game?

Shamu doin' her thing.

Spencer couldn't wait. As we checked into our next hotel, he knew that the next day we would head out to Sea World. Both of my guys are animal fans, but even more, they love aquatic life. Dolphin, whales, sharks, fish, sting ray, penguins, seals, walrus, etc. They both love them all! Sea World has them all including a couple of really cool roller coasters. At this point, Chandler and I get a shocked. Spencer decided he wants to ride the Steel Eel. This is a pretty serious coaster. Not only does he want to ride this bad boy, he wants to ride the very front! Ooooookay! As we get in line, all that goes through my mind is that he will change his mind when we get up there. Nope. He got even more excited. The coaster climbed the hill with that familiar chain sound pulling us up to let us go when we reached the top. We take off and Spencer lets out a spine tingling scream. He was scared for the first 5 seconds and then he started to laugh and scream at the same time. He's hooked.

The three of us on the Steel Eel at Sea World

We saw Shamu later in the day, watched the dolphins, goofed off with the cousins at the kiddie water area, and had a blast at Sea World. By the end of the day, we headed back to the Steel Eel for one more ride and then to the car. By the time we arrived to the hotel, the restaurant had closed, so we found a Buffalo Wild Wings close by. Spencer fell asleep in my lap before the food got to us. A good sign of a fun day. Chandler challenged himself with spicy wings as I asked the waiter to put the Tour on of the 50 TV's in the room. He obliged and we feasted again to the sounds cycling in the background. Another great ending to a wonderful day.

Fiesta Texas loomed. I have to be honest here by saying a I was a bit nervous about this one. I knew that Spencer had a blast on the Steel Eel at Sea World, but this is Six Flags. They specialize in the roller coaster. He wanted to ride one straight up first off. Okay!

The first coaster was a fail. It was fun, but quite jarring, so he didn't like it much. We then got on the Road Runner. For those of you who remember Astroworld and the Runaway Mine Train, it was quite reminiscent of that ride. We had a blast with that ride. So much so that we rode it about three times that day. Chandler rode the new Iron Rattler, Superman and a couple of others that Spencer was either too short for or was a little nervous in getting on after the first one we rode that day. The rain showed up and cooled things off which was nice actually as it also emptied the park! No wait in the lines produced a lot of options for rides. We all loved the shooting ghost Scooby Doo ride (much like the Buzz Lightyear ride at Disney). All in all, a wonderful day. We caught up with the cousins again along with Uncle Bobby and Aunt Sandra that night at Willie G's Ice House. Great food and more fun with awesome family that we don't get the chance to see very often.

Chandler with little Robert. He LOVES Chandler.

Season tickets make sense on a trip like this because if you have an extra day, like we did, then you can go back and hit the things you missed the first time through. So, we actually did plan out the last day of our vacation. We took a shuttle to Sea World that morning and saw all of the shows that we missed on Sunday. We also saw the sea lions, took in a ski show, and of course, rode the Steel Eel again. After we finished there, we drove out to Fiesta Texas to get on some rides we missed the day before. Spencer surprised Chandler and I again by saying he wanted to ride the Iron Rattler! He was tall enough, but this beast hits 70 mph, has a full loop twist and a dark tunnel. He rode with me in the middle car. It completely freaked him out and he cried for about five minutes. After I calmed him down, we went and rode some other rides and then he said he wanted to try it again! After the third time asking me to ride it again, I finally said, "Buddy, you cried for five minutes after you got off, why do you want to ride it again?"

"I am not scared anymore."

"Are you saying you were scared because you didn't know what to expect in the ride? And that now that you have been on it, you know what to expect and you will be fine?"

"Yes, daddy. I want to ride it again. I know what's coming now."

Soooo, off we go to the line for the Iron Rattler "take two". This time around? No fear. Nothing but elation! He was psyched the entire time. He screamed. He laughed. He was grinning from ear to ear. Seven years old and 45 pounds of no thrill seeking energy.

At the Alamo

After the last ride on the Iron Rattler, we took the trip east on I-10 to head back to the humidity metropolis. Spencer cried because he didn't want to go home. Chandler said it best, "Dad, that's a good sign of a great vacation." He was right. We had a great time the three of us. We laughed. We screamed. We stood amazed.

No specific plans each day brought lasting memories. Love these two. Love being a dad. Love making them laugh and smile.

My grace is sufficient for you...One Day At A Time!