Off to One Thing 08 in Kansas City

On December 26th, we packed up the car and headed north towards Kansas City. We were headed to IHOP's One Thing 08 Conference. Matt and Alexia flew back that day because he needed to get back because he was one of the worship leaders who would be singing at the conference. Jordan was flying the next day to Michigan so he could drive his girlfriend back to Kansas City. He didn't want her driving by herself. So, that left me, Carlos, Taylor, Landon, Sierra driving.

My sister Stephanie and her family were headed on 75 South coming to Florida. We were headed on 75 North headed to Kansas City. We kept in touch and when our paths finally crossed it was just south of Atlanta . We decided to pull over at the famous Hwy Restaurant - Cracker Barrel.

The weather was gloomy and cold that day!
My sister, her husband Todd, my niece Ashley and my nephew Nathan. My other nephew Travis couldn't come this trip because he is on the high school basketball team and he had a tournament that he had to play in so he stayed back in Indiana at my other sister's house.

We were all so excited to see each other! I am so happy it worked out for us to take a little time to meet and catch up a little bit.

Taylor getting a hug from his cousin Ashley!
It was so cold so we hurried inside. Taylor and Nathan!
All of a sudden I saw something sparkling from Nathan's ears.

Yes, he got his ears pierced. Oh brother :-)

Our friends George and Janice were going to One Thing too so we were following each other. They stopped at Cracker Barrel with us too.

Steph and TaylorSteph, Ashley and Sierra

Steph, me and Todd

Steph and Landon

Our visit was too short but we were thankful for the time we had.

It was so hard to say goodbye! I really miss my sister's a lot. I have to plan a trip to Indiana.

Happy 4th and 2nd Annual Family Tennis Invitational

Happy Birthday America and Happy 4th of July to you all! We woke up this morning to a very rainy day which made us all sad because today we had scheduled the 2nd Annual Family Tennis Invitational. We found out later that morning that my cousin rented the Camargo Raquet Club that have inside courts so the tournament could go on as planned. We had two different tournaments going on at the same time . . .a children's and an adult. My cousin's son Sam was the event organizer this year. He did a great job!
Warming up!

Let the games begin. Each "good" player was given a "not so good" player to play with to keep things even.
Steph and Andrew

Ward
Nice form Steph!
Watch that ball Andrew!
Way to go Andrew B.
All those years of playing raquetball helped Carlos out today.

My dad plays tennis six days a week but he recently had knee surgery so he has to take it easy.
Todd must of liked that shot.
Dad played Taylor K and they won their first set.
Go Taylor K.

The Sports Enthusiast! Looking good dad!
My cousin Mari and my cousin Ward were teamed together.
Lauren and Andrew B. won their first set.

Watching from the box seats over head.

Sierra and Kaley
Kaley is ready to attack.
Sierra was ready too.

Great teamwork girls!
Shelby and Landon
Hey, where are your shoes Shelbster?
Ray and Travis were partners this year.

Taylor and Jamie made up another team.
Uncle Jim taking it all in.
More family onlookers

Last year Uncle Jim provided the "reunion t-shirts" this year Dad provided them. Thanks for shirts!

Shelby and Landon were the champions in the kids division.
Joe
Sam .. . . you did a great job organizing everything! You should be proud!
Michelle and Julia
You might be asking what does the Greek word "Yasou" mean?

YASOU : A Greeting of many meanings ; Hello, Good bye, Cheers, God Bless you.

Ansley, Sierra and Emily Grace
Everyone wanted to know who was going to be the big winners this year. Last year Jamie and Travis were the champions.

"I did my best!"

Carlos and Todd trying to pull off another win.

But Mari and Ward won the game.
Ashley and I didn't play this year due to the fact that there weren't enough adult players . . that's ok . . .it allowed me to take a lot of pictures and Ashley to catch up on some reading!
Andrew and Steph were knocked out.
Next year little Paisley will join us. She is due to be born in October.
We were all so happy you all could make it this year! We love you!

Steph received a call from St Louis where Nathan was playing in a baseball tourament. He ended up hitting in the winning run!
Julia and Taylor taking a break.
Whover wins this match will play Mari and Ward for the championship game which will take place tomorrow.
Carlos in deep thought.
Everyone was on the edge of their seats.

Love you Shelby!Dad was so happy years ago when after having three precious little girls the Lord blessed he and mom with a baby boy!
I am blessed to have the best sisters and the best brother in the world.And the two greatest parents. Thanks mom dad for treating us all to this whole week.
The whole gang
What a group we are!
Yasou!