Welcome to the US BBQ

We were invited to a Welcome to the US BBQ by another host family in our area.  Eugene came to the US through the C.A.S.T. program, along with two other boys from China, Charles and Jia Wei.  We have gotten together several times with the other two host families.  It's been great for the boys to get together and fun for us too.  We have made some good friendships from the exchange program.  The other families also have girls from China.  Here are photos from the BBQ we went to yesterday at Kent and Sheri's home, they are Jia Wei's host family. 

Charles and Eugene
Olivia and Lucy with Tybee

The exchange students....Eugene, Jia Wei and Charles

Jack playing with their dog

Jim and Willow-Charles host family

Kent and Sheri-JiaWei's host family

Our dear friend Yu Li and her twin boys, Jeff and John

Tybee, Lucy and Meadow

Day Trip to Mt Evans

We woke up on a Saturday morning and thought it would be fun to take a "day trip" to Mt Evans.  We decided to go before they close the road.  Mt Evans is the highest elevation road in North America.  The road usually closes in late September, because it is impassable due to snow.  We ended the trip with a visit to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Evergreen.  

Family photo with Eugene

Learning the differences between big horn sheep and mountain goats. 

Beautiful view from the top of Mt Evans

Big Daddy's Big Crash!

Jeff was in a car accident on the morning of September 14th.  He had just dropped Eugene off at the High School and was going to work.  A car, with two teenage girls pulled right out in front of him.  Luckily, no one was injured....except the 4 Runner.  Just a little reminder to count your blessings every day.  

Crazy American Vacation!

These are photos from our recent trip to the Lake of the Ozarks and our exchange student, Eugene.  We had planned a road trip to the Lake to visit with my mom and Fred before we knew we would be hosting our exchange student from China, we decided to keep our plans and bring Eugene with us.  Eugene didn't quite no what to think.....he has never been swimming, never been on a boat, never fished, basically this was literally a whole new world for him.  He called it a "crazy American vacation."  We had a great time!  

Jack on the waverunner

Lucy on the waverunner.  By the way......we brought it home!

Eugene video taping our "crazy American vacation."

Daddy's Girl

1, 2, 3...

JUMP!

SPLASH!

Eugene and Olivia 

Beautiful sunset over the Lake of the Ozarks

Cutie Pie

That's our Lucy.....fishing in a skirt.  :)

Sparlins Visit

Jeff's sister Julie, her husband Todd and their boys, Blake and Grant came to visit us from St Louis.  We found out 2 weeks before their visit that Jeff would have to be in Japan for business during their time here.  Jeff was bummed that he wouldn't be here to spend time with them.   Here are some photos we took while touring the Garden of the Gods.  We had fun catching up with them and the kids enjoyed playing together.  

Blake holding up "balancing rock" with one finger

Cousins

Sparlin Family photo