Countdowns: It's been really windy all day, today. The east and south walls of our home are almost nothing but windows and there is a steep drop-off to our backyard, so, our living room and dining room windows allow us a fairly high vantage point. I love sitting here at the dining room table looking out over the trees as they sway with the wind. It is so beautiful!

Today, the girls and I were discussing what "count-downs" we have going on.... it is just two weeks until Darcy's birthday (the Fourth of July!), then six days hence to Doug's birthday, then exactly one week until we leave for our vacation in Canada!!! We have never done BIG things on the childrens' birthdays (well not since Darcy's fifth birthday, anyway!)...but, we always have family over for a potluck and cake and ice cream (and fire-works on Darcy's birthday since it falls on Independence Day). Planning the same this year. In addition to family, Darcy is having her good friends' family from Lebanon, MO up for her birthday. She and Faith will have an over nighter together. We became friends with Faith's family shortly after Doug came home from Taiwan... Faith's family was in process to adopt Doug's best friend from the Children's Home in Taiwan. Faith and Darcy (same age) became quick friends long before Faith's little brother, Aaron, was able to come home. Of course, Doug was delighted to see his old friend from Taiwan again! So it will be a double treat when they come up for Darcy's birthday...both of the older kids will get to have a good friend spending the night!

Then, on Doug's birthday, his best friend from school, Luke, and Luke's family will be coming over to our home for supper. Luke has an older sister that Darcy has a lot of fun with...so, again, it will be a treat for them both. Rayna, just loves company no matter 'whose' company it is. She never winds up being a third wheel...she gets right in the middle of everything and her presence is enjoyed by all!

Then it is off to the Canadian wilderness!!!  ¶ 6/20/2006 11:42:00 AM