Summer 2026 Trip#5 Nashville Again

Final trip in August...we got home from Washington at 11:30pm on a Sunday night. Cole jumped back into work bright and early on Monday morning while Keaton and I prepped for Nashville. Asked and Answered Friends, Keaton has raised enough money to attend his dream college! The Lord has provided through the many large and small contributions to this effort. Thank you all for the prayers too. Keaton is so thankful. I am so thankful. We are still raising funds for next year (if you are so inclined). Here is the link to the info if you'd like to give or if you have specific questions, please reach out directly:   LINK to Keaton's 529

After Cole left for work Monday morning, Keaton and I started piling his belongings into the back of my car. We were able to fit the mini-fridge, his art books, a small TV, his clothes, bedding, and his dad's acoustic guitar. Then we drove 2 days (15 hours) to get to Nashville. Stopped partway to stay with friends outside of Dallas. (Many thanks Steve and Lisa - annnnd your little dog too....) Made it to the dorm where we were greeted with hot, sticky, Nashville weather. Oh. My. Word. So hot. We were also greeted by a group of friendly guys who carried all of Keaton's stuff up to his dorm room on the 3rd floor. Praise God the A/C works brilliantly in the dorm room!  

Monday evening we met Keaton's roommate and his parents. Then I left Keaton and drove a few blocks to my Airbnb. Keaton started his orientation - Quest Week - and I stayed put in Nashville one more day to catch up on email, payrolls, and general client work before heading out on the 2-day journey back home. I've heard stories of some moms breaking down when leaving a kid at college. That never happened for me. I think it was the overwhelming sense that he is right where he needs to be at this point in his life. Truly a sense of peace at how everything came together for him. Or maybe that this was our last travel for the summer and I was on the downhill slide? What I know for sure is Keaton was very sweet, sharing deep hugs and words of gratitude for "everything you've ever done for me" and for all of our friends/family that made this move happen, plus maybe a little uncertainty that he could do this college thing without me nearby. He frequently uses the term: imposter syndrome. But in the subsequent weeks I can tell he's gaining traction. We talk or text pretty much daily. He found a church he enjoys, even though he has to search around for a ride to get there. Loves his animation classes and is making acquaintances in his classmates. He's actually breathing better (hasn't used inhaler much) which makes me wonder if he's allergic to our cats or our dusty weather in West Texas? He is surely missed around our house. Not just for the chores that Cole and I had to take over, but just for his cheerful demeanor and camaraderie. Cole and Keaton FaceTime every other day or so. Very thankful we are all in the same time zone. Now that Keaton is settled in Nashville, we are looking at a new season for our family -- my dad is soon to move in with Cole and me. Stayed tuned for more on that.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven;

A time to be born, and a time to die;

A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;

A time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; 

A time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, and a time to lose;

A time to keep, and a time to throw away;

A time to tear, and a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate;

A time of war, and a time of peace.

Summer 2026 Trip#4 Fidalgo

On to the August trips...

The boys' childhood friend Ethan got married this summer and we had the opportunity to attend a wedding reception at our old stomping grounds in the Pacific Northwest. July/August are usually the best months for visiting and despite some smoke on the first day (due to wildfires in Spokane area), the rest of the trip we were blessed with gorgeous weather.  We were only able to stay a few days, and sadly did not get to visit our old church, but the boys took full advantage of being near the water again. Upon our arrival, Riley immediately took the guys out in a boat for an adventure around the island. Most of these photos were taken by Cole. Who, incidentally, took photos at the reception for a picture guest book for Ethan and Reilly. (Amazing, don't you think?) 

The Evans' farm is always a great place to rest and relax. Unfortunately I had a lot of client work to complete, as the timing of this trip was just hard. I won't complain, though, because I was able to spend time with a few friends and the boys and I did some exploring at Washington Park too. In fact, while sitting on a bench some very tame birds fluttered around nearby and one landed on Keaton's knee and then his hand. Kinda cool!

Evans' chickens

Evans' dahlias

This is the first time Cole had been back since we moved in 2022. It was all very nostalgic for the three of us. We tried to hit the highlights, our old neighborhood, the water views and lookouts we always enjoyed; all of this triggering memories of their childhood in the Pacific Northwest. Being together for the first trip all summer, we made new memories as well. Riley took the guys out to pull crab pots one afternoon. And we were able to lay some flowers on Eric's headstone. All in all a lovely trip, just too short (in my opinion.)

Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days. that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Summer Trip Interlude

Yes, we did a lot of traveling this summer. But for the record, we did stay home in July. And I know that I complain about the lack of "beauty" in West Texas. Sorry to all the natives who love the landscape here...I'm trying to embrace it; really, I am. As the old saying goes, we should try to stop and smell the roses. God's version is more like this: "Be still, and know that I am God." On my walks through my neighborhood, I've been taking photos of what I'm calling "Urban Beauty". This week I even spotted a hummingbird and a hawk. Here's my collection of moments where I realize God creates beauty because He loves it and He wants to share it with us. I continue to work on the weeds in my backyard - - maybe someday I can take photos of gorgeous perennials in my yard. Until then, here are some pics from the 'hood.

       

And one last item to note. On our travel BACK from California, we actually drove 2 cars. Thank you Grandpa Neufeld! Cole was able to purchase a car that Grandpa had sort of been saving for him. He absolutely loves it. What I love is that Cole has immediately gotten involved in the care and maintenance. He researched when something was amiss, changed out a battery. He learned to change the oil. He took it to the shop and got some things repaired that were beyond his expertise. What a blessing to have his own wheels! (And I get to drive my car again....yay!)

"For the beauty of the earth,
for the beauty of the skies,
for the love which from our birth 
over and around us lies.
Christ, our God, to you we raise
this, our sacrifice of grateful praise."

-Folliott Pierpoint 1864

Summer2026 Trip#3B Grand Canyon

On my 55th birthday Keaton and I explored the Grand Canyon. We got there just after sunrise (which was challenging given we were both weary from the long drive from the California Coast the day before.) The early morning start gave us several hours to walk the southern rim of the canyon and take a million photos. The vastness of this landscape is just hard to describe in words or pictures. But here are a few pics from that memorable day. Honestly, if you get a chance, go and see it for yourself. The average person can hit the highlights in one day. There is a free bus system that takes you along the rim with various stops and pickups. Keaton and I did take the bus partway, but we also walked a lot of steps because we like the stillness of the spots with less crowds. Saw lots of VERY tame squirrels, birds, some deer. Just like Cole and I were able to explore DC and make great memories in May, being with Keaton at the Grand Canyon made for a very precious time for mother and son. 

Psalm 121:1-2 "I lift my eyes to the mountains - where does my help come from? My help comes form the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."

Summer2026 Trip#3A California

First things first. UPDATE on the BIG ASK. We have Keaton's first semester at Lipscomb covered. Whew! Now I'm trying to sort out the technical pieces of withdrawal from 529 plan to pay the school. I have until August 1st to figure that out. For the Spring, we lack only $9,000. How amazing is that!!! Here's the link again if you want to pray and consider a gift: CLICK LINK TO the 529 WEBSITE. We are also in the process of applying for another scholarship. Thank you SO much to all the folks that have helped us out with this. Only the Lord could work this out. Truly. Now Keaton is working to gather dorm room supplies and decide what to pack up. He turned in his resignation letter for Texas Roadhouse effective August 3rd. But they already asked if he would be able to work during school breaks. (He has been told he is "top-notch at quality control" in the dish pit!) We leave for move-in day on August 10th. Please continue to pray for us.

Secondly, it's been a summer of travel. Here we are mid-July and I finally feel like I'm back into a rhythm and routine again at home & work. We'll be here in Texas a few more weeks before our next trip. Stay tuned for more on that....

In mid-June, Keaton and I joined all of his Dad's siblings and parents in California for a group project. Cole had to stay home and work, so he missed out on this trip. The Neufeld tribe spent a couple of days working our way through clean up and clean out of the grandparent's house. They are contemplating a move to assisted living. It was a lot of work, but a fun time too. One morning I had to stay back at the hotel and work but sent Keaton on ahead to help. He was really able to soak up the love of his aunts and uncles and listen to them tell stories of Eric and his antics as a young boy. He was certainly a character! Keaton and I went to bed every night thankful for this extended family. Sure, he is related by his DNA. But I am not. Still, after 25 years with these folks, I certainly feel as if I'm grafted in as a true sister. "It is such a special thing," Keaton acknowledged after his first trip being around all of them as an adult. It was also a celebration of Grandma and Grandpa Neufeld's 65th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!

After a couple of days of sweating profusely, filling a dumpster, and multiple trips to give away things at the thrift store, we all convened at the coast at our favorite beach hangout for some R&R. 

Cayucos Pier

Morro Rock

I absolutely love the Pacific Ocean. I'm sure I've said this before in this space, but I can feel my blood pressure going down any time we are here. Eric's sister told me through tears that is is hard to come back to this place because she has so many memories of Eric here. It still seems like he should be here with us. I concur. But this trip, the Lord blessed me in so many ways with a sense of belonging and deep joy, that I will cherish it forever. We spent one day at Hazard Beach in Montana de Oro state park, also a fav among the Neufeld clan. Keaton has been here before as a child. I'd say he was probably five or six. But being able to experience it with his uncles and aunts was new and different and very memorable.

Keaton, Brian, David & Tim climb to the top

Keaton and Uncle Brian - Kings of the Rock

Cole and I love Brown Butter Cookie Co!

At the last minute, David decided to rent a boat in Morro Bay. To Cindy's surprise, he was the boat captain! We got a close up view of the sea lions and Morro Rock from the water. But we made it back to the harbor in time for a Mexican Fiesta with the fam.

Kirk, Tim & Cindy

Here are a few random pics of the ones we love: Cindy (& Stella), Laurie (& Keaton with his back turned), Uncle Brian (still trying to complete his stupid human trick--balancing a drink on a nickel), Timothy & Kori

The only couple I didn't get photos of were Jonathan and Terri. I'm not sure why that is, but I am very thankful to them for basically organizing this work party and reunion. Over the past several years, each of the children and grandchildren have left California. And though all of us have moved far away, thanks to Terri's contract job placements in the Bay Area, she and Jon have been on regular visits to care for Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa) and help them gracefully make this transition to assisted living.

This is only part one of our California adventure. We had another adventure coming home!

This summer I've been watching the TV show "Blue Bloods". There are 14 seasons on Paramount + y'all! It's a police procedural drama. The Grandpa was a police commissioner, the Dad is a police commissioner, the brothers are cops, the sister is an assistant district attorney. Despite their personality differences, faith and family continually bind them together. Admittedly, I am envious of the fictitious Reagan family tradition of sharing Sunday dinner together every week. IRL (in real life) we experienced  several family dinners on this California Road Trip, so it seemed appropriate to quote this Irish Blessing for my Mennonite Family from California.

"May the road rise to meet you,

may the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again, 

may God hold you in the palm of His hand."