Japan, here they come!

Well, it was a bittersweet time for us, that's for sure. Chris, Jenna, and Elle were able to spend 6 days with us before heading off to Japan on Sunday. Saturday, we invited all the family over to spend the day with us in celebration of Chris's move. Celebration? Really? Ok, that might be stretching it. He will be gone for 4 years and that's a really long time to be separated from your child. So, having so many people around on Saturday was both fun and comforting. We are excited for Chris and Jenna but also mourn them being so far away. It was a big day in our lives, that's for sure.

Sunday was not the best day, I'll admit. I've done really well at living in denial since Chris got his orders but there comes a time when you can deny no longer! That time for me came Sunday at the airport. I think everyone did really well until then. As soon as we got to the airport before we even checked in, I felt the stinkin tears come and turned my back on everyone. I think Brandon is the only one who noticed. Thanks to the terrorists, all we could do was walk him to security and then we had to let him go. It was incredibly hard. There is probably only one thing in my life that has been more difficult than having to say goodbye to Chris that day.

He was great at staying in touch with us as they made their many flights. They had 6 checked bags, a carseat, stroller, 3 backpacks and a baby to tote from Dallas to Denver; Denver to Honolulu; Honolulu to Tokyo; a 2 hour bus ride to their last flight which took them to Misawa. Praise God for all of you who were praying for their safety and Elle's disposition. She did great. The last hour and a half was not pleasant because she was not allowed to sit in her carseat and she was so tired. But, other than that, she was a trooper. They no longer have cell service, but did call at 6am this morning to let us know they were in Misawa and about to crash for the night. They arrived during evening so they were able to go on to sleep at the right time which is a blessing considering they've now lost several hours in the time difference.

Please continue to lift them in prayer as they look for permanent housing and get a feel for their new environment. Brandon and I can't wait to go visit!!

Here are some pictures from our visit before they left.

Carrell's and Dain's

Mamaw, Chris, Jenna, and Elle

She had to be bribed with a package of Pops!

Jaden, Robert, Kaci, Colt, Elle, Cheyanne, Emma

Kaci and Emma (being sweet)

Jayden walking around the garden

Aunt Mandy taking the kids for a ride on the golf cart

Elle in her new Cowboys Cheer Suit

??? We worked all our cattle on Friday. Chris hasn't had to do that in awhile! Some of them weren't branded. I guess I took a pic of one of their brands. This is mine and Bran's brand - two C's back to back with a cross in the middle. It's significant to our lives now. We haven't always lived with the Lord center, that's for sure. Praise the Lord for 2nd and 3rd chances....and 4th...and 5th.... :) Working cows that day was quite eventful. Our cows did pretty well though there is always a nut or two. Dad has some battle wounds from it. It was great fun!

Awww....Elle and Bran checking cows

Bran and Jay getting ready to start the tractor

Kaci and Colt

All the kids on the tractor

Kaci is all about posing. Sometimes it actually looks cute!

Manda, Colt, and Buddy

I'm not sure what's going on here.

Elle and Jayden trying to decide who will steer and who will work the pedals

Elle with Lizzy

Elle and Jayden feeding some of the bucking bred cows, B and Blue

Elle and Jayden in the calf pen

Uncle Ben, Aunt Manda, and Emma (Ben's sidekick)

Meema telling Chris bye Saturday....*sniff*

Aunt Mandy and Cheyanne. Mamaw in the background

Looks like some Dain's and a Carrell or two

Mike, Robin, Uncle Cecil, Aunt Judy, Meema, and Jordan getting ready to leave. Notice how Robert is front and center in both of these pictures. He always tries to get in.

Jordan and Kaci

Mamaw, Cheyanne, Aunt Manda, Aunt Mandy, Kaci

Uncle Cecil and Jordan

Cindy and sweet sleeping Colt

Uncle Cecil and Meema

Aunt Judy and Emma

Opening Day of deer season! It's a tradition in our family to dress in camo on opening day. Brandon likes it for some reason so we all do it!

Brandon and Robert

Mike and Aunt Judy

Jenna, Robin, Chris, Elle, Emma

Emma doing a headstand and Elle trying to imitate

Is there any hair under there?

Chris went up to Robert's class to talk to them about the Air Force and Firefighting

Everyone got to try on the coat, touch the helmet and gloves. Cool!

Robert introducing Chris

Quite a proud moment for Robert

Getting a ride around the kitchen!



Chris, Jenna, and Elle: We miss you! Have a great time while you are there. Soak up every minute not just in Japan but every minute you have together! It's a precious gift.

I have come that they may have life - life to the full John 10:10