Test of Toddler Patience

Last night we splurged and bought Adela a swing. Leo had planned to hang it up Saturday when he had more time, but it was evident when we got home that Addy wasn't going to sleep until she had swung! As I prepared dinner and tried my best to distract Adela with her favorite activity of the moment - coloring, Leo was drilling holes in the doorway for the hooks. Addy would stand by him saying/crying, "Houpy, houpy....Daddy....houpy, houpy (swing, swing)." It was humorous and pitiful at the same time as Adela's and Daddy's patience was tested. As you can see, she was overjoyed to finally swing. I must say that having the swing is a great bargaining tool: "Finish your dinner first and then you can swing... Let's put your pajamas on and then you can swing..." Getting the dishes and dinner done while pushing the swing WILL be interesting though!

Salzburg in the Rain

Reading a favorite Bert and Ernie sign language book

Castle in Salzburg

Mozart's birthplace

Mirabell Gardens

Walking back to the car

We just returned from a very brief vacation to Velden and Salzburg, Austria. At the missions conference in Velden, we had a great time visiting several missionary families that are serving in Europe. (I'll send more pictures to you personally, Hickory Chapel family!) Adela enjoyed the time with the kids as well. The best part of our time in Salzburg was relaxing in a nice pension and having a pleasant breakfast with some interesting people. The weather was cold and rainy, so we couldn't see much of the mountains or anything else for that matter. I think we were the only crazy people in the whole city chasing a toddler around historical sites in the rain. I guess the rest of the world knows better. The best part for Adela was waving bye-bye to strangers in McDonalds, splashing in puddles, collecting rocks in the garden, admiring the fountain and riding up and and down the escalator in a store for 15 minutes! We drove straight back from Salzburg to Brno last night while Addy was sleeping. The whole trip was a true test of patience and endurance for Leo and me, and I think we have learned a valuable lesson - home is a wonderful place to spend a vacation! I look forward to seeing Salzburg again when Adela is about 20!

Happy 60th Birthday, Daddy!

Today my wonderful father turns 60. For him, I know this day is just another fantastic milestone. Daddy lives his life to the fullest and does his best to look on the bright side of everything. He has a smile and a kind word for all that he meets. He loves his Savior and puts Him first. He is a great encourager. I'm thankful for all that my Dad has taught me and I look forward to all the years ahead that I will have to learn even more from him. Have a wonderful birthday, Daddy! We are celebrating with you across the ocean.