Family Time in Phoenix

We went to Phoenix for a weekend visit to see J's family since we would not be able to go out for Christmas. His mom & dad are both recovering from surgeries and we had fun going out on the town seeing Christmas lights and visiting our old church. Here are some pictures of time spent with Steph's relatives and Jason's parents. I do believe this saying is very true - absence makes the heart grow fonder!

Family Portrait

Family pictures taken during Thanksgiving visit - Ryan may kill me for putting in his picture, but he's such a stud! (these are prior to cropping)

Belle Island

The James River runs through downtown Richmond and there is a small island in the middle called Belle Island that was made into a park. A bridge hung under one of the freeways takes you out and there are many huge, flat rocks near the shore where people hang out, sunbathe, play with their pets, kayak in the river, etc. The island used to house many steel mills and an old confederate imprisonment camp. A very cool place to hang out!

View of downtown Richmond from the bridge

J & Ryan near the rapids

James River

The fam hanging out on the rocks

A "Real Fall" Thanksgiving

We are most grateful for our family, friends and God's constant provision. But above all, we are thankful for His grace - it is the anchor of our lives and brings us great joy. But back to family, we had a great time stuffing ourselves, watching football and playing games. Oh, and laughing at my mom trying to play football! Way to put yourself out there mom!

Ryan & Mom playing football

Steph & Jason at the "feast"

View from our backyard - trees look like they're on fire

Colonial Williamsburg

My parents and brother came out for Thanksgiving and we ventured out to Williamsburg to visit the historic town - it was one of the original English settlements and has been kept in tact. The trees were so amazingly beautiful and had the boldest colored leaves falling everywhere. We sat in the pews at the local church where George Washington and Thomas Jefferson worshipped, drank "ginger beer", toured through the original Capitol of Virginia, and listened to a reenactment of the Declaration of Independence to the "townfolk." I am quite grateful for 21st century inventions...and any amount of butter I want!

Dad & Ryan in the stocks!

View of the "main drag"

Lunch at the colonial restaurant

The militia are coming!

J & Steph outside the Capitol

One of the oldest churches in America

We're Boring

It's been a few weeks since we've included anything on our blog, but there is honestly nothing spectacular to inform you about. When I asked Jason what we should say since we are boring, he replied "tell them we're boring!" So, I'm following his advice. However, the holiday season will soon be in high gear and we have several plans over the next couple months, so there will be some more updates soon.

Spiritually, we have been studying on finances and biblical giving. This has stemmed from our church's capital campaign for building expansion. What a yucky subject! We have definitely been convicted regarding covetousness, greed, our attitudes toward possessions, and how to glorify God through giving. These next two months will really give us opportunity to work out our convictions!

I'm adding some pictures of the fall in Virginia. These were taken at a lake off the small country road that I take to work everyday. At least there's good scenery during my 45 min. commute!

Changes

I am not a big fan of change...it requires flexibility, patience, and a sense of insecurity. However, we have loved seeing the seasonal changes since moving to Virginia. Being folks from Arizona, who knew that trees actually change color! Here are some pictures from our back screened-in porch of the different seasons we've experienced since coming here in April.

Almost Spring - April

Day before Easter - A freak snowfall...you can even see some of the snow at the right

Summer

Fall - this doesn't do justice to the beautiful colors in the trees

In the Beginning...

Here we are, adhering to the cultural standards of 21st century blogging. We finally decided to give in and provide a place where our friends and family can be connected to us since we have migrated East. The title needs an explanation - what do you get when you cross a therapist (deep, provocative, analytical) with a helicopter pilot (flighty, adventurous, moves where the wind blows)? The answer: therapy from 5,000 feet. Two people who are provocatively adventurous! We will try to update our blog regularly with photos and thoughts/lessons from our lives. We hope that this will keep us intimate with those who are miles away and, in turn, glorify God with our relationships.

From Lafayette to DC

J's job had him ferry a brand new helicopter from Lafayette, LA up to DC and I had the awesome privelege of tagging along. The view from above was breathtaking and we experienced gigantic reminders of how big God is and all that belongs to Him. Seeing migrating birds fly by - soaring above winding rivers - witnessing the newly colored trees on top of mountains - taking in a sunset at 4,000 feet - true beauty! Here are some pictures of the whole excursion...

Waiting to take off in Lafayette

Mississippi River in Alabama

Jason's "GQ" Picture

Sunset at 4,000 feet in Tennessee