A Cousin Encounter

Ok, while I was walking through the Seattle airport on my way to the airplane, I saw two faces that I recognized as being a part of my family, but couldn't remember their names. . .so I said, "Excuse me, are you related to the Frank family?" Of course, they recognized me, too and hugs were shared all around. Turns out Liz and LaDonna were on their way back to Alaska from where they saw Ivan (another cousin) graduate from basic training to be in the Air Force! We only chatted for about 5 minutes because I had to get on an airplane, but I DID remember to take a picture!

The Dedication of Chiara Nicole

So, this morning, after a very late night in Chicago, I got on the airplane again and flew to Seattle. It was a beautiful day, and we flew right over the city!I got there just in time to share some precious moments with Auntie Diane and Uncle Howard, and "The Queen" for the day before all the other guests got there. Waiting in anticipation for the guests to come.

Uncle Brad came and brought an instrument for her to play. . .well, she danced while he played. Notice the new shoes.

We then all went outside and had about a 10 minute devotional. Chiara lasted all of about a minute in her parent's arms. After all, the other kids were enjoying playing in the back yard!

Uncle Howard (who seemed to adopt a new kid every time I saw him :o ) and Aunt Diane said a little word of blessing, too.

Coco LOVED having her special friend, Nora, there. I think the love is pretty mutual!

Lots of good chats with the adults. . .

. . .in between herding the 13 kids that were all around.

These girls all thought Auntie Diane was the bomb! Look at those smiles!

You gotta' move quick if you want any posed pictures!

Anyway, a fun day, but a lot of work. Little baby two Wilcox had the hiccups after everyone left, so she got some attention from adoring fans as her mommy did "show and tell" and let everyone feel the effects on her belly. I can't wait to meet her in about 5-6 weeks!

Trans Siberian Orchestra

I would not recommend doing this on any given weekend, but right in the middle of my visit to Seattle, I flew to Chicago to go to a concert with Wendy, my roommate from San Francisco, and her parents. We'd been planning this for a couple months, and it just happened to fall on the same weekend of Chiara's dedication. So, I did both!Here we are waiting in line to get in to the theater.

The theater itself was very beautiful inside.

Sorry for the dark picture (no flash photography inside), but I had to get a pic of the two of us!

I loved this backdrop, one of MANY throughout the show.

And here's a little tiny glimpse of what the concert was about. GREAT musicians!

Chiara's Birthday/Dedication Visit

I have the chance to visit Chiara. . .got here the day AFTER she turned two. Stay tuned for as many pictures as turn out!

Guess Who's Two Today?!!

Bounty of Blossoms

And, just in case you missed it in the video. . . .

This is looking out our front window onto the street. Pretty nice, huh?

A Family Gathering

We had my roommate's family over for Easter dinner yesterday and it was a BEAUTIFUL day. I even think everyone had a good time! All-in-all, a really super gathering. Although, Emily and I sat at the end of the day with our feet up, kinda' dazed-looking. :o )

The REASON for EASTER!!

I sang this song with my choir in college, and it continues to be one of my very favorites to celebrate Easter. . .the TRUE Easter. These are the words.

The clouds had not yet lifted.
The tomb was sealed and dark.
The cruel cross had crucified the Hope of every heart.
The Son of God, the Lord of Light, by death had been destroyed.
And in the silence of the tomb,
He heard His Father's voice.

Arise, arise, First Star of the Morning Sky
Come forth, my anointed One into eternal life
Arise, arise, cast away death's dark disguise.
My glorious Son, Victorious One
In Majesty. . .Arise!

The earth began to tremble, the ground began to quake.
The mighty stone that sealed the tomb of death began to shake.
Then suddenly the darkness was shattered by His light
As Jesus Christ the Son of God burst through the doors of life!

Saturdy Night in D.C.

It's Cherry Blossom Time!!!! And the plan really was to go see them. Unfortunately, we ended up on the opposite side of the water from the trees, because that's where the party was! I still very much enjoyed the evening. . .. . .especially seeing the Capital Building up close (kinda') for the first time!We did see the cherry blossom trees.

There was a beautiful sunset, too!

But the real show started when the fireworks went off, something I didn't even know about until we were well into our plans for the afternoon. This was the grand finale.