From Kuala Lumpur to Silver Spring

Not too many days elapsed between flying from Malaysia to Oregon and then getting on airplanes again to fly into National Airport to visit Mark and Marta, Daniel, Eli and Micah in Silver Spring, MD.

The two weeks back east passed quickly, but did include lots of "fun things," including the week-end with the whole family in Ohio (blog posting below). The picture above was taken along the Potomac River on an enjoyable hike along the the old Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. On the very next night after arriving in Maryland, Nancy and I took Daniel and Eli on the Metro to meet Mark after work for a Thursday night game between the Nationals and the Diamondbacks. (Alas, the home team lost!) Among the list of "fun things" experienced was a trip to the beach for Nancy, Marta and the kids. Ron plans to return to D.C. on frequent flyer miles in Sept.; however, this trip was Nancy's once-a-year opportunity to see Mark and Marta, Daniel, Eli & Micah. As a result, the trip was special!

On July 17th -- the anniversary for both of us -- we ended-up "celebrating" by going out with the whole family to I-Hop! The picture below of Daniel was taken on an outing on the Metro for just Nancy and Daniel to visit a D.C. museum.

A Family Reunion in the U.S. of A.

During Nancy's short sojourn in the U.S. this summer we managed to work-in a 2-week visit with Mark & Marta, Daniel, Eli and Micah on frequent flyer miles + arrange a "reunion" with the rest of our tribe at a state park in NE Ohio. We both flew to D.C. on separate airlines on July 9th and then rode in M&M's Toyota Siena to Punderson State Park near Cleveland on the 18th for three nights with Tasha and Doug, Tracy, Reeve, Gabi and Rania. (Tasha had flown-into Cleveland Friday a.m. on a red-eye from Portland.) Also joining us for portions of the week-end were Levi & Ramona Willits, Don and Lynn, Ray, David and Leidi. One big hit of the week-end was Ray's tractor-cab which provided exciting rides for the kids since Ray was in transit with a trailer-load from the east coast back to Iowa. The week-end was filled with fun events like swimming, fishing, boating and going out to eat. In addition, Doug was the "tech guy" to help Tasha and Marta film a video for The Amazing Race!

All-in-all it was a terrific time. We're really thankful that we could get together! Many pictures were taken including "portraits" of individuals like the one shown with Micah and his great-looking "Afro." - rw