Disney World

LOVE in the Magic Kingdom

Isaiah, Samm, and Ike go into Space!

Gary, Joel, and Josiah-TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!

TIGGER and Friends

Isaac and Isaiah SAVE the Universe on Buzz Lightyear!! Good Job Boys!

We were able to venture South to Orlando, Florida and experience the "happiest place on Earth". It was a wonderful trip. With our Keys to the Kingdom we toured Disney's Magic Kingdom first. We spent 15 hours in the park and saw IT ALL! The crowds were light and the weather was nice so with 6 strong bodies we conquered the park. The boys LOVED the "crazy train" and Space Mountain.

Day 2 we wandered the Lands of Epcot. It was very educational in both the scientific area and the culture. We opened that park at 8am and saw and rode all the great rides. The boys were feeling ill so they headed back to the cabin while Gary and I stayed to see the closing fireworks. It was a magnificent display of lights and explosions. Gary the "pyro" Loved it!

Day 3 we experienced MGM Hollywood Studios. They had some awesome shows. It was neat seeing the stunts and behind the scenes of Indiana Jones. The stunt show with racing cars, motorcycles, and seadoos was wonderful. They had the stunt cars driving around like a synchronized dance. It was very impressive. We all survived the Tower of Terror and the AeroSmith Roller Coaster. After one trip on each though, Gary and I could just wait and watch while the boys went on 3 and 4 times.

Day 4 was at the Disney Wild Animal Park. Much to our surprise the boys liked that park the most. It had beautiful creatures, big and small. It rained this day so we were able to enjoy all the indoor shows. Since it was raining we rode the water rapid ride and we all were able to avoid the waves, except Isaiah. But we were prepared with ponchos so it wasn't too troubling.

Before we headed home we drove East to spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center. It was so impressive what mankind has done to get himself into outer space. We saw life size models of the International Space Station and a Space Shuttle. It was a great learning experience.

So now we return to Atlanta to prepare for Christmas. We have decorated with a few Nativity Scenes. We plan on going North to visit the Weavers in North Carolina and then the much anticipated to trip home to California.

May you all have a wonderful CHRISTmas and a very Happy New Year. You are loved and appreciated. Blessings and Joy to you and yours!!

Thanksgiving Road Trip

MLK Museum....so moving.

The Family with "Marshmellow" the alligator....so sweet!

On the muddy Mississippi...in "Nawlins"

The Boys on the Beach in Panama City, Florida

So we conquered 6 states in 7 days. We headed South on Sunday before Thanksgiving and drove through Alabama and into Florida. We stayed in Panama City Beach for 2 nights and enjoyed the BEAUTIFUL white sandy beaches. The water was cool but not too swimmable. The boys are tougher and they got in. I never thought I would miss that "sea" smell but I sure do. It was neat hearing the waves crash again.

From Panama City we headed west and hit Alabama again, Mississippi, and Louisiana. We stayed in New Orleans for 2 nights in the French Quarters. It was a neat town but very risque. We walked down Bourbon St and got off it after a few blocks. It was not impressive just oppressive with the drinking and all. Joel said, "Now I know why a hurricane came through here, to clean it up."

We also saw the Mississippi River, and Ward 9 where Hurricane Katrina did the most damage. After 5 years only 20% of the homes have been repaired. It is quite sad. We also went on a Air Boat ride through the marshes and bayous of Louisiana. We got to hold an alligator and even see a HUGE one on the banks. We learned about how the water is rising and causing ecological damage. It was enlightening and educational.

From New Orleans we went North to Mississippi to visit the Johnson family. We got to see Liz, Aymar, Kathy, Frank, Jason, Mike, Mark, JW, Patty Kay, and all the kids. It was fun catching up and laughing and eating. We played football in the front yard. The boys had a great time.

After Mississippi we headed North to Memphis, Tennessee. That was an interesting city. It too is on the Mississippi river and has so much history. We toured a Slave Haven home. It was so informative about the slaves and how they were treated and how they went about escaping. From there we went over to the Lorraine Motel. This is were Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. The museum there is well done and so informational. It is so sad that a man who loved so much and had so much to offer ALL of society was terminated. It just seems so sad. Why can't we all just get along?

From Memphis we went East to Nashville, Tennessee. OpryLand was beautiful and impressive. We got to see a LIVE XM radio show at the original Opry House. There was a line up of about 12 performers and at least 8 were Opry Members. Our favorite was Jimmy Waynne. He sings great and has a wonderful testimony. Brad Paisely was the high light of the night.

From Nashville we headed South back "home" to Marietta, GA. It was a great trip and wonderful memories. This land of ours is so gorgeous. We are blessed to be able to see so much of it.

Thrasher Ice Hockey and the Rockettes

Sammie and Gary off to the Fox Theater to see the Rockettes.

The family waiting for the Fun at the Thrasher hockey game.

We went to see our friends from California, the LA Kings, play the Atlanta Thrashers in ice hockey at the Phillips Arena. The thought of the Phillips arena being constantly converted back and forth to a basketball court for the Atlanta Hawks was amazing in itself. The hockey players were awesome skaters and at the end of the first period it was still 0 - 0 but not for long. In the second period the Thrashers made 3 quick scores in a matter of about 5 minutes. Flames shot out from overhead and the crowd cheered. A player made a late hit after the whistle and pandemonium broke out with 7 different fights erupting and the crowd cheering like they were watching the Gladiators in the Roman Coliseum. Finally things settled down to one pair of skaters still duking it out and the referees finally jumped in to stop them once they hit the ground, helmets off and still swinging away at each other. The game resumed, the LA Kings switched out their goaltender and the Thrashers added another 4 goals to finish the game at 7-0. It was an exciting game with a lot of emotion.

The Christmas Party for INPO was a great event at the Fox. Everyone was dressed up so nice and preshow cocktail buffet for Gary's work was a real treat. The theater is beautiful and there was artificial snow blowing out on the street out front. The show's last scene was a beautiful portrayal of the Nativity with a very bold message of the story of Christ. Not expected at all but so very appropriate and a great way to start out the Christmas season.

November Fun

Josiah panning for gems at the Tellus Museum.

The family at the Etowah Indian Mounds

Isaac being awarded Lineman of the Year. WOOHOO!

Guess who I love???

Isaiah carving his treasured pumpkin.

Well Football and Lacrosse ended with a bang. The boys all played well and learned new skills. Isaac even WON Lineman of the Year! Good Job! Joel, Ike and Josiah plan to play football next year for Crown and Isaiah wants to play flag football. We will see.

This month has been full of Field Trips. We toured the Federal Reserve Bank in downtown Atlanta. It is one of six banks throughout the country that helps monitor the economic pulse and advise the government on interest rates and such. It was neat seeing counterfeit money. We even got shredded money that was taken out of circulation.

We also went up to Cartersville, GA and saw the Etowah Indian Mounds. That was a step back in time. It is a beautiful location for a tribe. It is right along a river and seemed so advanced for primitive man. They gardened, built permanent structures and had elaborate weapons. The boys liked that. They even played unique games like "Chunky Ball". We tried to play but Gary wouldn't let us throw rocks at each other.

We also toured the Tellus Museum. It too is in Cartersville. It is a science museum with beautiful displays of every rock, gem, and mineral you could imagine. They also had a Periodic Table of the Elements and sample of each element. That made it real to the boys. In the fossil area they had great samples of huge dinosaurs and other extinct animals. The boys even tricked me into touching dinosaur poop...YUCK! The Tellus also had a transportation section. Their display of the Apollo adventures was great. I never really realized that there were so many trips into space in only a short 5 year span.

We also toured a display of the Anne Frank Mobile Museum. It was in the Decatur, Ga City Hall. It was a good conclusion to our reading of her book. It still boggles my mind that so many innocent human beings can be treated so brutally. I pray that never happens again. That time in history is so impressionable and I hope we never forget how low the human race can go.

On a totally different note, Gary and I went to an INPO Holiday Party at the Fox Theatre in downtown Atlanta. We got to see the Radio City Rockettes do a Christmas show. It was entertaining but I think they discriminate against those of us females who are blessed with much shorter legs. We can still kick high. But whatever.

So now we prepare for the coming holidays. Thanksgiving is upon us. We are grateful for All of God's Abundant Blessings. Our family and friends make our life so fulfilled. Sharing Life together makes us appreciate one another and all we have. May you and yours treasure your time together this Thanksgiving and truly appreciate the blessings you have in Him.

A Grammy Visit

Grammy in the "corn maze"...aka dead brush..

oops..sorry....turn your right ear to your shoulder to see the boys and Grammy on our stairs

Now put your left ear to your shoulder to see our pumpkins...you didn't expect exercise class....

The soft and sweet camel.....

Gary, Grammy and BITO on the lake...

It has been a whirlwind of excitement and business in the South for the Closes. Grammy Close came for a spell and we kept her on her toes. In two weekends we watched 4 football games and 6 lacrosse games. Two of the football games were in VERY cold weather with rain falling. It was hard to keep warm. Unfortunately we told Grammy to bring lite clothing so we got to bundle her up in Poppa's coat and socks that Gary inherited.

Grammy LOVED our lake and wildlife. We enjoyed the bright red cardinals, the mallard family who adopted a Canadian goose, the chipmunks, the turtles and so much more. On Grammy's first day here a big great blue heron swooped in and stayed on a stump off our backyard for an entire day. It was Grammy's "Hi from Heaven" from Poppa.

We ate and ate and ate....too much yummy things, Steak and Shake, Panda, QT treats, Missoes, Maple Cookies. Now we must fast. Grammy is awesome at keeping the meals planned and the kitchen running smoothly. Her last night here Ike, Grammy and I labored over chicken burritos with black beans, papaitas, and guacamole. It was a wonderful treat to end the visit.

Yesterday we ventured out to a corn maze. Unfortunately it was overly soaked with rain and wind so it wasn't much of a maze, more of a path through some brush. It was a beautiful farm though with 5 blow up bounce house type structures, a hay ride, and a springy trampoline jump. We also got to pick our pumpkin and feed and pet camels. It was a warm day enjoying the treasures of the south. Thanks Grammy for a wonderful visit. Ya'll come back, ya hear?

So now we are alone again until January when we will be heading back to California for a visit. We will be home Dec. 30th through Jan. 11th. Look for the boys on your front doors.

Love and Hugs,

Samm and the Boys

U2 Concert and Kennesaw Mountain

Josiah, Gary and Joel on top of Kennesaw Mountain over looking Georgia...

Ike and Joel making their way down the trail

Bono on the bridge....at the concert....in the Georgia Dome......AWESOME!

Bono Vox on the BIG SCREEN

The STAGE!!! Quite elaborate and impressive...

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!! U2 at the Georgia Dome, October 6th, 2009

And it was a wonderful concert. Gary and I enjoyed a night out listening to some awesome music. The Georgia Dome was packed. We were expecting to see loads of young kids enjoying the concert. To our surprise we were young compared to the rest of the crowd. I guess since the band is in their 50's their following would be too. It was a just a shocker since I was expecting to be an oldie. They did a two hour show with lots of oldies I remember and some new ones I will grow to love. It was neat singing "Amazing Grace" and honoring our soldiers with Bono. We sat next to an army officer and I got to thank him personally for serving our country. It was very cool.

We enjoyed a beautiful hike to Kennesaw Mountain this past Sunday. There are not many mountains around here but we found one to climb. It is about ONE mile up. It does not quite compare to Half Dome or Havasu Falls down in the Grand Canyon but it was still a great day.

They boys have been leaning on one another and building lasting relationships with each other. If Georgia helped create more lasting memories and bonding within our family than it is all worth it.

Yesterday the six of us, and Bobito, went to a nearby park and played catch with lacrosse sticks and balls, a frisbee and played some kick back with a soccer ball. As we were leaving, a group soccer players of Jamaican decent, were starting a game of soccer. They gathered some trash cans for goals and put out shoes for end lines. Joel walked over toward them and they yelled out, "Hey WHITE boy...you wanta play? Bring your ball and you can play." So Joel in all his boldness ran to get his ball and joined in. I did not have my camera but it was classic Joel....finding friends anywhere, even in a group of "brothers" in Georgia. He played until 7:30 pm and we had to go back to the park and get him. They said, "See ya Bro," as he left. It was a cool thing.

Missing California....We booked flights. We will be home Dec. 30th- Jan. 11th. Can't wait!

Joy!

Sammie for the Close Clan

Lacrosse and Home Coming Dance

Isaac and Joel off to Home Coming 2009

Josiah in white helmet and white jersey whacking away....

Isaiah is focused and ready to conquer...

Poppa fishing on the pond.

Josiah in our backyard fishing. This photo was taken from the boat looking back towards our house.

Well another HUGE milestone for the Close family. Isaiah and Josiah tried their hands at a new sport and did a wonderful job, if I may say so myself. Lacrosse is a fast action, rough, and tumble team sport with lots of physical contact and close shots. Both boys have picked up the game real well. I guess all that excellent soccer coaching and experience helped them out. Enjoy some of the action shots.

Joel and Ike went to their FIRST Home Coming dance with The Knights Academy. They play football for the Knights. It is a Christian Home school group that offers classes twice a week and a full sports program. Although they don't do the classes they are still able to participate in the sports programs. Plus they have all the extras like Home Coming, Prom, and Pep Rallies. It is a neat experience for them. They went to the dance with other football players and had a great time.

It has been a fun month having Mom and Dad here. Dad has helped fix little and big things around the house. Mom keeps the kitchen clean and has helped a bit with school. We went to Stone Mountain and climbed the Sky Hike. It was fun dangling from the ropes with Mom and Dad. They did great.

God is Good, All the Time!

Close Family

CDC and Other Stuff

Isaiah's First Fish....We tried to "release" him but it took too long....poor guy...

An "Amazing Race Challenge" with the Youth Group....Ike is a Chubby Bunny, Helen from Russia is the "stuffer" and Gary is the judge...

On the Pond with Dad.....Josiah and Gary

More Fun at Home School Youth Group.....THE MINE FIELD!!! Watch were you step Josiah....those are HOMINY MINES...

Hello Again,
Just a short update to share some happenings here....

We went to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, on a field trip. It was quite interesting. There are many jobs there that do not require a medical background. We watched several video presentations and then walked through the displays. It was interesting to see the math, science, social sciences all working together to help people become healthier. Not only do they discover and find cures for diseases but they try and help people fight obesity, cigarettes, and other social problems. But again I forgot my camera.....Sorry.

Gary has joined an ALTA Tennis League. He practices on week nights when he is home and some Saturdays. They had their first tourney this past week and it was not too pretty. He and his partner lost 6-2, 6-3. They will do better next time.

Joel, Ike, and Siah enjoyed a weekend retreat at church with Discipleship Now. They enjoyed a concert, lots of junk food, Bible studies, bounce activities, and ministry. They helped clean up a house that got flooded. Gary, Isaiah and I had a quiet weekend eating out and going to the movies.

Lacrosse practice continues but we have yet to have a game. The flooding has effected many of the fields here and we are hoping to dry out soon.

The Great Georgia Floods of 2009 did have a huge impact on our area but we were blessed to be in a high and dry area. Even with the pond behind our house we were still safe. It is hard to see the devastation around the area but it is neat to see people step out and help their friends and neighbors.

Keep your eyes on Christ...He will take you awesome places....

Joy in this Journey!
Close Family

September Fun

Gary, Josiah, and Joel on Lake Lanier on a Seado.....vroom vroom

Watching and Learning.....Ike #74....Joel # 60

Anacalala Falls after 600+ steps....Beautiful and HOT!

THE Appalachian Trail....or a few feet of it at least...

Stone Mountain masterpiece

Hello Again,

Well we have been staying busy here in Georgia. It sure makes time fly when you are having FUN....Sports are underway and so is school.

We toured the house where Theodore Roosevelt's mother was born, Bulloch Hall. It was a great tour with lots of history and amazing architecture. Unfortunately there are not many old homes that survived the Civil War because General Sherman pretty much destroyed the South on his conquest. So this home is a treasure. I forgot my camera, sorry.

We toured Stone Mountain. It is an amusement park/national monument type place. It has the Confederate Leaders engraved in the huge granite rock. Like Mt Rushmore it is an amazing art piece. It puts us in awe to know they did this huge project with less technology then we have now. Amazing.

We drove up to North Georgia and saw the Amicalala Falls. We hiked up over 600 steps to the top of the falls. The only thing that made it harder than Half Dome was the humidity. The Blue Ridge Mountains are gorgeous and we realized that they are "Blue" because of the haze of looking at them through the humidity. From the falls we drove to the Appalachian Trail. Gary wanted to see the trail so we drove on a very curvy road for too long. Josiah and Isaiah both left a "barf deposit" along the road side after getting car sick. It was not pretty. But Gary got to see the Trail...

Football is in full swing. Joel, #60, and Ike, #74, are learning the plays and getting in each game. Gary and I are the Halftime Hydration team. It is a neat job. We get to hear the coaches and kids give their pep talks to one another. Being in a Christian league is a new experience for us as well as the boys. The coaches and boys are so God-fearing. At the last game they were losing and one young boy was encouraging his team mates by reminding them how Christ endured the cross and fought hard for them. He pointed out that football is just a game but that they could fight to win this small victory. Then another boy humbly apologized for his bad behavior and asked for forgiveness. Then the coach reminded the boys that being humble and learning life lessons is more important than any score. It was awesome.

Lacrosse practices started and games start this weekend. Josiah and Isaiah seem to understand and enjoy the game. They look like little droids out there. I will take photos at the game this weekend.

We went to Lake Lanier for Labor Day with 3 families from our Sunday School. It was fun. We road a Seado, a pontoon boat, and jumped off the two story dock. It was a nice day making new friends.

Last weekend we went to a Youth Group gathering. We played "Amazing Race". The kids were teamed up in groups of 2. Each team had to do various challenges; eat a plate of veggies, name all the Presidents from 1960-2009, walk blind folded threw a "mind field", find a buried fork with red tines. It was a creative and fun night. They made some good friends and we hope to get together again for more adventures.

Enjoy the photos.

Love from Gary, Sammie, Joel, Isaac, Josiah and Isaiah

Back To School

Crown Athletics Pep Rally...Joel is number 60

Homeschool Day at Turner Field.....we got some Dirt for my sister.....

Hello All...

Well sorry for the huge delay in updates. We started back to school and that has absorbed most of my time. I will get in a routine and try and stay current.

So, over the last 3 weeks we have done alot.

Gary, Josiah, Isaiah and I went to Chattanooga, Tennessee. It was a quick 2 day trip. It is only 1 hour and 45 minutes from our house. The boys and I visited Rock City and the Incline RR. We were able to spend time with Gary in the evening walking around downtown Chattanooga. We were also able to visit Ruby Falls (under ground) and the Chattanooga and Chickamauga battle grounds with Gary before coming home. It was great historical field trip. I forgot my camera so I have nothing to show for it but we learned alot and enjoyed being together somewhere new. Joel and Ike stayed behind because they had football practice they couldn't and didn't want to miss. It was a weird not having all four boys with me.

We started school. Joel is an official 11th grader, Ike is in 10th, Josiah is doing 8th and Isaiah is doing 5th. It is rolling along well and they are staying on task. We have finally found some curriculum that is jiving for all of us.

Isaiah, Josiah, and I went to a Braves game. It was "homeschool" day so got to walk around the warning track and meet Logan, a player for the Braves. The boys ate $7.00 hot dogs and we sat up in pigeon heaven. It was a fun day. We did the tomahawk chop. Sorry sister.....

Gary's work rented out the Atlanta Zoo one Saturday evening with catered dinner, snow cones, cotton candy, caricatures (see Isaiah's facebook site). We made a day of it by going downtown and visited the Martin Luther King Memorial and vistor's center. It was very humbling and inspiring and we spent a good deal of time there and had good family dialog on all we saw there and downtown. From there we went to the Cyclorama where there is an oil painting of the Battle of Atlanta that weighs over 10,000 pounds. The painting and diarama are in a circular building and we got a good history lesson on the Sherman's final march. The museum also houses a famous train "The Texas" that is the subject of "The Great Locomotive Chase," one of the South's favorite stories of the "The General" locomotive chasing down "The Texas" that the North attempted to steal.

Joel and Ike had their FIRST official football PEP RALLY...So exciting.....It was at this HUGE mega church and the sanctuary was bigger than anything in SLO county and that was just the sanctuary for the youth group. They had cheer leaders, a marching band, the color guard, music, thematic smoke, loud music, video screens and PRAYER!! It was so cool to see all these athletes honoring God. Two of my favorite things...

That night we went to our boys' first football game. The varsity played a really tough team. At the end of the first half we were up 14-0. By the end of the 4th quarter the score was tied. We had the ball and 5 minutes left on the clock but we couldn't manage to score so we went into overtime. We got to attempt 4 downs from the 25 and we scored after earning a 15 yard penalty. We went for 2 and so we were up by 8 points, 22-14. They got the ball on the 25 yard line. They scored and tried to go for 2. They made an incomplete pass and WE WON!!! WOOOHOOO!! It was a great nail biter of a game. Joel sure looks great in his uniform. He and Ike are looking fit with all this southern football practice.

That is all for now from Georgia....Keep in touch....all 6 of us are on FaceBook....

Worship Jesus!!!

One Month Down

Isaiah said to me yesterday, "Mom, we only have 17 months left." Well we did survive our first "southern summer" month. It has been a mild summer for the Georgia folk and a nice transition for us Cali folks.
This week we spent lots of time signing the boys up for various activities for the Fall. Joel and Ike are playing football for Crown Athletics. It is a Christian HomeSchool/Private school athletics organization. Joel is on Varsity and Ike is on JV. They are LOVING it.....even practicing in this hot muggy weather. Yesterdays practice got called because of a thunder shower. The coaches are great. They encourage the boys in their character as well as their skills. I overheard one coach tell a boy who greeted him say to the boy, "Son, you look at my eyes when you shake my hand." It was great advice and something I did not expect from a football coach. So I am glad the boys will learn some manners along with football. And since it is "Christian" league they are encouraged to "knock them hard on their backside, but give them hand up afterward."
Josiah signed up for Jr Greyhounds Lacrosse. He has always wanted to try that sport and we went and checked out a practice. The coach has 3 sons and his older boys play for the college and the high school. It will be a new challenge that Josiah will enjoy.
Isaiah still loves soccer and he is signed up with the YMCA. He got new cleats and is excited to start practicing.
We all continue to work out at the local YMCA. It is a great facility with lots of various activities to get fit. It is a fun diversion.
Church is awesome. The boys are loving their classes and Gary and I have found a Bible Study we fit in. Half the moms in our class home school so that is comforting. I am going to attend a Home School Support meeting on Tuesday night. I hope the gals are as nice as our Seaside Ladies. I sure miss our laughs.
Gary has finished training and is now ready to start traveling to other plants. He goes first to Tennessee then Pennsylvania, both trips in August. Having him away will be a new thing for us to adjust to.

A FUN vacation!

Sammie, Isaiah, Ike, Joel, Gary and Josiah in front of the Capital.

The Echenbachs and Closes in New York City.....

We journeyed north to Washington, DC and NEW YORK CITY for a quick vacation before Gary had to start training. We drove ten hours to Washington DC and toured around for 1/2 a day. It was honoring to see some sights and symbols that mean so much to us. After studying American History it makes it all so real.

Sunday we took a 3 hour train ride to Penn Station in New York City. We met our friends the Eschenbachs from California. We had a FABULOUS time wandering the CITY with the 12 of us. We did a city tour and went to the top of the Empire State Building, the top of the Rockefeller Building, took a boat to the Statue of Liberty, a walk around Central Park and walked through Time Square. We took a taxi ride that was UNBELIEVABLE. The guy drove 50 miles an hour down the city streets swerving in and out of traffic. Those yellow ones really don't stop. I am glad we all survived that experience. We saw THE LION KING on Broadway for our 19th wedding anniversary. A SPECTACULAR show....all of us enjoyed that. For Joel's 17th Birthday we took a STRETCH limo to the Diner where Seinfeld always met Elaine, Kramer and George. It was exactly like the outside but different on the inside. I did a order a BIG salad. SO EXCITING for all of us. Gary and I went wondering and we just happened to walk up to the TONIGHT SHOW and on the outdoor stage PAUL MCCARTNEY performed for 30 minutes to the crowd on the street. It was AWESOME!! We also watched 3 morning shows being filmed, NBC, ABC and FOX News.

We road the train back to Union Station in DC and finished up a short self paced tour through several of the Smithsonian's. You could spend days in there. We walked the mall and even got to sit in on Congress as they were voting. The boys wanted to Ding Dong Ditch Obama's house but for some reason those guys in black suits and black glasses didn't like the idea.

We were honored to see Abraham Lincoln's memorial, the Ford Theatre, the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the WWII Memorial and the Washington monument. Gary was able to get us tickets to go up the Washington Monument and we had a spectacular view from up there. What an honor to read the God honoring words of such humble and God fearing men. Honoring God was truly the focus of their hearts.

It will be a vacation we will treasure for a lifetime. Enjoy the photos.

Unpacked and Settled

Well, we have officially unpacked ALL 1450 pounds of STUFF!! Where it all comes from I don't know but we are in and settled.
We have all taken a liking to the YMCA....It has great classes, fun cardio equipment, and neat activities for the kids. I hope we come home in better shape then when we left.
The boys have met some friends in the neighborhood. Five doors down lives Pastor David and his wife Sarah. They have 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 girl. The boys are 16, 15, 12 and 7. The girl is the twin of the 7 year old boy....too cute. They couldn't get their girl without having a boy too....God is so funny!
The 4th of July was exciting and scary...We ventured out to a near by community and JUST like the Pismo Dunes it was packed and crazy. Bottle rockets shot off horizontally and started some trees on fire under the power lines. Several people quickly called 911 and the fire trucks came quickly. Isaiah and I were in a bit of a panic because there were HUNDREDS of people there and only ONE small road getting in and out. Luckily it is the south and the plant life is green, lush and slow burning. It can't be the 4th without some sort of excitement.
We went to our neighbors church on Sunday, Eastside Baptist. It is HUGE! We got lost in the 3 story building looking for Isaiah's class. After wandering around for 5 minutes we realized we were on the wrong floor. Ike and Joel really like their Youth Group. The were warmly greeted by the Welcome Committee and have both gotten e-mails inviting them back. They went to a Beach Volleyball Bible Study Sunday night and met more people. They are planning on going to do a Work Service day tomorrow with the Youth Group. We are glad they are getting connected.
Josiah has a pretty bad ear infection. I took him EARLY Monday morning to the Urgent Care and he is on antibiotic drops for a Swimmer's Ear Infection. He is not a happy camper. We are praying he will heal quickly and be his happy self soon.
Isaiah liked his Sunday School class. He said, "Of the 10 kids in the class, ONLY 3 go to public school, all the rest Home School!" He thought that was great! We signed him up for soccer today and he is excited to start playing again.
Our neighborhood is FILLED with cute little FUU FUU dogs....Bobito will fit right in. It is hard being away from him. I hope he is not turning into a Ranch Dog with Poppa and Hildie.
I have several contacts for Home School activities. I have talked to 2 moms who have been very helpful getting started schooling here. It sounds pretty Home School friendly so that is nice. They are fond of the Hybrid Schooling where you go to class 2 times a week and school at home the other 3 days. I may look into it but it may be too much for our schedule.
I am including in this entry some photos of our home in Arroyo Grande. Dad rearranged the furniture and made the front room an Entertainment-Exercise room.
(For some reason I can not post photos today. I will try tomorrow.)

Another Full Day

Well we have been here 3 full days and have worked hard at getting settled so decided to take a "tourist" day. We took the boys DOWNTOWN Atlanta today. We went to the BIGGEST Aquarium in the WORLD. The Georgia Aquarium has the biggest tanks. It holds 4 whale sharks. It was impressive and educational. Our favorite creatures were the Beluga Whales and the Australian Weedy Sea Dragons. We also got to pet a Sting Ray and a small shark.
We ate lunch at the Sun Dial, a restaurant that slowly turns atop the 72nd story of the Westin Hotel. It was a gorgeous view in all directions.
We then toured the CNN station. It was neat, but the boys said they knew it all from our local KSBY TV station field trip.
The final stop of our City Tour was the World of Coca Cola. At the beginning of our tour the tour guide asked if there was anyone from another country. Across the room a small splinted hand goes up and I realize it is OUR JOSIAH. She asks him, "Where are you from?" He says, "California." And the guide says, "Well, Yes, California IS out of this World." It was a funny and humbling moment for this "homeschool" mom. But to his credit he thought she said who is from out of this state....Our tour then included a 4D film and sampling 64 flavors of Coca Cola products. Josiah is crazy! He thought he HAD to try ALL 64 drinks. So of course, an hour later he is belly aching. He said, "Well, I guess 64 drinks can wreak havoc on someone's stomach." Live and learn.
Tomorrow we plan on getting ready for our things to arrive Thursday morning.

We're HEEERE!

We landed yesterday after a long day. The red eye flight was packed but smooth. We all slept some but were dragging all day. We got to our new house in Marietta and napped some. The boys all fell asleep on the floor in their new rooms. The weather is bearable, hot, sticky and muggy. Thank God for air conditioning. We ran some errands to stock the house. After a Costco and Walmart run our credit cards thought they had been stolen and refused to work. So we had some trouble trying to check out of Walmart. But after an
hour later we got going again. Jayson, the Walmart Assistant Manager, was so nice he was willing to buy our stuff for us and have us come back later when it got worked out. Luckily it finally worked out and we got on our way. That is an example of Southern Hospitality.
Today we have some more errands, a trip to the YMCA to check it out, and some phone calls and meetings all planned for us. We are hoping to find "friends" for the boys soon. We are all missing our California family and friends.

Pack and Load!!!

Well today is our last day with STUFF!! Tomorrow the packers come and Friday the loaders load. Should be a whirl wind of boxes and people. Things are stacked everywhere in disarray. It will be nice to have things sorted in boxes and then moved out.
We hope to leave the house tidy for Mom and Dad and the guests they are going to have while we are away. You all need to come see them....they have PLENTY of room. Dad is a great cook and Mom loves to iron.
We will post new blogs from the road, the plane, the motel, or our new house. Watch for us. We are missing California already.

A Happy and Sad Father's Day

We had a nice day today celebrating Dads...Lots of tri-tip, ribs, and sausage. Add that to mash potatoes, gravy and corn on the cob and all the "men" around here are on cloud nine. We played some four square, threw hatchets, played croquet, and enjoyed the sunshine and the pool. It was nice being with Family.

Melanie and Zach came over with baby Eli and we got to play with him, such a funny little guy. Melanie is taking donations for a March for Life cancer rally and we purchased a memory luminary in memory of our Poppa Close. It felt fitting to honor him in that way on Father's Day. He is so missed, today and everyday. We all wrote on the paper luminary our love for him and it will hold a candle and shine around the track as the "Marchers" walk in dedication to help end cancer. That will be a good day. So Father's Day ends honoring the men we love and appreciate.

Joel's Early 17th Bday at Boomers

Joel and His Buddies at Boomers....Savannah, Lexi, Ike, Cody, Leah, Joel, Tyler, Seth, Ty E. and Chip

Joel and 10 of his friends spent Friday afternoon and evening zooming around the go-kart race track at Boomers. They played several rounds of golf, got wet in the bumper boats, climbed a wall and played some arcade games....FUN FUN FUN!

We enjoyed pizza, soda, and cupcakes together as we sang to Joel! All the kids were taxied home by midnight and FUN and MEMORIES were made by all. Thanks everyone for making Joel's day special.

One Week Left

We have ONE week left to get things organized for the packers arrival on the 25th. We have made great progress and the boys are getting lots of friend time. We are celebrating Joel's 17th Bday early on Friday so he can see his friends one last time. Should be a full day.

Last Day of School and Last Minute Appointments

Yesterday we had our LAST meeting with our high school advisor for Joel and Ike's School. The boys got great grades and did a fine job. Barbara was the BEST...so patient, kind and flexible. She will be missed.
Yesterday and Today are full of doctors appointments.....Cleaning teeth, new retainers, caste for Josiah's finger, etc....Glad to get that done.
Reality is settling in, this is going to happen. Blessed that Gary is so helpful and the boys are being as positive as they can be.
"Lord help me to stay positive and calm. Keep us in Your hands as we go so far from those we love so much. AMEN"

First day of REAL packing

Got off to a good start with packing. Bonnie and Mom helped make a plan of action with labels and color coding so the packing and unpacking goes smooth. We will see...Sorted and labeled books, office, game cupboard, and linen closet.
Trying to not get overwhelmed.....God is in control!!

Another Farewell

About 65 loving friends came over today to send us off with kind words and some treasured memory sharing. It was great seeing old friends and new ones. You all will be missed but we will get together again in 18 months.

Family Farewell

We had family over today to say farewell. Lots of food, Lots of laughs, and Lots of love....We will miss these times.....

"Lord Please protect our family and keep them all safe and healthy, AMEN"

Off to Georgia

Yosemite Falls ...June 2009

We have 14 days left in California before our family moves East to Marietta, Georgia. Follow us as we venture south-east and explore the South. Should be a mighty fine time!!! Come visit our Blog often to get a glimpse of where we have been and what we are doing. We will miss you all while we are gone. We will be home in 18 months!!! I am sure it will go fast.