From the US to GERMANY to CHINA and back in 3 weeks

 We are currently watching the flight status of Ted's plane today!  He lands this afternoon in Detroit after being gone for three weeks...we are ready to hug his neck...and then let him sleep.

 He sent pictures off and on as time allowed.  His hosts took him around on the weekends and he enjoyed some sites that no one in our family has ever seen up close and personal.

There is a 12 hour time difference between the States and China.

 These are a couple pictures that showed the cuisine Ted experienced.  I am so proud of his willingness to try different things...and "not be that American guy who wouldn't eat local fare."

 How different the cultures are around the world!  Ted has more stories to share with us...and we are looking forward to the "real life History lessons".

                                                           "What goes in must come out!"

                                                                 Experiencing the Great Wall!

And all the modern conveniences that we enjoy...just still so very different.

Helping hands and keeping up with responsibilities!

I had to finish up with 6 conferences that took all of my Thursday.  Gotta remember to plan that different next year!

 There were lots of little odds and ends that we could all help with...but for the most part...Brad and Mari had everything organized and ready for open house on Saturday.

Yard work touch ups kept the guys busy.  Chair hauling and tent set up.

 We still had things to take care of and bowed out for a couple hours.  It is important to be able to see!

 Friday night Graduation went well and Allison is now ready for her next step...college!

 Now...we are ready to party!  Ice cream sundaes on the patio with a test run for the popcorn machine...Grampy nailed it!  We are ready for Saturday's party...

 Opening her gift from us...Uncle Ted made her work for it!  She did it less than 10 minutes!

 Many hands make light work!  Donut hole and strawberry kabobs...because cake is so not cool anymore!  "You can celebrate special events without cake now, ya know!"

 Mari is every bit as creative as I am...she always says she isn't...here is proof!  Her writing is pretty too!  So many cool ideas from Pinterest!

 Looks great!

 A beautiful day!

 A lot of hard work!

 Time to just enjoy now!

 I was a runner for the food tables...and I ran into my little K5 friend..."Are you the graduation fairy?"  She said no and that she just went to a fairy party...but she will forever be my idea of a graduation fairy!

A wonderfully fun yet exhausting day!

Awards and Ice Cream

 First time ever for Grammy and Grampy to experience the closing chapel for awards.

 The grandkiddos wanted to share our traditional ice cream treat with Grammy and Grampy at Dairy Twist.  It was such a beautiful day!

 Ashlynn missed her last day and a half with 100 plus degree fever.  "But you will miss Dairy Twist!" She did not even care.

Just try...try not to talk with your hands...I dare you!

 Bright spot...Velle was starting to perk up...the girls babied her by spoon feeding her, "We feel so bad, she doesn't even want to bend to drink!"

Getting ready for a busy week...

 Teddy was a great help and encouragement for me to keep going and get the carpets all cleaned.  We got the house cleaned and ready for our special company!

 Poor Velle had her special appointment to make sure we have no other puppies.  She was so pitiful!

 I sat and held her because she was so disoriented.

 We got some plants put in the pots and the grass mowed.  Teddy works so hard to make everything look nice!

 Dad and Mom got in on Tuesday afternoon and we enjoyed the patio together for supper and dessert.

 Velle came so we could keep an eye on her.  She just stands and stares.  Wednesday is the last day of school and there is lots of excitement in the air!

Happy 13th Birthday to our son!

 While Grammy and Grampy were here...we kept their schedule full and busy!  Sunday, we celebrated Teddy's birthday with grilled hamburgers and fixings with everyone.

 Birthday cake of choice...DQ ice cream cake!  Candles...a rousing song of Happy Birthday...a wish...

 and a blow out..."Poof...no eyebrows!"

 With Ted being gone, I am thankful for our family who was willing to help out and make Teddy's day special!

 Funny cards...money...

 and a musical card from his sisters that made us all laugh!  It caught Grampy off guard too!

 It only took Teddy about 5-10 minutes to figure out the special puzzle box that his Dad ordered to hold his birthday money!  "Wow, T2, that is the hardest I have ever seen you concentrate!" chuckled Uncle Brad.

 13 years...doesn't seem possible that we have counted that many years already!  Teddy has been a blessing to our family, and I am thankful to be his momma.  He has stepped in and cared for many things while his Dad has been gone.  So proud of our son and his serving heart!