Trip to Visit my Sister Kirstie

uly 9, 2010 - Betsy, Marissa and Robert drove to Vienna (really just outside Reston), VA to visit Betsy's sister Kirstie and her boyfriend, Johnny Dooher. Kirstie and Johnny have just recently moved into a new 2 story house and Betsy offered to come and help them with the moving processes. Robert hadn't been back to Northern VA or the DC area in several years so I wanted to bring him along...so that meant we wanted Marissa to come along too. (Devon and Jessica were at Youth Conference for church). We left home around 6:30 am on Thursday.

Upon arriving in the NOVA area, we stopped to tour the Manassas Battlefield (Bull Run) to kill some time before Kirstie got off work. Robert and Marissa were fascinated with the history, artifacts, cannons, and war sight. They truly loved the opportunity to be there. It was terrific!

Marissa and Robert with an artillery cart

Robert - 11 years old

Marissa - 13 years old

Robert and Marissa enjoying the interactive environment

Robert and Betsy having a special moment at the

Manassas Battlefield

Second stop, Kirstie's new house. I had never been there before. Wow! It's wonderful. It is in the perfect location for Kirstie's work, it has a pool, fenced yard, finished basement, 4 bedrooms, deck, pool patio - etc. It's amazing. We had such a great time visiting and catching up the first night. I took everyone out to Paulo's Restaurant to celebrate Kirstie's (very long ago - March - birthday) and to thank them for letting us stay with them.

The second day, Robert and Marissa got to play in the pool practically the whole day (12:45 - 5:15) while Kirstie and I took all the boxes out of Kirstie's storage room, unpacked, sorted, separated - what to donate and what to keep, and then repacked what was to be kept. We work all day!!! The kids had a ball. They never needed us - not for anything - they get along so well!!

Oh - the sweet life.

Crazy kids!

Robert having a fantastic time in Aunt Kirstie's pool

Marissa loved playing in the pool

That night we ordered Chinese and ate at home - we were exhausted from all the work.

New Calling for Betsy

I got a new calling the last week of June. I was called to be the Special Needs Coordinator for our ward. I am SO EXCITED!!!

I am so thrilled to have to opportunity to offer assistance and help to those families with special needs - as I have now 15 years experience, ump-teen zillion references and training in the field.

My heart is filled with joy and love for the prospect of the wonderful good that will come from this calling. I am so happy to serve the Lord!!!

4th of July

4th of July is always celebrated in the Laurel Lane family. This year there were two celebrations: Jeff's and JD's. After church we all went over to JD's for a barbecue and dessert. It was great to see friends from the neighborhood that I hadn't seen in a while. It surprises me that time can fly by so fast - or in other words, that so much time can go by between visits. We had a wonderful time visiting with neighbors.

For some reason Devon and Robert escaped being captured on film - I have no idea how (well Devon yes - he avoids cameras at all cost, but Robert - no idea). Anyway...

Jessica - 17 1/2 years old

Jessica and Marissa with "Duke" the neighbor's dog

They could not get enough of Duke. They wanted to sneak him home. She is full grown and still fits on your lap smaller than a baby. So --- cute!

After a game of cornhoe, Jessica was back to cuddling with Duke. She loves dogs!

After 9:00 p.m. we walked over to Jeff's for the massive fireworks display. Mark went in with a tummy ache (still adjusting from Singapore time). Devon went in to get a bandaid (but never returned). Slowly, one by one my family disappeared inside, while amazing fireworks were going off from both sides of my house. I stayed outside and visited with Jeff, Julie and Mark, Maddie and Mary (sisters), and their friends. Jeff bought an incredible selection of Fireworks that were breathtaking. Unfortunately, the wind shifted and the fireworks started going off over our house, which meant all the aftermath fell in our yard (front and back). It was raining cardboard - crazy. I stayed out a few hours watching fireworks and catching up with friends. I love it when the neighborhood gets together.

Happy Fourth of July 2010!

Sisters

If a picture tells a thousand words - this should say it all. I love how well Jessica and Marissa get along. They are so cute together.

Twilight Saga - Part Three - Eclipse

Starting back in May, Betsy bought midnight (12:01 am) tickets for Eclipse. We have been to everyone of the Twilight movies at the premier showing...and loved every minute of it!

We had a lot going on that day so we didn't get in line until around 9:15 p.m. Some of Marissa's friends were ahead of us, and so were some of Betsy's friends...but that's okay because we still got GREAT seats. Marissa sat with all her friends, and I sat with Jessica and her best friend, Amanda.

What a GREAT night with the girls!!!!

Marissa, Sarah, Paige

Amber, Marissa, Kelsey

Jessica and Amanda

Betsy and Jessica

Snickers is missing

SNICKERS WHERE ARE YOU?

We are all so sad. Snickers, our cat of seven years didn't come home on Saturday night, June 18. Then every night each night she didn't come home. We've searched streets, fields, the golf course, back yards, front yards. We created posters and put them up around the subdivision, and we had it sent out as an email to everyone.

We searched missing animal data bases, gone to animal shelters and searched, but we still can't find our Snickers. We miss her so much. I can't drive down the street without looking for her. We just don't know how to find her.

Our hearts are broken. This is so sad.

Mark's in Singapore

Mark left on Father's Day for a business trip to Singapore. He is on the other side of the globe. I feel so disconnected from him. I can't call him - so we correspond via email.

Hurry home!

Devon survives Varsity Scout High Adventure

The Varsity Scout - Amazing Race Group!

Ethan, Royal, Brandon, Devon, Michael, Tyler and Rustin

On Monday, June 20 Devon and a group from his Varsity Scout troop left for 5 days in the wilderness- biking, hiking and canoeing southwestern Kentucky.

Four boys: Devon Lowe, Ethan Hansen, Rustin Tippetts, and Michael Sampson

Two leaders: Brother Brandon White and Brother Tyler Madsen

The first day - they left Louisville at 4:30 a.m. from Brother White's house to the Land Between the Lakes. At the start of their trip, they happened upon a crime scene (not the way they planned on starting). They moved on and road out on bikes for a total of 53 miles. Devon said he had an "awesome time". He loved riding down hills, but sometimes ended up going too fast. They camped that night under the stars.

Ethan, Devon, Royal, Trevor Madsen and Rustin

Rustin and Devon on the trail.

Brother White would text me every few hours to show me the map coordinates of where they were. It was amazing to see their progress. I felt a small bit connected to them. I already miss Devon so much. I wonder how he and the other boys are doing. I'm not worried - I trust them, and their leaders - I just wonder what they are seeing, doing, feeling. I miss him.

Brother Brandon White with Devon

Day 2 - up early for a day of hiking and backpacking to Mammoth Cave National Park. The weather was brutal - 100 degrees that felt like 115. Luckily the boys had Camelpacks to keep hydrated. Devon started his day with Cocoa Puffs and pre-cooked bacon (as he will every day).

Around 11 am Brother White lost cell coverage - their goes my contact with the boys. It wasn't until late on Wednesday night that I heard from them (while they were on their way to Fort Knox). They hiked through some beautiful areas of Kentucky. It was an exhausting day. At least tomorrow is canoeing.

Day 3 - Canoeing the Indiana River to the entrance of Mammoth Caves Park. The weather didn't let up - hot, hot, hot. At least it didn't rain. This was a more relaxing day, however there were challenges there as well. That night the boys got to take an evening "Starburst" Cave tour. At the end of the tour they were transported to camp at Fort Knox. They camped right on the "Reserved for Boy Scouts" spot at Fort Knox. Devon said it was really cool.

Devon and Michael in the front canoe, Brandon and Trevor in the middle canoe, and Ethan and Rustin in the back canoe.

Place to stop and explore.

That night the boys got to take an evening "Starburst" Cave tour.

Awaiting the cave tour

At the end of the tour they were transported to camp at Fort Knox. They camped right on the "Reserved for Boy Scouts" spot at Fort Knox. Devon said it was really cool.

Day 4 - Fort Knox and the hike back to Jefferson County. To start the day the boys got to play on the most expensive video game of their lives - a simulated shooting range. CRAZY! They ate lunch before hiking for the rest of the day. Today, the temperature was so hot that it broke the standing record, and my boy is out there hiking in it. I wish I had video of they crazy things these boys would do together. I have no idea. They didn't make it to Irquois Park, so they camped at a Jefferson County Park right on the line between Jefferson and Bullitt County.

Brother Madsen, Brother White, Officer, Brother Gold, Brother Hazelett

Rustin, Michael, Devon and Ethan

Day 5 - this is the SURPRISE day. Devon and the boys think they are hiking back to Crestwood - 25 miles, but instead I have been busy preparing food for them to enjoy a day on Taylorsville Lake on Bishop Wakild's boat and Brother Cavanah's Jet Skis. Since I couldn't do much, I made sure they had great food - chicken salad, turkey, ham, for hoagies - pasta salad, potato salad, coke, root beer, water, bananas, grapes, peaches, (watermelon that we couldn't take), brownies, cookies, rice krispies, cheese, pepperoni and crackers. I think they boys loved the time on the water. Devon got to waterski twice.

What an amazing experience - I don't think he (nor I) will ever forget all the adventures he went through. I'm so proud of him for his preparation, leadership, and ability to preserver.

I am so grateful for amazing leaders that were willing and able to take a week off work to take these boys on this trip - to sacrifice time away from their families, and so much more and to be willing to do to all of this themselves. Brother White and Brother Madsen are amazing!

P - Preparation

R - Rely on the Lord

A - Accountability

Y - You and me

E - Enduring

R - Resilient

Preparation for Devon's Varsity Scout High Adventure

Photos coming -

For weeks Devon has been preparing for this high adventure trip. It sounds exhausting...

The Plan:

Monday - bike 53 miles in the "Land between the Lakes" in southwestern Kentucky, camp.

Tuesday - backpack hike 25 miles over to Mammoth Caves, camp at Mammoth Caves.

Wednesday - canoe the Indiana River to the entrance of Mammoth Caves, do the Starlight cave tour, camp at Fort Knox.

Thursday - Fort Knox simulation shooting and obstacle course - hike to Irquois Park, camp.

Friday - Hike from Irquois Park to Crestwood.

In preparation Devon biked 15-20 miles with a 10 pound Camelpack on his back, or ran/jogged/walked a few miles. He had just finished the canoeing merit badge at camp so I knew he was prepared for canoeing as well. Hopefully he is prepared for the strenuous exercise.

Devon also was only allowed what he could carry so we had to make sure his pack was light. They would have to purify their drinking water, cook their food on the land, sleep on ground. We bought Devon a one-man tent, UV water purifier, small tripod camp chair, dehydrated food packs, and a light weight cooking set. He had to have bug spray, first aid, and the standards - pocket knife, compass, etc.

It is so exciting to have all the items - Devon is ready...

Jessica got her first job

With the exception of babysitting, Jessica got her first job!!! She is working for Cinemark Tinseltown Movie Theaters selling concessions, cleaning and ticketing.

Here she is working on her first night.

Jessica and Jern Jern attend High Adventure Camp

Jenny Orr, Hannah Dowdy and Jessica

Loving this summer!!

Both of Jessica's friends are moving away. Jenny is going to Michigan and Hannah is moving to Texas. Jessica is so sad that they are leaving.

These girls love adventure. They saw this cliff and asked if they could jump off! What fun. Jessica has been cliff jumping since she was about 8 years old. She's a pro.

"Calm before the storm"

Hannah, Jessica and Alison Cavanah

White-water tubing!

Tubing is so much fun - Jessica and Chauntel Cromarty

Oh, My, goodness!!!

"I love this"

This should have been posted before I posted about Jern Jern leaving for Thailand - but I didn't have photos yet, and I just forgot that on a blog you can't add a post before another...ooops!

Jessica and Jern Jern left with friends, Jenny Orr, Hannah Dowdy, Chauntel Cromarty, and Alison Cavanah to attend Young Women's High Adventure Camp at Nolin Lake, Kentucky. Oh my goodness - they had such an excellent camp sight right on the lakes edge. It was a perfect location for a picturesque view.

This was Jern Jern's first time camping...she loved it.

Jessica and Jern Jern went boating, swimming and hiking every day. Jessica loved being on the boat, or being pulled in the tubes behind it.

WHAT A BLAST!!! BEST TIME EVER!!!

Devon is an Eagle Scout

Devon being presented with the Eagle Recognition Certificate

John Jenson & Jim Fitzgerald from the District Office presenting to Devon Lowe

Tuesday, June 15, 2010 Devon attended his Board of Review for the rank of Eagle Scout. The meeting started at 7:00 p.m. with Mr. Jim Fitzgerald, District Advancement Chairperson in charge. He invited Mr. John Jennings and Mr. Richard Bird to be the members of the Board of Review.

The first step was asking Devon's Scout Leader (Team Leader) Brandon White questions about Devon (without anyone else present).

The second step was to invite Devon to answer questions about himself, his Eagle project, his choices, etc. (I have no idea all the different questions they ask, but it takes quite a bit of time).

The third step is to invite the parents to say a few words on behalf of their child. It was nice to have Mark there to answer first. It was an excellent opportunity to reflect on Devon's accomplishments and weaknesses.

We are so proud of him for all that he is and all that he has become.

After that, the men deliberate and call us back - Devon was awarded the Certificate of Achievement for completing all the requirements for the rank of EAGLE SCOUT!

Jim Fitzgerald presenting Devon his certificate

The Board of Review Committee with Devon Lowe:

John Jenson, Jim Fitzgerald (Devon Lowe) and Richard Bird

SO PROUD OF HIM, his dedication, determination, and desire to be the best scout he can be.

Devon Lowe flanked by his parents: Mark and Betsy

June 15, 2010

Sad Day: Had to say goodbye to Jern Jern

Monday, 6/14/10

Today we all woke up early to take Jern Jern to the airport. Today she returns to Thailand (going through Chicago, and Tokyo before reaching Bangkok.

We were so sad to see her go. Mark teared up at the security check point. Betsy was given a gate pass - so she walked Jern Jern all the way to the gate. It was so sad to say good bye. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want it to end.

The good thing is that we have so many good memories. That is what we tried to think about on the way to and from the airport. All the great times. The things we learned from her - the things we shared. How we each have grown from the experience.

Jern Jern was a great example of patience, kindness, respect and love. She worked hard in school. She was so sweet.

Jern Jern's Goodbye party

Jessica threw a "Surprise" going away party for Jern Jern on Tuesday, 6/8/10

David and Jessica (best friends)

David and Jern Jern

Jessica turning the camera off - hee hee

Jessica, Hannah, Chauntel, Jenny, and Jern Jern @ Graeters!

Julie, Jern Jern, Maddie, Kelly and Jessica