Living the Neie Life: August 2009

Whew! I finally have a minute to write down our recent events. Over the past few weeks I have posted pictures, but haven't been able to give a summation of our family vacation. Daniel hasn't really had a vacation in a long while. He doesn't take them...he chooses to work. It's admirable (he wants to take care of his family) but every now and then you need a break. So this year, I told him we were going on vacation and that was that. =) We went to Amarillo, TX...not every one's first choice but there were reasons behind our decision: a reunion for me and family for Dan.

In middle school, at the age of 12, I met a girl named Yesenia. We really hit it off and were fast friends. She left our school to attend another and met a trio of pals...Daniel, Michael, and John. It wasn't until before high school that I met these fellows. Well, we all became great friends and remained that way even though I attended private school and they attended another school together. We called ourselves the Fabulous Five (Fab Five for short). Oh, the stories we can tell! LOL! After graduation, we all went our ways. Daniel joined the NAVY and so seeing him was a rare treat. We all kept in touch, however, not allowing distance and time to affect our bonds. We all got married, had kids, and have set up our lives in four states. The last time we all were together was so long ago. A year ago, Daniel informed us that he would be in Amarillo this year. We immediately set up a date for a Fabulous Reunion. It was amazing!!! I was so excited for my Dan to meet my greatest friends. Heck, I consider them family. We have even accustomed ourselves to the titles of Aunt/Uncle/Cousin. While in Amarillo, Dan and I stayed with Michael and his wife Taira and their twin daughters, Rory and Abby (who are only 3 weeks younger than Ryan). We were so blessed to stay with them! They have a warm and inviting home full of love and laughter...you can literally feel God's love in their home. This was the first time I have ever met the wives of Michael and Daniel. We hit it off really well. I have to give serious props to the wives, who walk with security and maturity and allow their hubby's to have such close gal pals. Marcia, Taira, Jen...ya'll rock! I have realized that I am confusing some of you. Michael married Taira and have Rory and Abby (18 months); John married Jen and have Jonathan (3) and Jacob (13 months); Daniel married Marcia and have Lizzie (20 months), his step-daughters Josie and Tina; Yesenia married Kyle (who is not pictured) and they have Chevii (6) and Linkin (2). My Daniel got along well with my peeps and took quite a liking to the twins while we stayed with Michael. That was sweet to see. My heart is full and my cup runneth over! God has blessed me with truly good people in my life! I have found myself deeply missing them these last weeks. Good thing we are planning another reunion!

A great moment during our week was seeing Daniel's sister, Denise (Aunt Nisey). We spent an evening out with her and some of Daniel's ol' buddies, which was great to witness. I got to see them all in action (which was quite hilarious) and see Daniel truly relax and have a good time. His sister brought gifts for our kids, which melted my heart. We were also able to spend an afternoon with Aunt Nisey and visit our new nephew/cousin, Alex, for the first time. He was born 5/12/09 and is cute as can be! Natalie's favorite gift is a blue nightie with a grand picture of Ariel on it. She wears it often and always informs me that Aunt Nisey bought it for her. Ryan has a set of blocks that all fit inside each other or stack on top of each other. He is constantly building towers and knocking them down. Great gifts, Nisey! I hold much love in my heart for her.

While in Amarillo, we stopped to see Auntie M, my mother's dear friend and Natalie's Godmother, Marian. She has been battling cancer for a year and a half and is doing well...despite the fact that they recently found it in her lungs. She is a fighter with an amazing spirit and attitude. I think that alone can defeat any illness. It was the first time she and her wonderful family had met Ryan. She gave the kids a bag of books, which was perfect since they love to read. She is a teacher so it was the best kind of gift to give. Oh, how I miss them! Our families have known each other for 16+ years. The Lord outdid himself by bringing them into our lives.

On the way to Amarillo and on the way back, we stayed with Darren and his family. It is always a joy to be around them. It is such a relaxing atmosphere at their home. Brandie and Angie are vibrant girls that have a gift with small children so Natalie and Ryan are always entertained. Ryan absolutely loves his cousin Brody. He would point to his picture and look for him. It was so sweet! I think Brody loves Ryan just as much in return. =) Darren really overdid it with his awesome cooking...he had a banquet prepared that I think fed them all for the rest of the week! It was so delicious...he has found his lot in life. He even set up the horseshoes for Daniel so they could have man time. And, as always, I enjoy being around my sis, Christine. She is such a neat lady, a true believer in God.

Our vacation went by so quickly...we didn't want it to end, but life must go on. And we find ourselves longing to move closer to all of these great people...