Special Guest Star 2

Last Thursday, December 11, we welcomed our second Special Guest Star, Nate McMahon! Nate came to talk to us about his experience training for and running in the latest Marine Corps Marathon! He brought along some pictures and mementos of his race and said that while it was very hard to train for it, he wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Nate has also jumped out of airplanes - on purpose! He hasn't jumped for a while now, what with a son on the way, but he gave us some very vivid stories about his own experiences and some of the dangers of skydiving! It is a good thing to have altimeters and reserve parachutes!
This isn't Nate, but he did bring along a picture of Chella in a tandem jump she made not long before they were married. On their honeymoon, they stayed in Tahiti in a cottage right on the water. They went snorkeling and were surprised to discover they were swimming with sharks - literally!

We were very glad to have Nate and Chella join us. We were all very interested in what Nate had to tell us and he was very engaging and encouraging. Thanks to you both for coming!

Dagnabbit!!

I ran out of the house on Thursday in such a rush that I forgot the camera again which is a total bummer because the Middle School recreation/play group had it's first Special Guest Star! Janie Jones came to show us how to paint with water colors! She has been painting "as long as she can remember" and has participated in many art shows through the years. Janie brought along three paintings: a sea scape and lighthouse she painted while in Maine, a barn that is next to their property, and my personal favorite, a bunch of beets!

The four Middle Schoolers, Jan, Ashley, Cole, and Jared all had opportunity to try a painting that Janie guided them through. She showed them how to wet the paper and dilute paint. Each of them followed her instructions and each of them came away with a painting that was unique and lovely! I really, really, really, wish I had my camera so I could share them with you. *sigh*

The High School worked hard in Worship Skills and taped their presentation for this Sunday. I am so glad THAT has been captured - look for it here and on the Facebook page next week. I am excited to see it, myself.

Russ Mehl had a "nutty" game for after dinner which was delicious! We had beef stew prepared by Hope Foster, Virginia Peacock, and Nancy Smith. Viriginia and Marty Smith joined us for dinner and games, too. We had another great night and NO BEARS on the way home.

I loved Carol's Special Guest Stars - especially when Tim Conway cracked up Dick van Dyke!