Girlfriend Visit

My best friend from school, Rhonda, came to Colorado for a Compassion Advocate retreat this weekend.  During her off-hours we toured the headquarters for Compassion International, a child advocacy program for children in countries without enough food and clothing to reach their full potential.  This ministry not only provides for the physical well-being of the child but calls the child to Jesus Christ.  The statues at the headquarters building were donated to the organization and represent children from all continents coming to Jesus who cares for them.  Rhonda has traveled to Nicarauga and Dominican Republic to visit children she has personally sponsored.  After the tour at Compassion we went to the Air Force Academy and walked through the Visitor's Center and then hiked the tree-lined trail to the jet-inspired Cadet Chapel.  Following that we drove on to the USOC Headquarters in Colorado Springs.  While there we had a guide explain the purpose of the Olympic Committee and the National Governing Bodies, the sports that train in Colorado Springs as well as the facilities available here.  We rarely see each other so spending the time together and enjoying the blue skies and purple mountain majesties was a real treat!

IHOP Breakfast - More Fiores

The Other Fiores

Griffith Baptism

Brenda and Steve and their three adult sons, Joel, Mark and Andy, were baptized on Saturday in a neighbor's pool. Took this pic just before Brenda was immersed by husband, Steve and friend, Jim.

Brenda made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and a statement of why she was being baptized at this point in her life. Very important step for the whole family and I was privileged to be included as a witness to this momentous occasion.

Snickerdoodle

Yes, that is a Pennsylvania Dutch cookie but in this instance it's also a Labradoodle puppy we have adopted. She is black with brown eyes and curly hair and tail and ohhhhh soooooo cute! She has a great disposition and pleasant smile too. She is 15 1/2 weeks old and learning tricks quick. Frank and I are enjoying playing fetch with her and the many short walks Nicke escorts us on.

She's learned to climb the stairs, sit, and down. She retrieves a ball and brings it to you as well. We're wondering how much more we will be able to successfully teach her.

Welcome Home!

Last night we had a Welcome Home party for Jonathan. After four years traveling to far flung places like Iraq and Kuwait, he is no longer in the U.S. Army! Several of our friends from Colorado joined us to wish him the best in his endeavors including a wedding next summer to Rachel, as well as school, work and the National Guard.

We're very proud of his service to our country. Thank you Jonathan.

The Family

Christmas in Pennsylvania