Last Day

Today was my last day with the Van Voorhis Family. I have been with them for 5 years and I have been blessed because of it. The Lord has taught me so much through the kids and through their parents and I am thankful for the time I had with them. The kids and I spent the day doing random fun stuff. For example: There is a really steep hill in Salem that I drove down with the kids a year or so ago and Brendan would always ask if we could go down it again. Well, the hill was located on the complete opposite side of town from their house so it wasn't the most convenient thing to do. Except for today, we made it convenient. Random, yes! Randomly fun and memorable, even more so! The kids enjoyed it and I enjoyed the fact that they are easily pleased! Conveniently enough we were able to stop by a park that is located near this same hill. A park I took them to a LONG time ago, and still remembered as one of their favorites.
After eating lunch and running and spinning around (they had a merry-go-round) at the park we all agreed it would be a good idea to stop at DQ and get some well deserved ice cream! :D I even succumbed to taking them to the Dollar Tree and letting them pick out a cheap-o toy that never lasts but a day or so. Asking to go to the Dollar Tree was another one I heard a lot, but, never gave in to. I figure it is always more fun for them when you take them before they ask. More of a treat and a surprise! Well, Tyler opted for a bow-and-arrow (as seen on the right) and Brendan and Samantha went for the candy, this was no surprise...At least not for Brendan who would eat sugar for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner if he had the option. Our day was fun and yet I don't think it has hit me that I am not going back there tomorrow or any other morning. I will miss them. Yet, I trust that they will be a part of my life from here on out and for that I am thankful. Thankful to have met them and thankful to have been accepted as a family member.

Portland Zoo

It was a perfect day to spend at the Zoo. The weather was beautiful and the time was right!
Left to Right: Tyler, Brendan, Samantha, Brent and Me

Riding the train was an added bonus. I have been to the Zoo many times yet never have been on the Zoo Express. It was a nice way to end our tour of the animals. I love Brendan's facial expression...He is known for making funny faces at the camera!

Left to Right: Brendan, Tyler, Samantha, Diane (mom,) Cassie and Brent


Brent is at the perfect age for trips such as this. He had a great time looking and learning about all the different animals.

Please note: I was able to get Brent looking at the camera AND the Seal in the back ground! Not an easy task! :D

More Omaha Pics

Here we are Left to Right: Me, Tyler, Brendan, Meredith and Samantha!

The big dome in the back ground is a desert. The Omaha Zoo had a lot of different exhibits you could walk through with the animals in a more natural habitat...It was very neat!

Twin Statues

We found twin Statues for the kiddos. The statue Samantha found was not too far from our Hotel. The little girl is from the Oregon Trail display. Notice they are both holding their dolls.
The boys found their look-a-like statues at the zoo. The bunny ears were very fitting for Tyler.

The Van Voorhis family!! Such a lovely family they are! I believe (Brian or Meredith, correct me if I'm wrong) The Medical center shown in the background is where Tyler was born. Both Brendan and Samantha were born in Germany.

TWO OF A KIND

Samantha and Marybeth hit it off like two Peas in a Pod. They ARE definitely two of a kind! Both very sweet and loving little girls with big hearts! (yet wild and loud at the same time! ;) )

Summer Fun and Summer Tans

A mangled assortment of legs...The kiddos enjoying a swing on the hammock after swimming in the pool

Tyler

Brendan

Samantha

My other family

The Van Voorhis family! The Lord has truely blessed me with a wondeful job (if you can even call it a job...it is a pleasure)

#1 Munchkin

Introducing Tyler (the oldest of the three charges)

Two of the three Munchkins

Introducing Brendan and Samantha (Two of three of my 'charges')