Tim is home…

Imagine my disappointment, when half way there, hurdling down the freeway, Carolyn and I realized we left our camera(s) behind.

So, necessity being the mother of invention, I fired up my iPhone and used the camera option.  The photos may not have the look and feel of a Nikon with specialized filters and lenses, but I think we caught something of the moment when Army Officer, Tim Kemp, returned with his troop to a waiting crowd of cheering family and friends from his final tour of Iraq.  We witnessed the reunion – Tim and Anna, both Wheaton grads, and their boy, Kai.  Together again.

Tim has been in harm’s way for a long time.  Now he’s home.  We are all thankful.  Hugs and tears all around.  Take a look.

PHOTOS from TIM’s HOMECOMING

Greg Michels in Recovery Mode

Today’s been a tough day… here’s Vonnie’s message, sent out just a little more than an hour ago…

Greg is doing great with his knees but having some complications medically with his body reacting to the pain medications.

Quinn visits Placentia

In this video, you’ll see Baby Quinn meeting the Duncan family. There’s a trip to the Blackberry Patch, and a conversation with Noah and Amerlia (Candy, too) in Melbourne, Florida via SKYPE. Kenny shows his swollen eye (from a collision with Wil) and missing tooth to Noah. Quinn’s brother, Emerson, provides the personality. Photos by Kevin.

WATCH VIDEO

Tyler and Jess – Wedding Photos

Wedding Video…  If you missed it, this is a must see video; a collection of creative photos from a day none of us will soon forget.

Tyler & Jess get hitched from Adam Sjoberg on Vimeo.

Kevin and Sonya welcome Quinn to their new home

About thirty days before Quinn’s arrival, Kevin and Sonya and Emerson moved into their new house.  Already, they’ve made it their home, as you’ll see in the photos.  Follow the links.

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Emerson meets Quinn

We have a name!  Emerson’s sister is Quinn Michele Kemp.

After a good night’s sleep, Emerson joined his mom and dad, grandma and grandpa to get to know her.

PHOTOS

Quinn Michele Kemp is born

At about 4:45 this afternoon, Monday, July 27, 2009, Sonya delivered Emerson’s little sister. She was admitted to Kaiser Permanente Hospital in San Diego at about 10:30 AM the same morning (today). Sonya is doing very well. She was amazing, Kevin reports.

Both of Emerson’s grandparents, Mike and Janice Lodahl, Carolyn and me, were there when the news was announced. Sonya’s sister, Heather, was there as well. As you will see in the photos – it was a great celebration.

The baby weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces. We’re waiting now for one more detail – Emerson’s sister’s name! Stay tuned.

FIRST PHOTOS – GALLERY

PS Oh yes… one more thing. This is Grandchild number eight. We are blessed!

Colorado Springs

Our final full day in Colorado took us on the road.  We met with our friends at Dalit Freedom Network in Denver.  It was a terrific interaction with new friends.  Then, we headed to Colorado Springs for a visit with Leah K. who is helping us with the Global Freedom book.  She and her family are attending a conference at Glen Eyrie Conference Center, the famous home of the the Navigators.  While there, we took a tour of the campus, and then on to the world renown Garden of the Gods.

PHOTO GALLERY

Estes Park – Rocky Mountain National Park

The Stanley Hotel

FROM FORT COLLINS:  Carolyn and I took a day trip to the high country – up the hill to Estes Park, and into the National Park for some sightseeing and hiking.  We climbed to the top of the world on the Tundra Trail (not quite so dramatic as it sounds) to over 12,000 feet elevation, caught a couple of Elk with massive racks overlooking the vast panorama.   We then returned to Estes for a little relaxation on the front porch of the historic Stanley Hotel (inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining) and on to a delightful dinner out doors with a terrific view of the Rockies.  An unforgettable day.

MORE PHOTOS |  SCENES FROM FT COLLINS | Dalit Freedom Network

Also…

We’ve connected with the good people at Dalit Freedom Network (DFN) near Denver.  We’ll be meeting with the new President on Monday morning and then down to Colorado Springs where our friends from Hyderabad (OM, India), who are attending a conference there.  More detail to follow.

Legoland

Wow.  What a GREAT day.  Perfect weather.  We were there to open the place at 10AM, and left half hour after the close.  As you’ll see, it was a day we’ll always remember.  It was in celebration of Will’s 5th and Emerson’s 4th birthdays.  Will’s older brother Kenny joined in the celebration.  Grandpa Ken and Grandma Carolyn got in on fun.

MORE PHOTOS | 8 MINUTE VIDEO