Up, Up and Away!!!

Wow, did we ever have a great Sunday!  I love when a day turns out to be unexpectedly, wonderfully good.  Today was just that.

After an awesome service at church, we headed home for a quick bite and weren't sure what more the day would hold.  My friend Jennifer had tentatively invited us out to the airport for some playtime this afternoon, and it turned out to be a go (Alan has good days and bad days, and I wasn't really sure what his day would be like).  We drove the short distance to the airport where we unloaded a menagerie of bikes, scooters, snacks and children and settled in for some wear 'em out so they'll sleep really hard tonight playtime.  (Greer stayed home to nap with Honey while Chris got a little work done).  

We got to watch Alan supervising some aircraft maintenance (which I know KILLS him....he is just about the best pilot out there) and he had some time to visit with all his buddies.  Please continue to pray for Alan (and his precious Jennifer).  Pray for him to be healed and restored in whatever way our wonderful Father has planned.  I know that God has amazing things in store for this family, but I just wish He would speed things up a bit......

Check out Mr. Steve's cool plane!

You'll never believe what happened a little while after we arrived....

Mr. Casey loaded us all into that little plane, and took us for the most wonderful flight.  To say that Reeves and Lucy were excited would be an immense understatement.  You'll have to pardon my terrible photography.  I was in the passenger seat, holding precious little Brandon, trying to take pictures of the crazy Zoo crew in the back seat.  It was all giggles and wiggles let me tell you!!!

We flew all over our little town, pointing out various landmarks along the way.  We even flew over our neighborhood where Chris and Mr. Andy took a break from their work to come out and wave to us.  I can't tell you how excited the kids were about that one (and how happy I am that Mr. Andy didn't moon us all...as he had promised!!!)

The highlight for Reeves had to be flying over his school.....

How cool is that!

After an exciting flight, all the kids had a big race back to the restaurant owned by some of Jen and Alan's friends.  We had been disappointed to see that "The Hanger" restaurant was closed when we were driving in.  Well, it pays to have friends in high places because we turned the afternoon into a big private party at the restaurant.  Rick and Mylenda decided to open up the place and to fire up the grills and fryers.  We noshed on the best burgers and onion rings you've ever tasted while the kiddos played and played.  Chris and Greer joined us just as dinner was being served, and we just laughed and visited and enjoyed a great evening together.  I can't remember anything better in a really long time!  I really think Alan enjoyed himself, too.

Everyone here has crashed (even Chris is snoring), and I am sure that Jen and Alan are exhausted from the busy day.  The Henley's have many challenges before them, and they aren't sure what triumphs or tragedies each day may hold.  What I pray is for more days like this for them, and I am soooo very thankful for the love and hope and joy they have brought to our life.  

God is Good....