Ahhhhhh!!

You know it is time to end the travels when every one you see tells you how tired you look, and how crazy you are for embarking on your current adventure. As you can see by the look on Kyle's face above, yes, we are tired, and yes we know we are crazy. However, there have been some great times with friends and family. So we'll just blog about the good stuff, and spare you the craziness of packing and logistical junk.

We, of course, manage to sneak in a few (0r many) coffee breaks. The picture above was taken in San Luis Obispo. I'm sure a few of you can guess the location...

While we were both working, packing and saying good-bye to as many people as we could, we also had to sell Kyle's car. This was a bittersweet moment. Kyle loves his car. We kept it since we moved to Scotland and our brother-in-law was driving it. But now that the family is all moving away, it was best to sell the car. In the end, we are both glad that we won't have to worry about it any longer, and he is excited that a Maxima enthusiast bought the car and will keep it going.

(Kyle speaking) It is not exaggerated to say that these trips wear us out more than anything else we do (we often feel like we need a vacation afterwards), but we do relish at the opportunity to see friends and family (even if not all of them) for a short while as we pack up and relocate our belongings (and on this trip, work most of the time). As much as we love life in Scotland and our friends there who have become such a central part of our life, we both long to be back and maybe more importantly, settled for a change (Lord willing). This is only heightened by seeing all of the little ones we've come to love grow up so much in between our trips.

Father's Day Adventure

Dad looking out over Kern Valley Kern Canyon

Breakfast American Style

Cinnamon French toast





Breakfast Burrito

We are always amazed at how massive portions are when we come back from the UK. At no meal is this so evident as breakfast. This could be because our breakfasts in the UK tend to be a bit more simple, as well as smaller, but whatever the case, we wanted to give some updates on our breakfast eating habits when we meet up with people here.

The first two were both very good, and, although large, not absurdly so (Kelli and I shared the top meal). The breakfast which broke all boundaries of healthy eating is what I ordered from a local place and is pictured below.


Sausage and eggs with a "side" of pancakes


Since when is it normal to get a side of pancakes? Not only small ones, but two full sized pancakes!




Coffee from the Fillingstation...endless free refills




Our favorite coffee in the world (except for Kona peaberry) is at the Fillingstation. We've had a good amount of it since we've been back! I also tried eggs benedict for the first time, which I really enjoyed. Fillingstation is always good to try something new because everything they do is so good. Notice the blueberry muffin as well....mmmmm...


Eggs benedict, with a warm blueberry muffin

A new coffee shop

We know...we're coffee shop junkies. This one was pretty cool though, just thought I'd share!

Good times in Northern California

Last week, I went up to the Berkeley area for a physio course. It was intense, but pretty awesome. I learned, or tried to learn, way too much information in 4 days. However, it was a joy to be with old friends...



San Franscico off on the horizon... Fun afternoon in Rockridge with Ann and the kids.

Good coffee...

Yummy baked goods...

And some more coffee with Mel at Panera...just like old times.

Teacher man

Well, I'm two weeks into my class, and I finish lecturing this Friday. Here is me walking to class on my own self-imposed "casual Friday".

Kelli and I have a routine now where we get up at 5:30 am, head off to Starbucks of Panera, and work before I leave to go lecture (she stays to work). We have about a 45 minute to an hour drive to be at the University, so it is just better to do that early around here (rather than sitting in L.A. rush hour).

I'm in classroom 40, in the old elementary school (or it could have been a Junior High). Biola bought the school next door, and, for the time being, have turned them into classrooms and offices. This is the same room I took an Isaiah class in, which is a bit odd to be now teaching in!

My lecture binder seems to grow by the minute. Here I am looking over the table of contents page I made for it. I've developed about 13 lectures, all ranging about 3 hours a piece, which leaves a whole class for their essay mid-terms, which they had on Monday. This week we will be looking over Edwards' piety and his understanding of sanctification (don't you just feel green with envy?). Their final projects are due this Monday, so it will all be over incredibly soon. I can't believe how quickly it has gone. I've really enjoyed it a lot, a surprising amount actually, and feel more and more ready to be doing this full time (if there were only jobs!).

Jacaranda Trees

I think these are Jacarandas? Uncle Robert (or anyone else), I fully expect you to correct me if I am wrong! Whatever they are called, we love them. Its fun to walk down the streets of Orange and see purple trees!