great times in great bend

We left Bowling Green, Kentucky on April 30 and started our trek towards South Dakota. We had an overnight stay in Kansas City and then we headed towards the great state of Kansas. Mark's brother, Jon, who used to live in Evansville (only 2 hrs from BG) now lives in Great Bend, KS (12 hrs from BG!). Fortunately for us, it was kind of on our way to SD, so of course, we stopped by for a few days for some good ole family time! 

This was the first time Mark's bro & family had met Luke and the first time since Thanksgiving in Niger that we had seen them. We had a great reunion starting with a meal at 4 Legs Up BBQ (a local fave & worth the drive if you're ever in the area). We were also able to worship with the Phillips clan at Grace Community Church where Jon serves on staff. But mostly we just hung out & had some quality time with our family! Isabelle loved playing with her cousins & Luke got lots of loving from everyone! We had a great time in Great Bend!

the 4 cousins ... Luke (who wasn't too happy about this arrangement), Isabelle, Mollie & Matthew

the Gospels ... Matthew, Mark, Luke & Jon

Matthew was so great with both of his little cousins & loved to play with Isabelle. She has this picture hanging in her room. Sometimes we let her pick someone from her pictures to pray for & lately she's been picking Matthew. I was pretty tight with my cousins growing up, so I love that even though we are far away, she can still have a great friendship & love for her cousins!

That is a classic Izzy face right there ... cute, a little mischievious, & just happy go lucky! She & her cousin Mollie were best buds while we were in Kansas. Isabelle wanted to do everything she did. Mollie even had a friend over playing one day & the friend really didn't want Isabelle around. Mollie, who is 7, said, "That's my cousin from Africa. I don't ever get to see her. I want to play with her while she's here." Isn't that so sweet & mature ... sticking up for her cousin?!

Thanks Jon & Amy for hosting us & showing us around the great city of Great Bend!!