The 5 Lavins

Archive for the 'Excursions' Category

Jennifer goes to the IAMPETH Convention

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

This past week, Jennifer had the amazing opportunity to travel to California for a calligraphy convention. IAMPETH is an international association over 500 members strong dedicated to practicing and preserving the beautiful arts of calligraphy, engrossing and fine penmanship. Founded in 1949, it is the oldest and largest penmanship organization in the United States. I greatly enjoyed meeting some of the world’s most talented calligraphers and sitting under wonderful instructors for a whole week! Enjoy the many pictures.

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right outside the hotel

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the convention was held in La Quinta, right outside of Palm Springs

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view of the mountains outside our patio (imagine them in the winter- snow-capped mountains and palm trees!)

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inside the hotel. The palm trees were real at one time.; they were preserved in a special way for the hotel.

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across the street was Old Town La Quinta

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the certificates that were presented

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got to play with chalk (some of the calligraphers there actually write menus for restaurants)

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and here is smaller chalk – fun to use on cards

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a bit of watercolor

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here Mike Sull is demonstrating Spencerian (I have admired his work for many years now)

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this is Pat Blair (the chief calligrapher from the White House) – it was so wonderful to see her again!

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and here Rick Muffler is writing alongside his sweet mother… he writes beautifully and also works at the White House. This past year he was the President of IAMPETH.

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a group shot of the younger calligraphers – it was encouraging to meet them all
with Gail, Maggie and Jake

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IAMPETH is sending a box of surprises to a young man in Romania. This book was designed for him and we all signed it. At age 15, he is very enthusiastic about calligraphy. He even made his own oblique penholder using a toothbrush. This page was calligraphed by Jake.

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went out to dinner one evening with new friends… here I am at the Arnold Palmer Restaurant

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The Cravens family (who I went out to dinner with)... Mrs. Cravens is our new President

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I enjoyed meeting Irene – she was thrilled to be at her 38th consecutive convention!

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The gentleman at my table has loved calligraphy for many years and is a skilled forensic document examiner. It was fascinating to hear his stories.

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What a delight to finally meet in person Mike Sull!

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the greatest blessing was to have gone on this adventure with my friend Deborah. She was an excellent roommate, especially since I came down with a bad cold while I was gone! We made many wonderful memories together.

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on the way back to the airport I took this pic

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thought you’d enjoy seeing a pic from the Palm Springs airport – not your typical airport! Even had an outdoor food court.

In Memory of William D. Murray

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

Granddad
Lynette’s father, Bill, passed away on June 29th after experiencing complications from his surgery in early June. We traveled to Houston last week to remember his life. It was a meaningful and precious time with family.

bears
he was fond of teddy bears

Lynette with her mom
Lynette and her mother

memories of Granddad's life
many memories

all the siblings and Grandma
David, Lynette, Susan, Grandma, and Jackie (all the siblings)

comparing notes
Kassie, David and Lynette looking at each other’s notes

the grandkids
the grandkids – Jennifer, Josh, Jaimee and Kassie

with her sons-in-law
sons-in-law – John and Steve

David, Lynette, Josh
back at the house

with Aunt Jackie
Josh and Grandma
the girls with Grandma

Grandmother
Grandmother
grave
the grave

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we will miss our father/granddad, and are grateful for the joy and love he brought to us.
Yea, though I walk through the the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me… Only goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~Psalm 23

Colorado trip!

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

In June, Jennifer and Jaimee took a special trip to visit dear friends in Colorado. This post will be looong, but full of pics from a blessed and happy trip! :)

CO trip
our first evening with Schmidt #1 and #2 families

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Joelle’s parents took us on a drive up to Rocky Mountain National Park

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beautiful mountains!

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view from across one of the lakes

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Joelle, Jaimee and Jennifer

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the results of what had once been a dam. Even God can take something terrible and turn it into a thing of great beauty.

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treated to dinner with Joelle and her family… The Rustic Oven in downtown Fort Collins. It was good!

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Joelle and Jaimee in the floral shop where Bethany works

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Bethany showing us the gorgeous wedding bouquets she was working on

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Will took Jennifer to his play house where he was hunting for bears

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the cowboy and his new friend

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Meagan, Joelle and Bethany treated us to a delightful tea!

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we had so much fun dressing up!

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Joelle and Bethany (sisters)

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Meagan and Jennifer – having way too much fun

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Jaimee and Sophie

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sweet Madeline

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girlfriends… and Meagan’s wonderful children!

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We enjoyed visiting Meagan’s mother – here she is greeting us at the door :)

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she made us one of her specialties – chocolate sodas!

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mmm… can life get any better?!

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Will with his Uncle Nathan

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how ‘bout a smile Will?

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cute!

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the twins, Madeline and Sophie

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all the girls again – friendships are such a special blessing from the Lord!

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with Andrew and Meagan and family

Thank you to both Schmidt families for a memorable trip! We thank our God upon every remembrance of you!

After tax season getaway

Monday, April 28th, 2008

Last week, John and Lynette drove up to Marble Falls for a short time away together. Their room overlooked beautiful Lake LBJ and they enjoyed sight-seeing – Buchanan Dam, Inks Lake, and Horseshoe Bay.

Marble Falls getaway
Buchanan Dam

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lunch at the Yacht Club (this was a special lunch! It turns out the Yacht Club was for “members only”... John and Lynette were told to pretend they were on a look-see, the British term for “a brief look or inspection.”)

Marble Falls getaway
view from their table

Marble Falls getaway
enjoying lunch!

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the grounds

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noisy, but beautiful parrots!

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Lynette by the lake

Couples Christmas Conference

Wednesday, December 19th, 2007

In early December, John and Lynette drove to Dallas for a special couples Christmas conference. Pastor Gary Fraley was the guest speaker and he shared on Multigenerational Families – what legacy do you want your children to carry on? God is about families, multigenerational families. Make God’s Word known to your children for generations to come (Psalm 78:6-7). What will our children and grandchildren say about us? Our goal should be Godly generations.

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dressed up and ready for a special dinner!

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playing games with several other couples

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beautifully decorated Christmas tree

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having too much fun!

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just who does he think he is?!

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our table one evening

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view of the Dallas skyline from the ministry center

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we had a wonderful weekend together