I can't seem to think about anything accept for the Tea Fires that have ravaged Montecitio, California displacing many of our dear friends and leaving some homeless. Apparently, fires continue to burn in parts of California including Santa Barbara. I spoke with dear friends late in the night on Thursday as they huddled in the smoky gymnasium at Westmont college. Residence Directors had a big job on their hands that night as they managed to ensure everyone's safety. The entire college was evacuated to the gym due to road closures, as fire swept through the campus. My friend, a spouse of Westmont staff who took refuge in the gym along with hundreds of students, stayed low on the floor trying to keep her six week old baby clear of the smoke. As the gymnasium doors swung open letting students in and out to use the restrooms, flames were visibly surrounding the structure. Some buildings were spared while others were not. Unfortunately, one of the buildings that was completely destroyed happens to be the home of our dear friends and mentors, Mark and Nora McCormick. Mark and Nora have lived in the cottage on Westmont's campus for over fifteen years. They have served the students and us personally by introducing Shane and I to one another and marrying us. Nora, who is a flight attendant was out of state during the fire and will be returning soon. Please lift them up in your prayers as well as all of those who have and continue to be victims of the fires in California. For photos of Westmont after the fire visit http://www.westmont.edu/teafire/pictures.html.
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Madison is asleep. I can finally write a little blog. If I sit at the computer while she is awake, she is suddenly in the mood to visit her favorite website, sesamestreet.org where all of her friends live. I think that she truly thinks they are really interacting with her as she converses with them and they crack her up. I must admit, it is rather entertaining to watch her-once I move beyond the frustration that I cannot do what I want to do on the computer. She is a savvy computer whiz for a two year old. If she can get her hands on the computer, she knows how to go to the tool bar and scroll down to the elmo icon and get to her desired website destination. She loves to "click" on things she says. I look forward to the day where she will be blogging for me on the family blog and teaching me about all of the tools on the blog that I do not utilize.

A wonderful visit from Grandma and Grandpa included a lifetime of memories including this one of playing catch at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki at sunset. Thanks for coming and spending so much time with Madison!