Katy's Solo in Christmas Concert

Jeffrey and David visit the fire station

For any who know Jeffrey, you will know this was a BIG deal!  We went to visit our good friend at his new station where he is the captain, and had a blast climbing on an ambulance, an engine, and a foam tender.  Days later we are still hearing about the visit. :)

Katy's Story and Baptism

Katy chose to be baptized today--what a beautiful thing to witness!!  We gave her a couple of questions to prompt her on telling her story, but what you hear is entirely hers.  We were very proud of the way she was able to articulate her faith and her desire to be in community as she walks with Jesus!  What a blessing!

Is there a Doctor in the house??

We celebrated the completion of Rick's Doctor of Ministry Degree at Fuller Seminary in June. It was a great day to mark a seven year process. As we were reminiscing we realized that over the course of the seven years it took to finish we lived in 5 houses in 3 different states, had 3 babies, went through a flood and a hurricane, had 3 different job titles...I'm sure there's something I'm forgetting. This was truly an accomplishment and I was so proud of Rick for seeing this through. Enjoy the pictures!

This is Rick and me with his professor, Chap Clark.

Rick, Christy, Katy, Will and Rick's parents, Dan and Kathryn Durrance.
I just had to include this one of our sweet kids, Katy and Will. Will especially was very excited about dressing up for the occasion.

We're still alive!

It has been forever since we have posted, which you already knew if you are reading this. :) We could give you lots of excuses--crazy schedule, long vacation, camera dropped in the ocean, four kids...need I say more? So, we though we'd try and chronicle a bit of what's been happening in the Durrance household for the past few months. Starting with...Memorial Day! Yes, I know it was in May...
This is our David with a good friend and our youth pastor, Dave Rutledge, affectionately or not so affectionately known as "Mr. Dave" (He claims it makes him feel old :)).
The gang hanging out on a nice cool May day at the beach--our friends Dave and Bekah Rutledge and Amy, Kathy, and Bob Drummond.

Katy flying a kite.
Will taking a break.
Mr. Bob throws a mean frisbee...:)

Rick and Katy Go To Mexico!

Last Thursday, Katy joined seven other adults from our church - and me - on a day service trip to Tijuana Mexico with Spectrum ministries. Spectrum is a tremendous ministry focused on serving the impoverished and marginalized in Tijuana - for more info on Spectrum go to this website: www.spectrumministries.com

Katy did a wonderful job! Her first time out of the country and in a very different culture than our own - although LA does have a strong influence from our neighbors to the south, it is still quite amazing the change that takes place when you cross the border! Katy served with the women in the "girls tent" where new clothes, baths, de-lousing, new hairdos and finger painting were offered to the young girls! Additionally, Katy helped with food distribution and was wonderful as she played with the kids on the seesaw - her favorite activity!!

And, Katy tolerated her father's LOVE for great tacos!! :) Nothing better than a carne asada taco from Paisanos!

A wonderful, humbling, sobering, powerful time was shared last Thursday. I am so proud of my daughter! Her heart and openness and honesty. Her willingness to walk and love in a different world! At the end of it all, she asked if we could go to Mexico again... :) We will return again soon!!

Spring at Descanso Gardens!

We love Descanso Gardens, a beautiful retreat in the midst of a very busy city! It has also restored my faith in the fact that there are actually seasons in Southern California. Spring at Descanso is especially stunning and a treat for the senses.
A rare photo of the two of us...:)
Jeffrey has not yet learned rule #1 of photo etiquette: Look at the camera.
David in his element at one of the fountains.
We LOVE having our picture taken! :)