Bridge Building

I've been thinking a bit about building bridges the last couple of days.  

Two reasons:

Bridge of Hope - As part of A's Christmas gift from me this year, she requested a donation to Bridge of Hope a church plant in the city where A has volunteered and lead other volunteers.  I was able to stop by on my lunch break on Monday and drop off some cupcakes and brownies for their snack times.  I also got the 10-minute tour - which involved a LOT to see...so much, in fact, that I forgot to take any pictures!  Steve and Robin Boda, the pastors, are building bridges in so many ways - from education opportunities, to a bike building and repair shop, to a clothing closet, a community garden, beekeeping...and the list goes on!  They are doing MUCH on very little and in an area where the needs are GREAT.  You can see ways to help out on their website, and since they said "snacks" and I like to make snacks, it seemed like the best way that I could contribute in A's honor!  My hope is to take snacks multiple times this year - and maybe I will remember to snap some pictures one of these times!  

Family Game Night - We got together Sunday evening for an appetizer and game night at S&A's for S's birthday.  I will be posting about S's birthday tomorrow, but for now I wanted to just share a few pics of family building bridges to family.

Sometimes that involves tickling...

"That tickles, Aunt A!  It makes me stick my tongue out!"

Sometimes that involves game playing...

"This looks like a serious game.  I'm ready.  Let's play."

Sometimes that involves a serious game of Mexican Train with scores kept on my phone...cause there's an app for that.  Actually there are LOTS of apps for that!  This is a basic app - no fancy bells and whistles, but it works!  

But oftentimes, bridge building involves lots of smiles!

Or a need to climb...

And sometimes...bridge building includes fighting over a grape tomato.  

Underwater Grape Tomato Fight for those reading this on a mobile phone.  

Or the video below for those on computers...

Please don't report us to PETA.  No turtles were hurt in the making of this video.

Yes, you're right.  My transformation into Mimi is complete.  We were at S&A's for S's birthday and all of my pictures are of J-man.  Or turtles...and they are S's turtles, too, so that counts, right?  Right?!

Sigh.  I promise I love you, S!  I will devote all of tomorrow's post to telling you just that!

Love,

Deb