Grandma was pretty amazing herself—raising four sons, volunteering for various community organizations and serving as president of the Pittsburgh Women’s Club for one term and vice president for two. She and Grandpa loved to travel, and they visited over 100 foreign countries. That love of travel was passed down to their children and grandchildren. I’m sure that’s where I get my wanderlust. I don’t think I’m capable of picking just one place to live for the rest of my entire life.

Apparently they were both musical. Though the above picture was staged, Grandpa played the piano and Grandma, the violin. One of my uncles plays the banjo, and if you know my dad at all, you’re well aware that he plays about thirty instruments. My sisters and I grew up in a home full of music and instruments, and we’re continuing the tradition.

Here’s the Manka clan back in the day. See that handsome dude on the far right? That’s my daddy. Yep, sideburns and all!

Although Grandpa and Grandma are gone, their love for learning, travel, music, nature and science—just to name a few—is mine to keep.

One afternoon we took off for South Mountain Park and Preserve for a little hiking. Since we weren’t feeling very ambitious, and the Buick’s low fuel light had just come on, we picked a short hike near the park entrance. Although it didn’t seem like we had climbed much in elevation, after just a bit of hiking, we had a nice view of the valley and downtown Phoenix.

Silas and Jon took advantage of a lot of nephew/uncle time together. Jon gave him piano and drum lessons. We even had a cookout (in January!) Jon’s last night here.

On Friday, the guys toured the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. Nothing like a bunch of planes, jets, and rockets to entertain them. Dad—via Jon’s suggestion—found a Vietnamese restaurant to try for supper. The previous night Jon had introduced all of us to Boba tea (creamy tea with tapioca pearls mixed in), so Dad was up for a supper of Vietnamese food. My favorite part was the spring roll appetizer with peanut sauce. Fish sauce was a new sensation for our American palettes. I think we all agreed that Vietnamese food was a success.

Afterwards we explored the adjacent Lee Lee Oriental Suparmarket which was filled with strange and wonderful (and some unappetizing) cuisine choices. In the meat section we found chicken legs, pig snouts, blood, hearts, pig ears, eels, squid, and octopus! As we shopped Dad commented, “One thing about it, you get to know your animals.” To which Stephen replied, “It’s like a dead zoo, Dad.” Thankfully we came home with relatively normal purchases like a pineapple orange, pomelo, sesame snacks, mango, etc. and left the balut, anchovies, and tongue in Tucson.

Our week was filled with enjoying Christmas presents. Tammy gave Stephen the popular game Settlers of Catan, and Tim, Ben, Stephen & I became immediately addicted. We even rang in the New Year playing Settlers. My family gave me Rummikub and Buzzword which made for a game-filled week. I instantly used my beautiful platter from Jon for our Christmas brunch. Best of all, Mom and Dad bought us some porch furniture which means we can enjoy being outside finally. Can’t wait to use it!

The days were warm and clear and perfect for visits to the park. At Arizona Mills mall Silas rode the carousel with Grammy and Daddy and visited the pet shop.We had plenty of help around the house. The dishes “magically” disappeared after each meal. Stephen even had help installing his radiator hose.

Holidays are still holidays without family, but oh, how glad we are they came!

Surprisingly, I’ve seen more Alaskan license plates here in Phoenix than I’ve ever seen before. (And when you travel all over the US every summer playing the license plate game, you get to be pretty good at spotting rare license plates.) I’m not surprised that Alaskans would come to Phoenix to escape their winter, but I am surprised that they would drive their vehicles all that way.

Charis is having her Alaskan Adventure, and we get to hear crazy “only in Alaska” news—like a bear cub walking on the produce at the grocery store! She’s taking advantage of her time in the Arctic by enjoying kayaking, salmon fishing, hiking, and such.

While on her way home for Christmas break (she teaches some adorable kindergarten and first grade students), Charis had a layover in Phoenix—of all places! She came for just under a day, and we had a merry little Christmas together. Silas is now the proud owner of a stuffed moose, who was quickly dubbed “Morris” by Stephen. Silas is really into stuffed animals these days and loves giving them squeezes.

We had a happy visit and can’t wait to hear more “News from the North” after she heads back to The Last Frontier.

For the past few years she’s been teaching K4 & K5 and has cute stories to tell about it!

My friend, Becki, is a homeroom mom for Rebekah’s classroom since her son is in K5. Becki and I graduated from high school together. So cool to see her as a mom now!

Becki and I hadn’t seen each other in years, but we reconnected for a brief visit. She has three children, and her husband pastors a small church in Pennsylvania. Silas played with Becki’s kids while we tried to quickly catch up on each other’s lives.

Our flight home was long, but we sat with a friendly guy from Pittsburgh who is originally from Jerusalem. He enjoyed letting Silas look out his window as we sailed above the clouds.

Flying east to west takes longer since we were flying into the wind, and Silas was getting restless. The flight attendant blew up a latex glove like a balloon and gave it to Bitty Boy to keep him occupied. He even took Silas up to the front of the plane for a bit. What can I say? Silas makes friends easily.

That Saturday was a clear day flooded with sunshine, so we took Silas out to explore. Uncle Calvin’s chicken houses were empty. For all of you who sit around wondering what the inside of an empty chicken house looks like, here ya’ go. Pop-pop was a John Deere farmer, but we happened upon this old International tractor behind the shed.We made sure to get a pic with the John Deere too. That’s more like it!

The trees, barren and vibrant, were poetic displays of God’s artistry.

Ruth Anna drove up from Virginia Beach, and Pastor and Mrs. Bridner came all the way from SC to celebrate Allison’s big day. Pastor Bridner is Allison’s former pastor and is a dear friend of the entire family. He also married Stephen and me five years ago.

I was happy to be with so many family members and friends all at once. We introduced Silas to my mom’s siblings and their families, my mom’s cousins, Mom-Mom Betty, her two daughters, and our friends from when I lived in Delaware as a child.

During the wait between the ceremony and the entrance of the bride and groom at the reception, Silas pigged out on hors d’oeuvres for an hour and a half! It was truly an Eastern Shore event with crab dip at the reception. Yum!

Happy marriage, Allison & Mike!

Nothing like a birthday at Grandma and Grandpa’s house!

We had a video call with Stephen while Silas opened his Christmas presents from the family. With lots of help and coaxing, he managed to open his presents. He’s fully equipped for his visit to the farm with his new John Deere hat and tractor.Now the living room has been taken over with baby toys. He’s loved knocking down the block towers Grandma builds for him and playing fetch with Clifford, the big red dog.Grandpa has been introducing Silas to lots of strange and wonderful things including a button accordion, balalaika, and a coon skin cap. Dad has a deer head mounted on the wall. Baby was afraid when he first spotted it, but now he’ll stop and point up to it as if he likes it.

Silas was instantly drawn to Pastor Bell, my “adopted” grandpa. I loved introducing my little man to his “great grandparents.”
The autumns leaves aren’t vibrant with color, but I’ve been enjoying seeing the tree-covered hills. This cold, wet weather makes for an adjustment, but we’re happy to be back in West Virginia for the fall.