Bugs

Hi Chris!

We loved reading about your camping experience. Wow it sounds wonderful! What a beautiful setting. Mountains in one direction and ocean in the other...we Midwesterners are jealous! I've heard of Encenada (sp?)...I think in a Linda Rondstadt song or something.

And building a church sounds very ambitious! That's a big project! Hope you're taking pictures of the buildings and more importantly the people you are working & living with. I'm sure you have some great stories to tell...we can't wait to hear them. Like what was the locals' reaction when you talked about drinking 'blood'? Yeah...Countess Christina...la vampire from Chicago. Un poco loco.

Sorry things were so hectic when we connected by phone on Sunday. Mom & Brian Patrick had just arrived at the airport, where Grandaddy & i were in the midst of painting the cockpit of the Glasair. I extricated myself from the footwell quickly enough to talk on the cell to you, while posing with Grandaddy in our stylish painting attire. I'm sure you'll be proud to show your friends this picture. Just a couple of wild & crazy guys eh? Mom says Grandaddy looks like a flasher and should probably be arrested...I of course look relatively normal...Nice job Brian Patrick on the camera work!

We were thrilled to hear from you except your voice sounded...well... shot! I hope you are getting better! If it gets into you chest, please see a doctor (again) before it becomes an infection. How would you survive without nagging parents? Gee you've had your share of 'bugs' so far this trip!

Speaking of bugs, Opah, Nana, Mom & I just spent a thrilling evening on the front porch photograghing the most enormous (and now famous) beetle in Naperville and maybe all of DuPage County. He joined us for cocktails on the front porch around 9pm. He was quite patient during the photo shoot but I think he was a bit overwhelmed by the photo flashes and 'encouragement' to perform. Ultimately, he outlasted us and we went to bed, leaving him alone at the table, to listen to the RibFest concert in peace. Yep...we sure know how to have a good time in Naperville. (Your family is sooo weird...sorry).

Well I think that's enough quality journalism for one night. Besides, everyone else has gone to bed. Except your brother of course, who doesn't come home until the rest of us have been in bed a couple hours.

We really really miss you Chris...especially with 4th of July coming. I remember face painting with you and Kim on the front porch one 4th of July when you were little...

Please take care of yourself Chris. Looking forward to hearing from you again soon! We love you & miss you!

Love,

Dad