In The Eyes of a Child, October 3, 2014

In the eyes of a child

there is joy, there is laughter,

there is hope, there is trust,

a chance to shape the future.

~from a song by Air Supply

Greetings to all of you from the shores of Lake Titicaca in Southern Peru. We are in the city of Puno, at over 12,000', which is not too conducive for Cindy and me who are used to living at sea level. Two days ago, on our way here, we stopped at the highest point accessible by road in South America, 16,110', near Chivay, Peru. That roadside stop was over 1,500' higher than the top of Mt Whitney, which is the highest point in the contiguous 48 states. 

While we were there a few spring snow flurries gave some charm to the thin air and cold conditions. The first picture shows me and Cindy and Linda Tanner trying to keep warm during our brief stop there. Even though it is early spring here in Peru, our modest coats were no match for the high elevation and cold temperatures. Thanks to traveling partner Barbara Schwindt for taking this picture.

In recent days we have celebrated the arrival of two new baby boys in our family. The first arrival took place on September 23 in Weatherford, Texas, when Lyndsey Aquiningoc gave birth to Karver Ryan. Congratulations to Lyndsey and father Colton! The second picture shows Karver at just a week old.

Then just two days ago, on October 1, Rachel Shepard gave birth to Kellan Christopher Shepard in Seattle, Washington. She and father Bryan Miller are doing fine. Kellan is the grandchild of my brother Darrell and his wife Mary Shepard. Grandmother Mary says that Kellan, at "8 lbs, 15 oz, was born Oct 1 at 8:13 pm and all of us are thrilled and tired. Congratulations Rachel Shepard and Bryan Miller!"

It would be too cumbersome to mention all the proud relatives of these two boys, so just let me say that Kellan and Karver are Great Grandson and Great Great Grandson of my mother Maida Gower Shepard. They are the two newest descendants of Leroy and Nola Gower, and William and Bura Davis.

Do you notice anything unique about these boys? Perhaps it is the nature of newborns, but these two look surprisingly alike in these two pictures. They could pass for twins. We offer our best wishes to Karver and Kellan, as well as their parents and other proud family members. We welcome them with great joy to our family!
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Steve Shepard