Another Trip Downtown

Right now in Grand Rapids we have Artprize going on. It is a competition/major exhibit of artists from all over who have entered their work. It is displayed all over downtown Grand Rapids. There is artwork in buildings, on the sides of buildings, in the river, on bridges, in parks, etc. It's a pretty amazing thing to see. This morning we took some time and wandered around checking some things out.

Here Scott is trying out a pink guitar. I could hardly take the picture because I was laughing so hard. A crowd of people had gathered and some others were snapping Scott's picture too.

Troy thought this chopper was cool.

In front of several works.

This was a giant puffy guy sitting beside a building.

On top of this easel there is actually a man who has stayed up there for five days. Tomorrow he is supposed to jump down somehow. Yikes!

This work is on a little island in the middle of the river. If you look closely you can see the artist walking out to fix a piece that broke in the storm we had last night.

This is a sea monster placed in the river.

There was a bunch of art on this bridge. There's even a table and chairs on top of it!

The giant table and chairs.

Family on large bench.

This artist spray painted a design on the lawn by the river.

This is trash...I mean art!

Kamryn happy about her blue lemonaide for lunch.

Troy waiting for lunch.

P.S. We're still looking for that big red ball!!

A Celebration

Last Sunday afternoon we were able to help mom and dad R. celebrate 40 years of ordination in the CRC. We met at Meijer Garden on a beautiful sunny day for lunch and some play time. It was a nice time of remembering and looking ahead. Scott and I look forward to Scott's ordination sometime next year, Lord willing! Blessings, dad and mom, on many more years of service in the kingdom!

Church Picnic

We've had a great week of adjusting to the school routine again. (Our family tends to enjoy routine!-OK atleast the parents do!) Scott had a busy week with Seminary responsibilities. He is enjoying his role as student body president, but it does make life busier. On Friday he had to speak in chapel at the Seminary. I heard it went well! Katie was pleased to find out she made the musical at school again this year. They will be performing, "Cinderella" in late November. She is very excited and honored as it was quite competitive to make it. Kamryn is being blessed by a wonderful fourth grade teacher. She is again loving school and showing us her sensitivity toward others. She has a fun personality and loves life! Troy is also loving kindergarten. He has lots of friends (girls and boys). I have to laugh when a parent will come up to us and say, "Oh, you're Troy's mom. I've been hearing a lot about him!" Kind of makes you wonder, but I think it's a good thing! :) It's fun to see the school experience through his eyes-all new again. The weather's been great and we're off to a good start!

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Here are some pictures from our church picnic held yesterday. It was on the church lawn, which is a beautiful green space. It was a nice time of being outside, eating good food, and chatting with friends.

Scott enjoyed some "friendly" competition in "ladder ball" and a new game involving frisbees and water bottles on poles. (You'll have to ask him!)

Scott and Jerry teaming up.


Along the bottom of the church property there is a creek. This is a source of much entertainment for the younger crowd. Right now it is not too deep, but there were, of course, several wet children by the end of the night.

The bounce house was a big hit.

Later in the evening, we noticed Kam was now playing "bags" with a group of older gentlemen. She played several rounds and I think these guys got quite a kick out of her!

Kamryn and one of her friends.

A Morning Downtown

Saturday we woke to bright sunshine and a free day ahead. (We are taking a break from fall soccer this year.) There was supposed to be a celebration in downtown Grand Rapids that we thought we would check out. We were a little early for the festivities, but ended up wondering around anyway. We discovered a car show going on, checked out the art museum which was offering free admittance, and enjoyed a new mediterranean restaurant. We haven't done much downtown so it was a great time of just exploring some new territory. Nice family time!

They are smiling, but in reality they were complaining about having to pose for another picture!
Checking out some neat corvettes.

Troy looking up close.

Quite a line up.

Taking part in an activity at the art museum.

Back to School Dinner

Last night we had a "back to school" dinner. (My friend Tammy gave me this idea!) I made sloppy joes and then each person had a lunch bag with other fun stuff in it. The kids loved it and Scott had a pretty good attitude about it. :) We missed Katie who was at a swim meet with some friends.

Troy was pretty excited after looking through his bag. Kamryn found some gum.

We're off to a great start!

Seminary Picnic

Last night we had the annual Seminary picnic out at the CRC Rec Center. Scott was involved in planning it and it turned out well with a lot of people attending! It was quite damp outside, but only actually rained for a few minutes. It was a nice time of seeing people we know and meeting new Seminary students. These pictures were taken toward the end of the night, so don't really show the whole group that was there.

Scott and Matt leading worship.
Some of the kids playing.

A bit of the group still chatting afterwards.

School Begins-Part 2

Today was the first day of school for Katie and Troy. (Katie-10th grade and Troy-Kindergarten) They both seemed to do well and are both tired (and a bit crabby) this afternoon! To ease the kids into the routine, Troy only has to go mornings this week. Starting next week he will be at school M-W-F all day. He cheerfully came down the hallway to greet me after school this morning. His comments were: "I got some new friends!" and "That was a long day!" He also said that his teacher was really good and that they didn't get to play on the big playground... Now we are off to the Seminary picnic. Should be a fun evening!

Katie and Troy before school.

Troy before climbing into the van. I thought this was cute because he wanted to take his blankie along-just on the way to school!

Troy by his locker. Yes, the 5 year olds have lockers!

Troy and his teacher, Mrs. Diepstra. (She was a highschool and college classmate of mine.)

A peek through the door as I was leaving.

School Finally Begins (Part 1)

So today was the big day for some of our family. Scott, Kamryn and I had our first day of school for the 2009-2010 academic year. Scott is in his third and final year of Seminary. Kam has entered the fourth grade. I am teaching a class of second graders every afternoon. Katie had orientation for her Sophomore class this morning (which involved picture taking, locker assignments and turning in paper work). Troy will begin kindergarten tomorrow. He was quite upset that he couldn't go today. We hope that desire will continue!

The three of us before school. (Note: Scott does not normally dress up this much for class. He thought he had to pray at the convocation today. Unfortunately it is really tomorrow! Sorry, Scott, just had to document that!)
Kamryn posing for a picture by her locker. Can you tell she is anxious to head outside for early morning recess instead of standing here?!

Kamryn and her teacher, Mr. Paauw. She is really excited to have a male teacher. I think it is an excellent fit.

Kamryn at her desk after a great first day!

A Day At The Lake

Yesterday we were invited to spend the day on some friends' boat on Lake Michigan. It was beautiful weather although the water temperature was just above freezing, I think! It literally hurt to be in the water. (The kids did brave it though.) We spent most of the day on the sandy shore and enjoyed each other's company on this last weekend of summer.

The kids on the back of the boat daring each other to jump in.

Katie after a brief swim.

The group on the shore.

Heading out for a tube ride on the huge floating "couch-like" raft.

Deb and Kelly.

Kyle and Kelly

Girls on the sand dune.

Pete cleaning his boat.

The kids tried to see how long they could stand on the raft.

Kamryn at work.

Kelly helping Kam.