Pumpkin Time

We are finally beginning to feel fall around here, so thought we'd get in the mood by carving some pumpkins the other night. The DeJong boys were spending some time with us that evening, so that made it even more fun! This year Troy was determined to do the carving himself. He stuck with it pretty well and first got most of the goop and seeds out of the inside of the pumpkin. With careful supervision, he then got the eyes cut out. Dad helped with the rest, though. Since Katie was at Youth Group, Josh helped out and drew her pumpkin's face. We were quite impressed. The boys hung in there, but then decided Monsters, Inc. on TV was more entertaining.

A Whirlwind Weekend

It's an understatement to say that October has been a busy month. Scott has done two weddings. The kids are playing soccer and softball. Katie is rehearsing for her school play. We have work and school. I have a book fair coming up this week. There are also the different ministry things that come up and take time. Anyway, to add to the excitement, Scott double-booked himself this past weekend. He agreed to speak at a youth pastor's retreat and also officiate at a wedding for members of our church. Unfortunately these opportunities were about 2 hours away from each other. Needless to say we enjoyed both things this weekend. There was a bit more time spent in the van than we would have liked. (The retreat was in Dana Point and the wedding back in Oak Glen.) We were blessed to be able to spend that time with our friend, Jeff (who also double-booked!). We passed the time in the car talking, laughing and even singing. What an amazing story he has, too! We left the kids home (with Katie in charge) and they did great. Kamryn even filled in as the tooth fairy for Troy. :) We begin this week very blessed, but also a little tired. Thankfully there's only one more week of October, right?

Us before the wedding.

Some of the people from the Youth Leaders Retreat chatting after our last session Sunday morning.

This was a highlight of our weekend for me. A wonderful Sunday noon meal in Dana Point with wonderful staff and spouses from The River!

Had to include the self portrait of us on our early morning beach walk.

Science Camp

Kamryn and I just got back from sixth grade science camp. The really cool thing about this sixth grade camp is that it happens to be held on Catalina Island. Who gets to attend camp on an island in the Pacific Ocean?! Pretty cool! The first morning, we awoke way too early in the morning and met at school to drive down to Long Beach to catch our boat ride. The boat took us into a small camp on the island where we spent the next two and a half days. On the way over we just happened to see a couple of blue whales. VERY COOL! I had not seen whales that close up and you really got a feel for their amazing size. During our camp experience, Kam and I had a great time of learning, hanging out, meeting new people, enjoying the ocean, watching the dynamics of sixth graders, trying new things, eating great food, staying in rustic cabins with 12 year olds... and all on not much sleep.

Kam on the boat ride over to Catalina.

Morning devotions.

The boat dropping us off.

Lots of luggage!

Kam and I.

We got to snorkle for one class session. I caught Mrs. Poortenga in the cold water.

Some of the leaders in our wetsuits.

Searching for animals in the tide pools.

Learning in an outdoor classroom.

Kamryn had to get up to the highest rocks.

Taking in God's creation one morning before breakfast.

Some pretty cool girls.

I couldn't resist this picture of some of the dad chaperones during one of the classes.

One morning we went kayaking out on the ocean. What a blast!

During another class session, the kids dissected squid.

Our last morning was a little foggy.

The instructor gave a challenge to put this part of the squid on your face and then you didn't have to help clean up. Of course, Kam was one of the first to do it!

Blessing Redlands

Saturday we were able to help out with "Bless Redlands." This is a big service project that several churches are a part of. We spread out around the city and help at different sites. Scott and I were a part of a group that went to a local public school. Scott was on playground ball blow-up duty and I helped paint the teachers' lounge and worked in the library. It was so amazing to see the things that needed to be done like blowing up playground balls and processing library books and them not having anyone to help do that. Anyway, we had a fun morning helping out. It was great to make connections with people from our church and also with others in the community.

Scott and many, many balls.

He was sure the directions were wrong for this thing. (Hee-hee!)

My fellow library workers.

The lovely Marvalee.

These ladies were having a lot of fun!

Friday Night Football

ACA had their annual Powder Puff Football game last Friday night. The Seniors and Sophomores played against the Juniors and Freshman. The match-up made for an exciting game. The girls really got into it. I was a little surprised at Katie's aggressiveness out there. Needless to say, everyone was a little sore the next day or two. The Seniors/Sophomores pulled out the win. It was a fun way to spend a Friday evening!

The mighty Seniors.

The whole team and coaches.

The three amigas.

Watching from the sidelines.

Fun to play under the lights.

A huddle.

Some cuties at the game.

Coach Wojo giving instruction.

Katie even had grandparents there to watch her.

Golfing For Good

Our school hosted a golf tournament a couple of weeks ago. Scott was invited to play and I helped out and then got to stay and enjoy the dinner, along with Scott. I guess Scott's golf game was not quite what it should be and he was able to see most of the course. :) But it was a good day of raising money for our school. I got to help on the snack cart for the afternoon. We had a fun time chatting with people and enjoying a beautiful day outside. We are thankful for our school and those who help support it!

Scott and his foursome.

The snack cart ladies. (Happy to report there were no accidents!)

Some groups even wear cool outfits like this!

Scott takes a swing.

Weekend Update

We spent another busy weekend chasing after kids. We went from a birthday dinner Friday night to early morning soccer pictures on Saturday to Kamryn's game to Troy's game and pictures to birthday parties to a friend's house to a dinner date (for Scott and me) and finally to bed! Sunday brought wonderful times of worship at our church and some rest. Katie spent all weekend in Mexico with the Hands of Mercy group. (She had an awesome experience!) I had to laugh Sunday morning before church when Troy asked, "Where IS Katie?" (It does get a little hard to keep track sometimes!) We are having typical fall Southern California weather-high 80's and 90's. I love it!

Scott trying to motivate pre-teen girls at 8:00 in the morning. (Not easy!) They lost a nail biter 5-4.

Troy and his buddy, MJ, goofing around before the game. His team is really starting to play together nicely. They are fun to watch!

Kam going for the ball. She had two nice goals during the game. My camera battery died before his game, so no action shots of Troy this time.