Cirque du ACA

This weekend we took part in the fundraiser at Katie's school called, Cirque du ACA. It was a nice time of people coming together to have fun and support the school. Katie was chosen to take part in a fundraiser where a bunch of Seniors had to eat really gross stuff (goldfish, worms, cow tongue, etc.) Let's just say it was interesting to watch and yes, there was some barfing! Troy got to eat a bunch of candy, Kam ran around with her friends, and we had fun watching others spend lots of money at the auction. :) The afternoon ended with a basketball game-staff against students. This year the staff won. Fun times!

Getting ready to take the first cup.

some hesitation...

I think Katie's face says it all.

The crowd looking sympathetic.

A good turn out.

Mr. Heuker trying to sell Scott something?

Uncooperative boys at the b-ball game.

A little better.

The game begins.

So Cal Hockey

Since our time in Michigan, Troy has loved hockey. His favorite team is the Detroit Red Wings. He watches it as much as possible on tv (when his sisters allow it). He was overjoyed when we were invited to attend a hockey game with some friends Friday night. We got to experience minor league hockey at its finest while cheering on the Ontario Reign. There were dumb games for the fans, off-beat cheerleaders, Zamboni rides, fights, big boxes of over-salted popcorn and some great hockey! Troy was on the edge of his seat for most of the game holding his ticket in hand the whole time. Our friend, Vonn, was determined to get Troy a seat down by the ice, but it was not meant to be...for long. On the second try they got down right by the glass for a total of 7 minutes until a fight broke out right in front of them and alerted the attention of the seat Nazi's who kept a close eye on the empty season ticket holder's seats. Vonn and Troy were sadly escorted back to their original seats. Bummer, but Troy still loved it!

Layel and Elgersma kids.

Troy on the edge of his seat.

Funny how everyone stands up to watch a fight. (Love Garret's face.)

Garret making friends with the giant mascot.

Vonn and Troy down by the ice right after the fight.

The Rivalry

We took part in the watching of the "rivalry" game between Calvin and Hope last Saturday afternoon at a local restaurant. We have quite a contingency of Calvin alum in our area to cheer on our team. Most people there were cheering for Calvin, but there are always a couple Hope supporters too. Our friend Norma is always quite vocal in her support of her beloved Hope team. (She had a lot to cheer about this year, too.) There may or may not have been talk of some t.p.ing happening at Norma's house later that day. (Just kidding, Norma! It wasn't us, really.) Anyway, it was a fun afternoon even if the outcome was disappointing. It's hard to believe that most likely, Katie and Erin will be watching the game in person next year!

Troy, Kam and Brett taking a video game break.

Future Calvin students.

Kouwes in retro Calvin shirts.

Vander Wal/ Kouwe table.

Sweet Sarah and Livi-lu.

Celebrating Super Seniors

This week Katie had her last home game as a Varsity soccer player at ACA. Hard to believe Katie's soccer career is most likely coming to a close. She's had many good years on the fields of California and Michigan. From AYSO to club teams to Varsity level, it's all been fun. (Right?) At this last game, the two seniors got to be the captains for the day. The junior girls made signs and brought flowers and gifts for them which they presented after the game. The girls all get along pretty well and said some sweet things about Katie. Katie is known for her fun spirit and her big throw-ins. (She really can make that ball fly.) Katie's had a good season this year on defense. The team is in third place in their league and is headed for play-offs next week. (Let's see, next week...Katie has soccer. Kam has soccer and softball. Troy has baseball. We'll make it...somehow!)

Love the lighting of this shot.

Katie and her friend, Kelton.

No worries, I get looks like this regularly!

Katie and her friend, Emma, doing their half-time hand slap.

Coach Norma giving instruction.

Post-game festivities.

2011-12 ACA girls varsity soccer team.

Katie and coach Norma.

Ellen and Katie, the two Seniors.

Things They Don't Prepare You For in Seminary

To say our week was busy last week would be an understatement. There was a lot going on, especially at Redlands Christian. Scott and I were both involved in Spiritual Emphasis Week with the middle school kids and then it was also the Fine Arts Festival at school on Thursday. Kamryn performed a couple different pieces on her clarinet and I accompanied several groups. On Friday afternoon we had service day for school and after that I was about done! But there was more...Friday evening we headed out to Ontario to watch the ACA girls soccer team take on their rivals, Ontario Christian. This game would determine who was first in league. Unfortunately, we ended up losing, 1-0. The girls played hard, but couldn't get their offense together. (Katie had a great game on defense.) Saturday morning brought an interesting event. Redlands is big into Abraham Lincoln and is home to a large Lincoln Museum. (We have yet to visit it.) In honor of Lincoln's b-day this month, they held an assembly Saturday morning. Scott was asked to pray and be a part of it. Yes, it was an honor, but yes it was also quite amusing to see him up there on stage with Abe, Mary Todd and the mayor. We tried not to giggle (too loudly) every time Scott had to help Mary Todd Lincoln with her chair so she wouldn't tip over when she sat down in her big dress. The audience was mostly made up of Boys' and Girls' Scout troops from the area.

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On a more serious note...Scott left the bowl to make a visit to see our friends, The Perrenouds, in Loma Linda. As many of you know, we are praying for Angel who had a tough day yesterday. It's still not clear what the outcome of this major setback in his life will be. We are praying for healing for Angel and strength for his family.