Back to Visalia

We are back in Visalia. It feels great, although a bit surreal. We arrived Tuesday evening and have already seen many people. Tony and Rochelle De Groot blessed us (and about 200 of our closest friends!) with a lake party Wed. evening. What an awesome time! This "lake" is next to their home near Hanford. It felt just like old times. (It was even typical Valley weather-over 100 degrees!) We appreciate everyone coming out to see us. Here are some pictures.

Troy and friends are out on the lake trampoline. I love the corn in the background around the lake!

A group of kids.
People hanging out.
A view of the lake.
Scott chatting with good friends.
Scott easily fell into his old role of leading in prayer before dinner.

Troy gets a ride on the jet ski.

Kam, Sadie and Jessica get a tube ride.
Scott and some old youth group kids.

Good-Bye, Palos Heights!

We have now completed our first summer Seminary Internship. As you know we have been in Palos Heights, IL. We have had a wonderful experience and will look back at our time here fondly. It is sad to leave, but we are looking forward to our vacation now in Central California where we will visit friends and family.

We enjoyed experiencing many Chicago traditions during our time here. One of these traditions is lemon fluff cake. It is a special part of celebrations here (so we heard). Scott had mentioned in a newsletter article he wrote that he had not gotten a chance to taste lemon fluff cake yet. So after his last sermon this past Sunday a lady from the church had a special box just for him. So now we have gotten the full Chicago experience!!
Pastor Scott and his lemon fluff cake!

Visit to the Bike Tour

This afternoon we hopped in the van and drove about 70 miles west to check in with the CRC Sea to Sea tour. Scott's mom and her husband Hank are riding on bicycles across the country with this tour. It was great to see them and hear the stories of their trip so far. We got a tour of their tent camp at a local highschool and then went out for dinner. They will be stopping in Palos Heights tomorrow, but we will miss them because we will be on our way to CALIFORNIA!

Troy got a ride on Pastor Len's bike.

This is our friend, Alyssa Raterink's parents. Just wanted to show Alyssa that they were doing well! It was fun to meet them.
Hank wandering through camp.

Katie's 14th Birthday!

Today we celebrate Katie's 14 years!

The day began quite early with a breakfast at Lumes Restaurant with Mr. Dean and Mrs. Ruth.
A group shot...(Troy is wearing his new Bears "beanie" that he got from Dean and Ruth.)
Katie was very excited that three of her friends were able to visit from Grand Rapids for the weekend. Scott took Rachel, Kensey, Megan, and Katie downtown on the train.

The girls on the train.A shot on Navy Pier.

After spending some time downtown, everyone came home to relax. Here they are goofing around in the pool.

Katie ready to open gifts.

Katie checking "facebook" for birthday messages.

Insider's Chicago

Today Scott and I were invited to go on a tour of Chicago given by a couple from our church. They both grew up in the area and love downtown Chicago. They took us around to many of the famous sculptures and historical landmarks. It was a neat tour!

Posing with Michael Jordan in front of the United Center.A weird picture of us in front of the "Bat" sculpture.

Scott is standing in front of a Chagall mosaic. It's made of little tiles and has lasers protecting it from being touched.

We had lunch at the Billy Goat Tavern. This place was made famous by the Saturday Night Live sketch. It's actually located underground. Pretty cool!

This sculpture is called "the bean."

More Friends Visit!

It was great to have our Seminary friends, The Borsts, come for a visit the past few days. Some of our activities included dodging tornados, getting ice cream, completing puzzles together, chatting, playing pool in the basement, touring Palos Heights and having a great time! Thanks for making the trip!

The group at Lake Katherine Preserve.

Matt and Scott enjoying some red meat together.

Playing.

Completing puzzles.
Troy and Anna looking like summer.

Hanging out watching Clifford in the morning.

Last Friday we decided to again venture downtown. We rode the Metra train system which conveniently took us right downtown without having to worry about traffic or parking. We soon realized that we were not going to be able to move around the city very easily because there were tons of people there for the Lalapalooza Music Festival. We walked around a bit and then headed home.

Awaiting the train at the station in Tinley Park.

The entrance to Lalapalooza.

Holding hands for safety!
In front of the Art Museum.