The Fun Begins!

This morning we have been experiencing our first significant snowfall. Scott and I were able to run some errands after dropping the kids off at school. Everyone has to get used to driving on the icy roads again. Not fun!! Scott was thrilled to be hauling out his trusty snow shovel to tackle the driveway after we returned home. :)

Troy is excited and is eager for Kamryn to get home from school to join him outside.

Thankful Thoughts

We have much to be thankful for again this time of year. As of Thursday we are very thankful that Scott has completed another quarter of Seminary. He is doing well and enjoys being there-most days! He has been doing quite a bit of preaching in area churches and really enjoys that too. We are just so thankful for many confirmations of God's call to Seminary! Now he has a whole week off of studying!

I'm thankful for four year old preschool projects and the four year old who wears them!
I'm thankful for a husband who is willing to change our thermostat to the programable kind. (One project from a list of many for break!!) I'm also very thankful for a warm home on such chilly days!

I'm thankful for places like Meijer Gardens to let kids explore and run around a bit and to see some beautiful flowers even in the winter. I'm thankful for kids who love to watch toy trains go around huge tracks and have trouble focusing for the camera. There he is!

I'm thankful for our family.

I'm thankful for a husband who plays with his kids.

I'm thankful for artists who create interesting things!

I'm thankful for goofy kids!

Have a great thanksgiving!

Peaceful Times

The other evening I looked over to the kitchen and saw this peaceful sight. Katie was patiently leading the group in making a batch of cookies. Nice! We are glad to have her back home after many long days spent at school practicing for the play. Now, how to keep her busy? Anyone need a good babysitter?!

Signs of Winter

Signs that winter is coming:

Lines of geese are flying away in perfect "V's" to warmer places.
We are wearing sweaters more than t-shirts.
Scott is studying for exams.
Things feel a little dreary.
Kamryn is playing basketball each Saturday at Ada Christian.
Katie is just about done with the play.
The weather report is 7 straight days of snow!
The last colorful leaves are falling off the trees.
Kristin is accompanying kids for the Fine Arts Festival at Ada Christian and also subbing for sick teachers.
The malls look like Christmas.
Kids aren't playing outside in the neighborhood much.

The Music Man

Last night we were able to attend the second night of Katie's musical, "The Music Man". They did an excellent job and we really enjoyed it! Geoff and Ashley and Grandma E. and Hank were also there to cheer her on. She has three more performances next week Thurs.-Sat. at Christian High. If you're in the area, check it out!

This is after the play. She still has her stage make-up on, but they had to change their costumes right away before I could get a shot. Bummer!

What a Gift!

This fall has been a gift of beautiful weather to us! We continue to enjoy 70 degree days this week. Those reading this in California just cannot understand my joy in this until you experience one of the long winters here... After a good morning of preschool, Troy and I decided to take a long bike ride after lunch. He has always had this dream to ride his bike all the way to the girl's school, Ada Christian. (It's probably about 2 miles each way.) There are wonderful bike paths that go from our house to the school. It is quite hilly, but we made it just fine. What a great afternoon!

Reunion

We had a fun day visiting with some Visalia friends, Randy and Alicia Vander Tuig and their kids. We enjoyed an early breakfast with them, watched Lauren play volleyball at Calvin with the DeGroots, and got to visit at our house for awhile in the afternoon. If anyone wants to know more about Grand Rapids or Calvin, ask Randy. He really loved it! :) It was great catching up with them!

In the evening we headed out to Klaver's house in Lowell. They have a great set up out in the country and built a huge bonfire. We had a delicious dinner, the kids went in the hot tub, and we made s'mores for dessert. Unfortunately Troy gave us all a scare at the end of the night when he decided to hide from everyone in the garage for awhile. Thankfully, after quite a search, Pastor James found him hiding. Needless to say, I don't think Troy will do that again!