Happy Birthday, Scott!

Today we had a great day helping Scott celebrate his 37th birthday! He opened presents in the morning. Unfortunately he had to rush off with the kids to buy books for Katie at the highschool and I had to go to meetings at school all day. We were able to go out to dinner and have cake tonight. He had fun reading all the facebook messages and getting lots of phone calls.

Getting ready to blow out candles.
Making a wish...

Opening presents this morning.

Yesterday the kids sat down to make some birthday cards for Scott. I thought it was fun how they each showed the personality of the artist.

Katie's is neat and colorful.

Kamryn has an ongoing cartoon about chocolate-loving robots which she included on her card. I thought it was also unique that she signed her dad's card with her first name and last initial!

Troy was trying to think of something Scott loves and came up with Fantasy Football. Then he asks, "Katie, how do you spell DAD GOES DOWN?" :)

We had a wonderful dinner out with our friends, The Borsts. After dinner Matt took the kids and Scott out to do some "geo-caching." (Not sure if I spelled that correctly!) You find coordinates on the internet and using a GPS, they lead you to hidden treasure. There were two that Kamryn looked up by our house, so they went to check them out. Success!

Matt rummaging through the forest!

Hot on the trail!

Christmas Comes Early

Christmas came in August for Kamryn this year. Not really, but she did received an early present from Boppa and Grandma and us. My dad found a good deal on a bike and so we decided to give it to her now so she can enjoy it before the weather turns cold. When we presented it to her at my parent's house her first comment was, "Is it really brand new?!" I guess being the middle child she never received a new bike until now. :) Anyway, Kamryn is enjoying the freedom of her bike around the neighborhood.

Surprise For Katie!

This evening a bunch of Katie's friends surprised her with a belated birthday party. On her birthday (August 9) she was "stuck" in Pella missing her friends. Tonight, Katie thought she was going to hang out with her friend, Kensey, but was very surprised to find all of these girls up in Kensey's room! Fun times!

Ear Piercing Excitement

Kamryn (with some encouragement from her mom and big sister) decided to take the plunge and get her ears pierced while we were at the mall doing some back to school shopping. She took the quick pain like a champ and has been very diligent about cleaning and caring for them. Here's a look!

Sand, Surf and Even Some Sunshine!

We had a good week settling back into our home. I got some work done in my classroom at school and Kamryn and Troy attended a VBS at a local church. Scott was blessed with a trip back to Visalia to take part in that all important Fantasy Football Draft and also the "Hairy Scott Golf Classic!" He's had a great time and is overwhelmed again by the love of our friends in that area. We are beginning to think more about school, but still have two weeks until we begin.

Yesterday we enjoyed a day by the lake with our friends, The Klavers. We attended an outdoor service at a church in Holland and then hung out for the rest of the day. It was a bit chilly, but the sun did appear toward the end of the day. The kids got lots of boat rides and tried out the knee board and tubes. It was a great day with good friends!

Indianapolis

After touring the midwest we made our way down to Indiana for Brian and Mallory's wedding. We had a great time there seeing dear California friends and Seminary friends. We had fun hanging out and catching up with the Borsts at the hotel. The wedding was beautiful and we are excited to get to experience Brian and Mallory's first year of marriage as we continue through Seminary together. I didn't get great pictures from the wedding, but here are a few.

This is at the reception. Don't have a clue who these people are!
Scott giving marriage advice?!

Trish did a great job leading a game that Mallory and Brian had to play. So fun!

Some of the Visalia crew-They were trying to look tough!

Ah! Panera for breakfast with Borsts. Back to the comforts of city life!!

We have returned home and found our house in great shape! There's lots to do, but we are so thankful to be home and ready to jump into another year!

Lots of Driving

We had some time this week after finishing in Pella so we were able to head up to Northwest Iowa and Southwest Minnesota to see some relatives. Cousins Joy and Dell and Uncle Gord and Aunt Judy graciously hosted us. Thanks so much! It was great to see many family members and also visit with Great Grandpa Rozeboom in the Vets' Home. (Katie even spent an afternoon playing Bingo there!) Here are some of our activities during our time there.

The kids swimming with Joy and the dogs across the pond. (Only later did they show us the pictures of the 37 pound carp that had recently been making its home in this same pond!)
Troy and all the hunting gear.
The kids had tons of fun on the four-wheelers!

Kamryn liked riding with cousin Dell because he would let her steer.

Crazy girls.

We also got to visit with Woudstras one evening. We caught up around the campfire at Joy and Dell's.

Making s'mores in the new firepit.

Troy loved hanging out with Jake and Jordan.

Their beautiful home outside Rock Valley.

The kids with Grandpa at the Veteran's Home in Luverne. It was great to see him!