A Beautiful Sunday

These pictures aren't too exciting. I just wanted to document a beautiful January day in West Michigan. This is our second day of sunshine! Don't let the nice blue sky fool you though, it was extremely cold-in the 20's. Brrr! The kids tried playing outside (actually I sent them!), but didn't last long because of the chilliness.

The End of a Week

We are back into the routine around here. The first week of school in the new year is complete! This morning began with a trip to the dentist for Troy. Over the past few days his right front tooth has been turning dark. The dentist confirmed what I thought that his tooth is, in fact, dying due to "trauma." When this trauma occurred we are unsure. It could have been on one of several different occasions~that wrestling match with the neighborhood boys, a sledding incident, running into a kid at recess, "interacting" with his sisters, etc. Who knows?! Anyway, the dentist advised that we just wait it out. The baby tooth will fall out eventually.

At dinner tonight the kids were sharing some happenings from school today. I had the privilege of doing recess duty. Let me remind those of you who do not live in cold country that things are very different here. The kids have to go outside in the snow and freezing temperatures. (Actually they seem to enjoy playing in all that white stuff.) Anyway, today while patrolling the kindergarten-first grade playground, kids (including my son) kept coming up and complaining that other kids were stealing their ice blocks. When I reminded Troy of this at dinner he got fired up again and brought up a girl's name who according to him is "the meanest girl in the school!" He relayed how they try to build forts with the blocks of ice and then others come and wreck them. We just had to laugh as I never had to deal with kids stealing my ice blocks growing up in California.

Kamryn's dinner contribution was a story about the practice geography bee that the fourth graders had to take. She said that she only knew three of the countries because they didn't have the ones that she had already learned on there. She was upset that they didn't have Cameroon on the test. When Katie asked if she knew where Cameroon was she quickly and in true Kamryn fashion replied, "Yes, it's in Africa-right next to Togo!" Of course the fact that she knew this and rattled it right off cracked us all up.

Our Getaway

Scott and I were blessed to be able to take a quick trip back to California last week to attend the wedding of our friends, Michael and Ally. It was such a fun time seeing many people and places that are special to us. Thanks to everyone who hosted us and took time out to visit with us! I have to admit that I even sat outside and read my book out by Lisa's pool in 50 degree weather (but it was sunny!!). Now it's back to reality and school, but the end is in sight!

Christmas Day in Zeeland

Later in the day on Christmas, we made our way to the Zeeland Elgersma's for more celebrating...

Katie and cousin, Kiley.

Troy thrilled with his Lego Star Wars game from Aunt Sarah.

The Elgersma "boys" presenting mom with her gift. They are laughing so hard because this is actually a yard sculpture that you stick corn cobs on to attract squirrels. Mom and Hank enjoy bird watching in their yard, so we thought this would be right up their alley. Then we found out Hank hates the squirrels and tries to shoot them! Hilarious. We'll have to hear the stories that come from this one.

Feeling quite proud of themselves.

Posing with their new yard sculpture.

Trying on Troy's new safety glasses that came with his new Nerf gun set. Lovely!

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning we relaxed, ate breakfast and opened presents as a family. (This is probably the last year of a leisurely Christmas morning!) Highlights were a Star Wars book for Troy (only problem is now WE have to read it to him!), Wii Resort for everyone, new slippers, jammies, etc. It was lots of fun just being together.

Group shot

Checking out the new photo books mom made.

The coveted Star Wars anthology

Snuggling in new down blankets from Grandpa and Judi.

Christmas Eve

We felt fortunate to be near family again this Christmas season. We divided our time between the two sides. On Christmas Eve we spent the evening at my parent's house. It was a nice time of listening to the Christmas story, eating a meal and opening presents. We weren't sure about attending an 11:00 pm service at a downtown church because of the icy weather. We ended up heading home about 9:30 and then after arriving home the girls and I decided we would make our way downtown for the service. It was a beautiful traditional candlelight service, which was worth our effort of getting there.

A successful timer shot.

us

Katie excited about her shirt from Aunt Nesha and Uncle Dan.

Kamryn loving her new boots.

Troy with new Calvin basketball gear.

Mom and Dad checking out their new photo book.

Studying the Star Wars legoes. Unfortunately this was one he already had!

Deciding which one to get as a replacement.

Sledding Time

We took advantage of the unusually sunny skies the other day to do some sledding. There is a great hill near us which we had tried out a couple of years ago. The kids and Scott had a great time flying down the hill. I, not wanting to impart any bodily harm on myself, decided I would be the event photographer. We lasted about one hour as it was still extremely cold and a bit windy. By noon these blue skies were again cloudy. Gotta love West Michigan!