A Friday Evening

It's been another busy week. We had Olympics at school every afternoon (glad that's over!!), a snow day Wednesday and Katie started driver's ed which she has every evening during the month of February. On Friday evening we had some friends who were involved in the annual Sem pond jump at Calvin and wanted to go check it out. We missed Ken, but got to see Kevin and David from Visalia take the plunge. This was quite an event. Several hundred college kids were standing in line in the snow (many with bare feet!) waiting to jump into frigid water. Earlier that day they had to saw a hole in the frozen pond to clear a jumping spot. We stood and watched for awhile until we were too cold to stand it! Katie and Kamryn said if they go to Calvin they are totally doing this. Troy wasn't so sure! We enjoyed dinner out with the Borsts and then relaxed at home while watching the Opening Ceremonies.Kids waiting in line to take the plunge.

Troy and Kam on the sidelines.

Some kids wore costumes.

I think this is Kevin K. running out after jumping and David getting ready to jump.

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Tidbits from the week:

What Katie learned in Driver's Ed. : Before starting the car to drive you must secure all loose objects in the car. (We were laughing that if we did this in our van, it would take hours to get anywhere!) Also, the new hand position is "9 and 3" instead of the old "10 and 2" because your arms get broken from the air bags if you're in an accident the old way.

Also, when watching the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Troy said, "I know why the Canadians are wearing red...for Valentine's Day!"

Valentine Preparations

I always love getting ready for Valentine's Day. I had fun finding some ideas on the internet for homemade Valentines this year. Katie missed out because she had driver's ed, but Kamryn and Troy got right to work the other evening. They helped decorate cupcakes and finished up some cards. Here are the results!

I found this fun idea for making heart-shaped crayons which I thought would be perfect for Troy's class. He, however, only wanted Star Wars cards, so Kamryn got excited about the crayon idea. I guess they were a hit yesterday in the fourth grade!

February Photo Shoot

Since it's a beautiful, sunny day today, I thought I'd have the kids do a little photo shoot for me. (OK, there was some bribery involved. Someday they'll thank me!)... We have had a good February so far. We are thankful to be making it through our last (most likely) winter in Michigan. We are busy with school activities. Last night was our winter carnival at school and this afternoon we will visit the Calvin arena for another fun basketball game. Scott is busy with school and anxious about some big evaluations coming up in the next few weeks. (I'm sure he'll do great, but there's still pressure.) He is also taking pulpit supplies in area churches most Sundays. We are thankful for God's care and guidance and continue to seek his will for the future!

Katelyn Joy~15

Kamryn Elise~10

Troy William~5

Out takes: I couldn't resist including this one. Troy had to stop midway to run inside because he had to go to the bathroom! :)

Winter Formal

It's that time of year again...the annual winter formal at Katie's high school. We thankfully found a nice dress a couple of weeks ago without too much drama. Katie and her friends had a great night together. They got ready at a friend's house where they were also served a wonderful dinner. Then they were driven over to a country club for a photo shoot (by the moms). Katie's date (Ezra-just a friend, btw) met up with them there as did a bunch of other kids. Then it was finally off to the school gym for the dance. It started at 8:30, but they didn't want to be there until at least 9:30 (only freshman come early)! Anyway, here are some photos of the lovely group.

Katie and the girls who had dinner together.

The larger group on the staircase at the country club.

Katie and Ezra

Katie and her parents

China Feast

Today we had the annual second grade "China Feast". I have been teaching Social Studies, Science, and Reading in a second grade classroom this year. This feast is an annual event that goes along with our study of China during the month of January. The husband of my partner teacher came and did a Chinese cooking demonstration, the kids performed two Chinese dances, and everyone enjoyed some Chinese food at this long low table. The room moms did an awesome job decorating too. What a fun event!

All of the second graders watching the cooking demonstration.
The kids did an awesome job performing the dances.

All of the second graders at this long table.

Table decorations

Two of my second graders.

In the classroom in front of the China bulletin board.

The End of the 2009-2010 Basketball Season

Today Kamryn played her last Pure Play basketball game at school. She had another great season! Kam is an agressive player who likes to score. She is also sensitive to helping her teammates score too, though. Our friend, Pete, was her coach and Scott assisted. They won every game except one and made such improvement over the season. Here is the team showing off their trophies today after the game.

The Lasers.

Kamryn and her friend, Gretchen.

It looks like Kamryn is scaring the opponent away.

A team huddle.

Kamryn getting ready to bring the ball down.

Kamryn receiving her trophy.

Doughnuts and Gatorade after the game-yum!

A Day on the Slopes

Today was "records day" which meant a day off of school for Kamryn, Troy and me. In West Michigan during the long winter we've learned this is actually an excuse to go skiing! Kamryn hit the slopes with a friend and Scott went out for a little while too. We have a small ski area not too far from our house which is very convenient. The ski area offered our school a good deal for the day and there were several families taking advantage of it. Troy and I walked around and watched and took some pictures. He was complaining most of the time about not being allowed to get out there himself. Maybe before the winter is over we'll get him out there too. Kamryn has only been out a couple of times, but LOVES it! Our Colorado relatives would laugh at the size of the slopes, but it's a great place for the kids to learn. It was a fun day enjoying the outdoors!

Kamryn and Scott taking a quick break.

Kamryn and her friend, Alyssa.

A view of one of the chair lifts and runs.

Kamryn coming down the hill.

Kamryn and Alyssa-love those rosy cheeks!

P.S. As of yesterday Scott finished his "J" term class and ALL of his candidacy requirements. He has next week off and then one more semester. The end is in sight!!