The Boy Smoked Me!

Troy challenged me to a game of Memory the other night. We'll just say he smoked me! Scott and I laugh because all of our kids at this age were/are awesome at memory. Their parents-not so much! Troy's comment while we were playing, "Mom, I'm just on fire!" I would have to agree! :)

Success!

Piggy Opera

Last evening we had the privilege of attending the Three Piggy Opera performance by Troy's Kindergarten and two other classes. We have a wonderful music teacher who has blessed our kids immensely. Troy was chosen to be the "straw peddler" which involved a solo. He did a wonderful job and sang his part clearly and on pitch. He acted real sly about it all and would not sing his part for us at home. I was anxious to see how he would actually do in front of an audience! Kamryn and a few other blossoming recorder players were chosen to play along with the piggy waltz. They did great too. Here are the highlights.

Kam and fourth grade buddies.

Troy (in the cowboy hat) performing the waltz.

Troy playing his part as the straw peddler.

The whole group.

Troy and his friend, Jacob, enjoying "piggy food."

Troy and Boppa and Grandma.

Troy and his accompianist.

More Winter Fun

We decided to embrace winter today and hit the slopes at Cannonsburg. The kids and I had off of school for winter break, so after Scott was done with class we headed to the local ski area. Today was extra exciting as Troy was skiing for the first time. Inspired by the Olympics, he was determined he could do it. After a couple of practice runs, he began to ski like a champ! They actually got on some bigger hills. It was so fun to watch his progress. I'm glad our kids all love to ski and are brave enough to try it. As for me, I was happy to hang out in the chalet and get pictures when I could. :)

Scott was a great teacher.

Troy's first run.

Taking a lunch break. Troy didn't want to stop and eat, so we told him he couldn't ski until he ate.

Katie and Kam enjoyed skiing off on their own. Kamryn's ready to try snow boarding next time.

Fun on the Ice

Yesterday Calvin Seminary had a fun family outing to the local ice skating rink. It was the annual "Lord Plantinga's Cup" hockey game, but they added a family skating time and broom ball before the hockey game this year. There were many seminary families there with kids of all ages. Troy was excited to try ice skating for the first time. As you can see he used this red "walker" thing to help at first and did graduate to skating on his own for short periods. There were two heated games of broom ball that took place. Scott enjoyed playing, but is feeling it today. :) We had to leave early, but did get to see some of the hockey game. It was the "deacons" verses the "elders" and was a mixture of alumni, professors, and students. Most of the people playing were quite experienced players and came to the rink with all their own equipment even. We'll have to hear the outcome on Monday and if there were any injuries!

Troy getting a feel for the ice.

Kam skates like a pro!

Broom ball. Scott is in the bright yellow shirt.

Scott looking a little sweaty!

Lord Plantinga's Cup hockey game.

Lots of people came out to watch.

16 Years!

Today we celebrate our 16th wedding anniversary! God has blessed us richly. We have learned much and continue to have much to learn (at least I do! :)...). I am eager to see what the future holds. Scott, I am thankful for you and I love you!

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!