Old Friends

Troy had such a blast playing with his neighborhood friends this summer. It was kind of sad to think that they would be missing a buddy after we moved. Here is some of the group.

Katie's Birthday-Part 1

Katie got to celebrate her 16th birthday a week early with family before we move. We assembled on our back deck for one last time. We enjoyed Scott's grilling skills for dinner and I tried my hand at my first layered b-day cake. The theme for gifts this year was Paris as Katie is planning her new room decor and hopes to visit this city one day. Anyway, we are proud of our oldest daughter. She has been flexible and handled our many moves with grace and maturity. We look forward to watching her continue to blossom, but not the fact that she will soon be driving those So. California freeways!

Stick Shift Lesson

To further her driver's education, Boppa gave Katie a lesson on his 1972 Toyota. This is also the car I learned to drive several years ago. On a quiet Saturday morning Katie tore up the roads of Calvin College (not really) and got lots of practice. After the lesson her left leg was quite sore. Let's just say if you learn to drive this car you can drive any car!

Home safe and sound.

Katie's Good-bye

Some of Katie's friends put together a farewell party for her the other night. Scott did a great job in supervising and helping with some organizational details. They hung out at a park and then had a campfire near the river to make s'mores. Here's the group.

Seminary Gathering

Last night we spent the evening at the beautiful home of some friends. Sheri has been the classmate of Scott at Seminary for the past three years. She is an amazing woman who is attending seminary to become a chaplain, but also keeps up with her four children and many other activities. We had a wonderful time at their home catching up with two other seminary couple friends, too. Thanks for your hospitality, Sheri and Ross!

The kids enjoying their meal in the yard.

Troy and Anna on the tire swing.

Kam hangin' out.

Chatting on the porch.

Kamryn and Anna had a blast with the kitten.

At the end of the evening we enjoyed a time around the campfire in their backyard. Each person went around and shared their "highs" and "lows" of seminary. Wonderful memories!

Summer Continues...

Well, the summer continues. We have met our goal of selling our house in Michigan! It was a long process with showings, negotiations, inspections, appraisals, etc. Through the process we continue to see how God is in control and works out details! We have also been blessed with a great home in Redlands which we are anxious to get into (and start working on!). Here are some pictures from last week. Troy finished up swimming lessons with a jump off the diving board on the last day. I also have been doing a little reward system with the kids this summer. They are rewarded with marbles for helping out with things around the house and yard. When the jar is full they receive a monetary reward. Kamryn was the "go-getter" this time and really worked hard to fill her jar. The motivator was earning money for the i-pod that she wanted. Great job, Kam!

The Elgerbroeks

Throughout our "travels" these past few years with having to move around the country, we have been blessed with continued friendships. Our friendship with the Elsenbroeks began several years ago in Visalia. We spent many evenings by their pool or in our air conditioning. We also have many wonderful memories of our times of sharing a cabin in Mt. Hermon. During our time in GR we have been able to re-connect each summer since they come out to visit family here. We are so thankful for you guys!

(Great picture, Bert!)