Great Grandpa

Another highlight of visiting the midwest is getting to visit Great Grandpa R. in the vets' home. He is always glad to see us and it's special for Troy to get to know his namesake. Grandpa looked well and was very alert. Katie missed playing Bingo this time, though!

Time in Iowa

The first two evenings of our trek across country, we stayed with my cousins in Northwest Iowa. They have a beautiful home on a bluff overlooking some beautiful land. We had a great time with Joy and Dell and the boys and also enjoyed seeing one of my aunts and uncles. The kids had a great time running around getting rid of that energy from sitting in the van so long.

Troy getting a ride. He like to ride with dad better than mom because he drove faster.

A highlight of being at Joy and Dell's for the girls is riding the 4-wheelers.Scott contemplating life in a beautiful spot.

Dell pulled out his bow and arrows and target one evening and gave lessons. Kam shot like a pro.

Looking for lost arrows.Katie gives it a try.

Dell found a smaller bow for Troy to try.

We had a campfire in their firepit. It was a great way to end a great day!

First Stop

After setting out on our cross-country journey, we were able to cross paths with our Denver family as they were making their way to Michigan. We were sad we couldn't spend time at the cottage with them, but we did have a nice visit on the road.

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.