Well-Used

To say Troy loves playing soccer is an understatement. Recess time at school finds him out on the back field with the third grade boys. (He's in first.) Troy dutifully brings his soccer ball each day to ensure the game will go on. It's been kicked over the fence and returned by neighbors. It's been rolled through many a mud puddle. The list goes on. He's been asking for a replacement recently and I shrugged off his request until today. I actually took a look at this ball for the first time in awhile. I felt this ball had done its duty. I gave in to Troy's request and picked up a new one on my Target run.

Let the games continue!

Another Great Sunday

We had a great day of worship, learning and celebration of the Lord's Supper at church this morning. (It was actually Scott's first time leading communion.) We were blessed to have some friends come to church too. It was great to see the Snook and Fikkert families! We had fun introducing them to our new church family and then catching up over lunch at our house. Kendra, Sharon and I all taught together at CVC. It's been fun to be a part of their marriages and now children. We're thankful for continued friendship!

Our Yard Sale Find

There's a little necessary background information for this post to make sense... Many of our friends and family have heard the story of the sale of our house in Michigan this summer. It was amazing and in God's timing, but a little wacky at the same time. In the offer that we ended up accepting, our buyers included several items of ours that they wanted. Their list included our patio table, chairs, chair cushions and tablecloth. Anyway, it has meant that since we have moved we have been without a backyard table set. We really love to eat outside and so have missed not having one. ANYWAY, today while walking to our first soccer game we saw that our neighbors had a great set out for sale. Ends up we got a great deal and are the proud owners of a new patio table and chairs (plus umbrella).

Too bad the rest of the yard looks like this!...

Oh well, it's a start. :)

Glorious Day!

People sometimes ask us what our family likes to do for fun or how we relax. I guess the answer would be we love to watch our kids play soccer. (There are other things too!) In the past, we have been a part of the craziness of club teams, but AYSO seems to be a much better fit for us. Kamryn and Troy have been playing this fall, so each Saturday we can be found at the soccer complex near our house. The weather has been wonderful and it's just been a fun way to spend time together as a family.

I love this picture because it shows how Kam and her teammates get along. They aren't always so successful with winning, but they really seem to enjoy hanging out and playing together.

I got some action shots of the kids today. Troy is quite a little player already. He just works so hard and has some pretty impressive moves. (Yes, I am bragging!) Again, he enjoys his teammates and has fun playing.

Kamryn showing her aggressive side.

Troy dribbling down the field.

Kam enjoying the sunshine.

Troy's face says it all!

Again, just a little intensity!

I love the AYSO hand slap at the end of games. Then there's the parent "tunnel" which the kids run through with lots of cheering.

Enjoying a beautiful day!

Reformation Day

We have reached the last day of October! The kids and I were remarking that it's hard to believe a whole year has passed since last October 31st. We were also remarking that it was a nice change to be enjoying the warmer weather in So. California this time of year rather than the chilliness fall in West Michigan brings... While Scott went to church this evening, the kids and I enjoyed spending time with some new friends at a party. :) Here are some highlights.

The costumes for this year. Troy is a Power Ranger (a repeat from last year). Kam is a ghost from Pac Man. And Katie is too mature for costumes!

Kamryn with some of her friends from her class.

Kamryn and another friend from school.

The whole group of kids at the party we attended.

Katie and her friends passed out candy.

One of the beautiful homes in the neighborhood where we were.

Kam and Troy surveying their loot.

Free Spirit

We were blessed to have my brother and his family come down for Scott's ordination last weekend. After the house cleared out Troy decided to play some piano pieces that Grandma R. had taught him. Cousin Emma took advantage of the accompaniment to show off her dance skills. Pretty cute!

Soccer

We spent another Saturday on the soccer field watching some great games. The weather is getting cooler, but the sun broke through the clouds to warm us up a bit. Kam and Troy played like pros and had a great time while they were at it. Although neither of them had a goal this time, they each had at least one assist and some great plays. Soccer provides some neat interaction with kids they don't normally hang out with. Fun times!