What We've Been Up To

January has flown by! We continue to enjoy BEAUTIFUL weather! (Sorry, couldn't resist.) Many people still ask us how we are all doing, have we adjusted to a new home, etc. We are doing great and feel very blessed! Though it takes time to adjust, create a new home, make new friends, etc. we are all feeling thankful and that we are where God wants us. Anyway, here are some highlights of our lives lately...

Kam is playing on one of the fourth/fifth grade co-ed soccer teams. The skill level of these players ranges from those who play on a club team to those who are just now wearing their shin guards underneath their socks instead of over their jeans. Kamryn enjoys playing with kids from school and it's been fun to watch their progress in learning to play together.

Their awesome coach, Mr. Wiers, going over the finer points of "de-bunching."

I was invited to take part in a bread making class last Saturday morning. It was great to get to know many women from church better and also to learn how to bake bread from a pretty easy recipe. (My kids said it was ALMOST as good as Grandma R's.)

Kamryn worked hard on "her best book report ever."

And we have literally been watching the grass grow in our backyard. It's SO wonderful to have green lawn out our back window. There's even more now. We'll continue to document the progress!

Hiking

So, today was about the best weather you could imagine. It felt like one of those first spring days where it was actually warm enough to wear shorts and drive with the windows down. Except today was January 16th. Some friends asked us to join them on a hike this afternoon to take advantage of the beautiful day. We had a great time with Jodi, the Slagters, and the In't Houts exploring a new (to us) nature preserve.

Family shot minus Katie who was home studying for exams. Bummer! (Scott's laughing at Nick.)

Kamryn and her buddy, Eva.

Scott was giving us the "low down" on the highlights of the nature preserve.

Jodi with the kids.

Kamryn throwing stones by the washed out bridge.

Our reward after a good hike? In-N-Out, of course!

The kiddos.

Posing.

Happenings

The past few days have brought beautiful weather, a long weekend (due to MLK, jr.), sports activities and time together as family. We had a good week with lots of school and church activities. My library which had water damage during our rain storms is now clean, organized and open for students again. It's nice to be back to a a regular schedule. Kamryn has been playing 5th grade soccer at school. Katie keeps busy with Varsity soccer games and practices. Troy just keeps us busy with I'm not sure what. He's still into bey-blades, indoor basketball and soccer and bugging his sisters. Friday afternoon Katie's soccer team pulled out a close win (1-0) in Loma Linda. Saturday morning found us inside the REV gym (local high-school) for a free-throw contest forelementary school kids. It was a fun event. Kamryn missed many more shots than she made, but still came out with a third place trophy! We spent Saturday afternoon at Kamryn's three hour softball "evaluation" so she can play this spring. It was an interesting experience. Not sure if we're ready for the softball culture around here! Scott and I were blessed by The River of Worship at our church tonight and then were able to enjoy a meal out together. Tomorrow brings another busy Sunday. Good stuff!

Kamryn and her trophy.

Our awesome PE teacher Mr. DeJong and the kids from RCS at the free throw contest.

The first through third place winners.

Kam and her friend.

Kamryn's fifth grade class led chapel Friday morning. They had to wear "big noses" for their skit. It was super and the kids even led worship. Always a blessing.

Katie taking the corner kick.

Katie and one of her big throw-ins.

Staff Party

Since everyone was busy before Christmas, we held the River Staff party in January. We were privileged to have most of the staff come to our home. Great food, a fun game, good conversation, and lots of laughter made the evening a success. We are blessed to be a part of this community of awesome people!

Sheila taught everyone the game, "Curses."

The other half of the circle.

Pastor Will, Ruth and Ben getting into the game.

SLO

We were blessed to be able to meet my family at the central coast this past week. We had some beautiful weather and a great time with family.

Grandparents and grandkids

We got to check out those crazy elephant seals.

Kamryn's highlight was the "gum wall" in downtown San Louis.

Avila beach.

My super cool nephew.

Another Avila shot.

Us at Avila.

This reminds me of that painting, "Scream"! (It was pretty windy out at Pismo.)

Loving sisters.

My niece told me that this would be a "sweet little picture". I have to agree with her!

Skipping rocks at Avila.

Troy looking for treasure.

Reading time. (Little Andrew really likes Troy and imitates much of what he does. Too cute!)

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas 2010! Our day looked like this...

We opened presents Christmas morning.

Bakugan and Bey Blades were big for Troy this year.

Kamryn containing her excitement.

Hmm, looks like a good Christmas.

Katie trying out a bey blade. Yikes!

New matching jammies.

We got to meet our Secret Santas...The Kimm family!

We got a beautiful palm planted in the corner of our backyard.

We ate and played games with friends.

Scott's got something up his sleeve!

More fun inside.

Major Progress!

Over this Christmas break we've had some "backyard elves" come and do some awesome work at our house. Our backyard has literally been transformed! What was almost a garbage dump-like area now looks like a carefully landscaped yard. We have been blessed and look forward to being able to use this space very soon.

Our yard when we moved in.

Beginning stages of weed control.

Work in December.

Removing all the weeds.

Leveling and laying out plants.

Awesome brick work.

Done for the day. What a transformation!