Road Trip-Part Dos

One of the highlights of our family cross-country trips is stopping in the Midwest at my cousin's house. Dell and Joy's house is one of our kids' most favorite places. (It may have something to do with the fact that Joy spoils them!) They live out in the country on some beautiful land. They have lots of fun "toys" with motors and ponds to swim in and dogs to play with and firepits for campfires with unlimited s'mores and on and on... This visit did not disappoint!

Road Trip-Part 1

This is the first installment of our college road trip pictures. We had a wonderful journey together as a family across many miles to deliver Katie to college. Despite the close quarters of the minivan, everyone did great and there were not too many arguments. Troy was the one who kept us moving, wanting to take meals in the van so we could "get there faster." We took our time driving out and had some fun stops along the way. We got to see family in Denver on the second night and had a great time catching up with Brian and Sarah and cousins.

And we're off!

A stop in Colorado.

Enjoying a beautiful evening in CO.

Always a great time to play some soccer.

Sisters

Katie got to meet some new Calvin friends who were enormously helpful to her as they are also nursing students.

Hard at work preparing a meal.

Sarah took us on a "little" hike one afternoon.

Scott's frustrated look.

The Hunger Games pose.

Chillin' with the cousins.

Katie Turns 18!?

Last week we celebrated Katie's 18 years of life! This brings mixed emotions as she often reminds us, she is now an adult. (Hmmm...) On her b-day we had a fun day spent at the beach with just our family. After a nice dose of sun and sand, Ruby's Diner on the pier was Katie's choice for dinner. Our family is now focused on the next stage in life for her. We are now in the final stages of sending Katie off to college. She's super excited and we are excited for her! God has blessed Katie with many gifts and talents. It has been so wonderful to watch her make so many deep connections in our new home in just the past two years. She is leaving a great group of friends (may the "fab four" live forever!), many children who adore her as their babysitter, and an awesome faded green minivan behind! But, she's ready to hit Calvin's campus running. We know God has great plans for you, Katie, continue to follow His lead in all you do!

The River's Got Talent

Our church had a little talent show the other evening. It was a great time of celebrating so many God-given talents in our congregation! From young to older, everyone did great!

San Clemente

We are definitely taking every opportunity we get to spend time at the beautiful Southern California beaches this summer. We have friends who are fortunate enough to camp out at the beach for several days each summer. (Jealous!) We were invited to join a group out in San Clemente recently. What a great day it was! The kids all had friends their ages and were entertained all day. Jumping waves, rowing a sketchy raft out to an "island", riding "the banana" too many times to count, beach volleyball, chatting with friends, enjoying great food, sharing a ride on a bicycle built for two with one of your best friends, and many more memories were made that day! Gotta love summer!