Trip to the Zoo

We were able to end our summer at the Zoo. We went with Tom's Mom and Dad and his sister Nikki and our Friend Kris. We had a wonderful time. The kids loved seeing all the animals and even petting a few of them. Reid said he liked the dinosaur statues the best. Sydney liked the giraffes the best. Elyse loved feeding the giraffes, but was tired of walking soon after seeing them. We are very lucky that Kris had a backpack carrier with her and Elyse fit in it! We were also able to go out for ice cream afterwords. I think that this was the favorite part for all of us!!

Some of our Funny Moments

Elyse fell asleep at the table while she was coloring!

The kids dressed up in their robes and hats and pretended to be detectives!

We had so much fun at Sara and Milo's Wedding. We congratulate them on their wedding and wish them a long and fulfilled marriage. I have one picture to share from their wedding.

It is a picture of four high school friends who still keep in touch many years later. Starting on the left is Jennifer, Sara, Sara, and of course me.

Busy Summer!

Karen and Bill visited earlier this summer with the boys. Bill flew back home for a few weeks and Karen stayed behind, so we were able to spend lots of time together with all the kids. We visited the Nature Center, went to the park, went to the 4th of July Celebration in Holland, Jungle Joes, and to Craig's Cruisers. Check out some of our pictures and the following slide shows for a glimpse into our adventures! Reading with the Boys!
Liam pushed me on the swings on Grandpa's deck!
Reading the Animals of Yellowstone Poop Book with Aunt Karen and Zach!
Playing Cowboys and Indians with Gabe.
Zach enjoys his ice cream.

Celebration Freedom at the Park!

Jungle Joes

Castle Exhibit at the Museum

Nature Center

Craig's Cruisers

Update on My Uncle Ben

My Uncle Ben passed away on Thursday. His children nedd to make some decisions about my Aunt Co who has problems with her memory. She is not able to live on her own. Please continue to pray for them as they try to say goodbye to their dad and make arrangements for their mother. My grandma is also having a difficult time because she is unable to be with her daughter for comfort. My Uncle Ben and Co came once a year to the states to visit my grandma and now I am not sure if that will happen with her condition. So she is starting to question whether she will ever see her daughter again. Keep my grandma in your prayers as well.

Elbow Grease!

Yesterday, out of the blue, Reid came up to Tom and declared, "You know what Daddy, Elbow grease is in you arm! He went on to say, " I wish I could get my elbow grease out."

Prayer requests!

I have two prayer requests for anyone who reads this blog.

Please pray for my aunt and uncle in the Netherlands. My uncle Ben's prostrate cancer that I did not know he had has spread to his bones and kidneys. His kindneys are now failing and his doctors only give him days to live. My Aunt Co and their three sons Martin, Theo, Kees and their families really need prayers. I am sure the next week will be very difficult for them.

The second request is for safe travel for my sister and her family. They are driving from WA this week and already had a tire blow out on their camper. Also pray that the three boys (7 and under) can handle the trip with out making their parents go completely nuts!!!

A July Wedding

Sara and I have been friends since the 3rd grade. I am so excited for her and her fiance' Milo. They are getting married on July 12 in Michigan. It will be fun to hang out with the gang again.

Congratulations Sara and Milo!!!!!

We are hoping to find Milo a teaching job around here, so Sara can be close by again. We miss her all the way in California!

Sydney's Kindergarten Alphabet Program

Sydney's Class performed their own program during her last week of school. Tom, Reid, and I were able to join Sydney for a picnic lunch then take in a show!

There was singing and dancing!
Here is the whole group. Some of them no longer have on their alphabet costumes!

Sydney was Ms. S with her silly socks.

Enjoy some of our video clips from the program.

We had a visitor in the Greenhouse yesterday!

Oh wait it's Elyse, I think. She was so dirty we hardly recognized her!

By the way you may have noticed the new changes to our blog. I was ready for a new look. In the process of trying to change the background and templates, I lost some of my extra stuff, like the prayer list. I am going to leave it off for now, but it may return.