Thursday, January 7, 2016

VACATION


Brandon was invited to visit the Upper Peninsula with a friend. He had a great time, they visited pictured rock, shot off fireworks and enjoyed a nice weekend! It was a great experience for him and we were so grateful!




I had the opportunity to visit my cousin's family in Alaska. It was an amazing trip. I stood on the top of the mountain, all I could see was mountains. I hiked on a glacier, saw whales, ate fresh salmon, biked by a moose, and learned how to net a salmon. I made some amazing memories with my aunts and cousins. Thanks for an amazing time, something to never forget.





We have so much fun every time we go to the cabin in Brainerd. I always say it is one of my favorite places on earth. To see the smiles on my kids' faces, to watch them play with friends they see once a year, to experience skiing and kneeboarding, to hear a loon call. Its value is priceless.








From the cabin we headed to Minneapolis to meet up with friends. Its always amazing to renew those bonds, but also to see that life has kept moving. We love our MN memories.



And then there's Iowa.  Grandpa Mike and Grandpa Nancy are amazing hosts with amazing dress up clothes. The entertainment factor goes a long way. We play at the park, we eat at Pizza Ranch, we play Uno Attack, and we take goofy pictures!



Many family members came to visit and to help my parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. We had a great time celebrating their life, love, and legacy.






Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Camp Geneva


Both Brandon and Anika had another great year at Camp Geneva this year. We love the life this camp has breathed into our kids. We love having others positively influence them. We love the friends they make, the fun they have and the way their faith grows, not to mention all the adventures they take!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Blueberry picking

We have some friends who own a blueberry field and they offered it up to us to have some time picking!  We love fresh blueberries - so yummy.  And we always freeze some to use in coffee cake throughout the year!

Monday, January 4, 2016

Family Adventures


We had a great time spending a few hours at Nelis' Dutch Village. The oversized shoes, the wooden shoes attached to skis, the farm animals, the ferris wheel, the zip line..... Somehow we keep missing the candle dipping, which is my favorite thing to watch!

We also went to a semi professional soccer game. The Muskegon Risers are a newly formed soccer team here in town. It was good soccer but the fans were not fun to hang around.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Time for a wedding

Matt had the honor of officiating a wedding for one of our former youth group kids. Dan and Mattie got married in Grand Rapids on July 4. So, it was close to our home, it was almost our anniversary, we got to see many friends from MN, and we got to dress up and go out for the night!

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

sunsets and family visits




One of my most favorite things is a sunset on the beach. We had family here to enjoy this one with us. Matt's brother Jeff and family were here and we all enjoyed the scenery together.

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Strawberry Picking



Brandon, Jessica, Maria and I had lots of fun eating, I mean picking strawberries.  We picked enough for a pie, jam, and a jello salad! DELICIOUS!