Where is the summer going?

Katie

Nicholas thinking "don't even think about taking one!"

Johnny and his friend, Kevin

Amy and Stella

Stella

Nicholas and his daddy

Gramps on the golf cart with Chase, Joy, Stella, Drew, Zoe and Nicholas. They are waving hello to Madison and Alex. Everyone misses them so much!

"Grampoo" swinging with Stella

Wow, where is the summer going? I can't believe August is just around the corner! I've had alot of things I wanted to blog about the past few weeks, but you have to understand, not too much time goes by without computer or internet problems at my house. Also, I spent two weeks at the cottage without the internet. So, that's my excuse for not posting a blog for such a long time. My sweet daughter-in-law set up a new internet connection for me so now I can post! (Aren't you lucky!)

One month and 3 days ago, Lia, Scott, Madison and Alex got on a plane for the long flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. This was after they had a garage sale, sold their house and loaded up a storage unit with all their earthly possessions. Family and friends came together to wish them well and say goodbye at a going away party. We also celebrated Lia's 30th birthday one month early. It was alot of fun. Many tears were shed that night and even more at the airport, but they definately feel God led them on this adventure and are trusting He has great plans for them in SA. We pray God continues to lead them daily as they try to find a comfortable, welcoming church, as Maddie goes to school, as Scott attempts to work in a very different environment and as Lia spends her days entertaining Alex and trying not to get too lonely for friends and family. We were looking at the stepping stones the kids made few years ago and Lia and Scott's says "Bloom where you're planted". Pretty appropriate, don't you think? I'm sure they will!

The day before Lia, Scott, Maddie and Alex left, Amy and Stella arrived in Grand Rapids from Washington DC. They wanted to be able to say good-bye to each other. Amy and Stella stayed with us for 3 wonderful weeks. On the 28th of June, we loaded up and went to the cottage on Big Whitefish Lake for 2 weeks. Katie, Scott and Nicholas joined us, and Dan, Michelle, Chase, Drew and Joy and Arianna were with us week two. Betsy and Nick came up on the weekends. We had such a wonderful time and beautiful weather. Time always goes too quickly when we're at the lake.

The 28th of June was also our 16th anniversary. Can you believe it?! When I even try to think of the events of the past 16 years, I'm overwhelmed. We have 8 wonderful children, 4 terrific "in-laws" who are such a special part of this clan, and 8 beautiful, precious grandchildren (with one more on the way!). God has truly blessed us in so many ways.

Now that I'm back in my "routine" at home, I hope to blog on a regular basis. I'm posting some pics of the past few weeks because Maddie and Alex will be checking tomorrow! I love you and miss you! Enjoy!