VA Year in Pictures 2010 - 3

Christmas in Detroit! We celebrated Kristen's birthday by attending Noel Night in the Midtown area where we bumped into Santa and Mrs. Claus. We continue to enjoy the benefits of city living, including arts, entertainment, and the variety of cultures that we encounter. Our lives are very rich.

Here are our faces and backs under "the bean" at Millenium park in Chicago. We took advantage of a school break to visit family and friends and be tourists for a bit. It is so fun to travel with the boys at this age. They love new experiences and are fairly self-managing (no more diaper bags or strollers).

The BlackHawks game was another highlight where a friend of ours got tickets and a special visit from the mascot. Ty was excited to be in the pecking order here. He is a lovable 7 year old in first grade at Charlotte Mason Community School. He loves adventure and creativity. His jovial nature and consideration of others have made him many friends. We are grateful for his laughter and love.

The boys of summer in a fountain downtown. We are so thankful for God's grace to us through 2010 and we look forward to seeing how he will shape us through the coming year.

VA Year in Pictures 2010 - 2

Baseball games are a highlight for our family, and this year we took in a few Tigers' games as well as this game in Seattle. Next summer we are looking forward to seeing a game in Los Angeles.

Here are the boys in front of Mt. Ranier in northwest Washington state. We took a day trip to "Paradise" - the closest lookout to the mountain and had a blast hiking the trails and having a snowball fight. God's grandeur was impossible to miss.

Here are the boys on Birch Bay, Jamison is now 9 years old and is growing up quickly. He loves sports and statistics, which means that we often have family tournament brackets and we regularly are updated on the scores, averages, and projections of all Detroit sports teams. He is getting more homework in school, but is excelling in his studies. He is also very compassionate and kind.

Here is my family on Orcas Island during our VanAndel trip to Washington state to visit with extended family, especially my 92 year old grandmother. What a great trip for our kids to see where grandpa grew up and to share it with their cousins. This trip will be forever remembered.

VA Year in Pictures 2010 - 1

Kristen and I celebrated 13 years of marriage in July. We keep growing in love and knowledge of each other. It just keeps getting better. We were able to spend 2 days alone together at the end of 2010 setting goals and forming habits for our life for this new year.

Last May brought the completion of over 5 years of classes for my Master's degree in Missions through Calvin Theological Seminary. It was a long road, and we are grateful for the learning and growth that has occurred as a result. I am better equipped to serve God and his people.

Last May also brought the completion of 31 years of Kristen's parents service at Oakdale Park Church. We continue to be influenced by the Godly legacy of parents and grandparents who love God and love people. Our families have done so much to shape us into the character of Jesus.

We had many adventures as a family including Quentin getting to ride a horse for the first time. He is an exuberant and joyful five year old who is learning to read and is getting excited for Kindergarten next fall. He is often the funny actor of our family who livens up any gathering.

Here are the boys on Easter. They have been active in soccer, baseball, piano lessons, invention camp, children's ministry, video games, and a whole bunch more. They are such a blessing to us as parents.