Spring Break 2021

This year due to the uncertainty of COVID, the kids' school scheduled two weeks of spring break.  The first week the kids relaxed and caught up on things at home.  Russ and I took advantage of having the kids home to take care of the pets and headed to the Sun Valley area for a couple nights.  We enjoyed getting away together, catching up on reading, walking on the trails, eating at fun restaurants, soaking up the beautiful scenery, and just enjoying each other's company.

The Sawtooths outside of Stanley

The second week the four of us flew to Iowa for five days.  We flew into Omaha, rented a car, drove to Glidden to see Russ's parents, took them out to eat at the Pizza Ranch (we needed at least one visit to PR!), and then drove to Sioux Center.  On Thursday, we went to Dordt's track meet and watched Anna and Caleb run (he ran the open 800 unattached).  Nicolas still has hip issues so helped keep us warm at this cold, windy track meet by snuggling in the stands.   My sisters hosted a bridal shower for Mikaela and Caleb on Friday, and Russ preached a Good Friday service at the Sioux Center URC.  Lydia made an official college visit to Dordt most of the day on Friday.   Saturday morning before we headed back to Omaha to catch our flight my Dad took us all to Casey's Bakery for breakfast.  The bonus of the week was that we were able to see my brother Michael who came home for Easter and my aunt and uncle who were visiting from Wisconsin.

It was a little squishy for three in the back seat of the rental car, but...

...we fit four in!

We missed Nicolas's birthday by one day, but I still made him one of his favorites...coconut cream pie!

One of my favorites...all my kids in one room playing games

Winter 2021

After having a daily coronavirus update printed in the paper, we were happy to see it move to a weekly count--now including the number of vaccines administered.  

Although we've had a few dustings of snow all winter, we finally had a big snow in February.  The kids already had a scheduled day off, so they didn't enjoy an official "snow day," but it was still cozy!

The best part about the snow was that the snow on Bogus was awesome for skiing!  Seth went several Saturdays this winter with a family from church.  Since I haven't gone up with him, we don't have any pictures of the mountain/skiing this year.

We were so excited to have Caleb and Mikaela visit us for several days between the indoor and outdoor track seasons.  The church family took advantage of this and threw a gift card shower/engagement party for them.  

Giving a brief synopsis on how they met and thanking everyone for coming.

While they were here the weather was in the upper 50s and sunny so we took advantage of a beautiful day and hiked one afternoon around Camel's Back Park in the foothills.  

Other random pictures from the last few months:

I love spending lazy weekends with these two goons.

 

Russ teaching the GEMS about the attributes of God

Indoor Track

 As the outdoor track season begins here for Seth and Lydia with Russ as their track coach, I thought I'd better update on the college indoor track season.  Nicolas struggled with hip pain when returning to Dordt after Christmas break.  He was able to run in one meet before ultimately seeking medical help.  After an ultrasound and MRI, it was found that he has some fraying in his femoral labral area and lots of inflammation and swelling.  Since they did not recommend surgery at this time, they gave him a cortisone shot, advised him to take a month or more of rest, and then return in a month for follow-up.  Sadly, this means he probably won't be able to return to running while in college.  This is an extra bummer because he didn't have a season last year due to COVID-19.  Therefore, all the pictures below are of Anna.😔

Anna had a great indoor track season as a freshman.  She worked pretty hard to become the 5th fastest 400m runner on the team.  Every time she stepped on the track to run a 400 in a meet she would run a 1/2 second or a second faster.  By the time the NAIA Indoor Nationals came around, she was able to plug into the 400m leg of the women's distance medley relay, placing 6th overall.  She struggled with shin splints throughout the season and is looking forward to running on the outdoor track instead.  Anna especially has enjoyed having Caleb as one of her graduate assistant coaches.  With COVID preventing any spectators at the indoor meets, it was so nice to have a family member be able to attend and cheer her on.  She will miss him next year!  

Getting running advice from Coach Herman

The distance medley relay team

All the women national qualifiers

A screenshot from the live stream with coach and athlete--both loved in this Herman home!