The Haverdinks Visit

Marlon and Cora and family were just not here long enough to do everything we had on our list to show them, so we had to keep them busy the few days they were here.  We love that they visited over a weekend so they could worship with us and meet our church family since that is why we are all the way out in Boise, Idaho. 

Here are a few of the big highlights:

Grandpa treated us to frozen yogurt in the Village Saturday night.

We hiked Table Rock on Memorial Day along with the rest of Boise. (Marlon did this after he biked Camel's Back with one of our friends from church...and the rest of the bikers in Boise)

We took a day trip to Stanley and could not have ordered more perfect weather!  This excursion included a picture stop along the Payette River...

One of the State Park workers told us the river was up a foot and a half from the day before due to snow melt.  Unfortunately, this just doesn't capture how fast the river was moving or the roar it was making.

...a pit stop at the Lowman Ranger Station...(we've got proof the Suburban made it to Idaho!)

...a dip in the hot springs...

The upper pool was too hot to swim (115 degrees) and the high river covered the pools at the bottom.  The kids were able to find a small pool to enjoy, though.

...a photo opportunity in front of the Sawtooths...

These little flowers were so cute!  I had Lydia put her hand by them to give perspective to how small they were.

...and lunch and a hike near Stanley Lake.

We ate lunch at an empty campsite right at the shore of beautiful Stanley Lake.  I almost wished we had brought camping gear and stayed the night!

I knew the hike would be a little soggy because of all the snow this winter, the cool spring, and now finally a few warm days.  We did not get nearly as far as we wanted on this hike.  Walking over snow is one thing, but walking on fallen logs to portage the small lakes that had formed on the path was another.  We had a beautiful view and made lots of memories, though!

We actually took this exact same hike on our first trip to Stanley in October of 2014.   This picture was taken then.  Note how different the mountains look in May vs October!  

 The above highlights don't include all the other precious little moments of cousin time:  Settler's and other game playing, virtual reality fun, water balloon fight, late night glow bracelets, Nerf gun wars, piano duets, and Rachel's snuggle time with Smokey.

Grandpa and Grandma's Visit Spring 2017

Because Caleb did not qualify for outdoor track nationals he was able to ride with Grandpa and Grandma when they drove out.  
They arrived on Thursday, May 11, left on the 22nd to explore Oregon and the West Coast, returned on the 26th for the weekend and left for home on Memorial Day.  
No matter how long they are here it is never long enough!  
It was a busy time for end of the year school and track activities, so they were able to take in quite a bit of the Herman life this time.  

Here are a few highlights:

• High school awards ceremony.  Anna and Nicolas both received an award; one for Spanish and the other for AP Chemistry

• District and State track meet.  It was a tad chilly at the district meet, but we bundled up and enjoyed watching CVCS win all but one of the boys' relays and Anna qualify for state in the open 200m and 4x200m.  It was almost too warm the following weekend for State, but in the shade we were able to enjoy some good races!

• Seth had two things on his list while Grandpa and Grandma were here:  Play mini golf and buy a jackfruit and see what it was like to eat.

• We made our now 2nd annual trip to Edwards Greenhouse to buy plants for the garden.  Since Russ is so busy with track this time of year, I love that Dad is here to help get things planted. 

• We attended the Spencer family concert at our church one evening.  They are a large family that is touring the United States and sharing their musical talents.

• Spent some time putting up bird feeders, filling feeders and then identifying the birds that came to dine (well, one in particular)

Finally identified as a Black-headed Grosbeak.  This is the female, but the male also made an appearance.  They especially liked the sunflower seeds in the feeder.

• Caleb took Grandpa and Grandma thrifting one afternoon.  I think Grandpa scored a nice shirt and tie and Grandma also found some nice shirts.

• Grandma helped host the state track qualifiers for a pasta feed at our home.  We served over 30 people and I failed to remember how much young people can eat (even the girls!)  Grandma was a life saver after I froze into inaction when I realized we were going to run out of food.  She was browning hamburger and boiling noodles before I could even get my feet moving.  It all turned out well and I was super thankful I had her experience in the kitchen with me!

• Drove up Table Rock to see the beautiful view from the top.

Grandma was here too...not sure why I don't have her in the picture.

• Attended Lydia's viola recital--I asked Caleb to snap a picture of that for me as I didn't have my phone, but he was so enthralled with her playing he forgot!  We didn't stay long after the recital because we needed to head to the state track meet to watch the 4x200m relays.

• Nicolas' graduation (so glad Grandma & Grandpa were here)

And, of course, we enjoyed Grandpa treating us to Street Tacos in the Village.  

Nicolas' High School Graduation

Child number two graduated May 21, 2017.  Not sure it was easier the second time--in some ways maybe even harder.  

These "Herman boys" have been quite a pair since the beginning.  They are so different in personality which is probably why they rarely fought.  So thankful they will be together at Dordt next year.

Recognition for academic achievement

Recognition for National Merit Commended Scholar

Receiving his diploma from Superintendent Brad Carr.

Cole Valley Christian Class of 2017

Nicolas had one graduation party for school friends and families with his friend Trevor.  Nicolas is currently on a road trip to Virginia with Trevor and his parents as he (Trevor) will be spending the summer in Virginia before he begins college there in the fall.

Nicolas' other graduation party was with the Cloverdale URC seniors after Sunday evening service.  We will miss theses young people so much in youth group next year!

They all decided ahead of time to wear the festive African garb that Salomon gave them.