Summer Begins

 We started our summer with a busy Memorial Day weekend. Russ, Anna, and I all went to the wedding of a family from church on that Saturday. 

A beautiful wedding reception venue by Lake Lowell.

We also had MAF missionaries back for furlough this weekend. We enjoyed their presentation after church and spent extra time with them over Sunday dinner. They are such a wonderful family and we love hearing how God is working in their lives. 

On Monday, the youth group had its annual pancake breakfast fundraiser at the home of John and Judy Vander Woude.  We had an awesome turnout with great fellowship!

Anna began her internship with an accounting firm in the area while also doing some work for a Dordt professor. Lydia began working at Culver's, and Seth is keeping busy doing lots of odd jobs for people (baking, watching pets, doing yard work, etc) and also working on SAT prep and practicing a lot of piano.

I love this time of year when everything is blooming in our yard!

Outdoor Track Season 2023

Anna and Lydia had a solid outdoor season at Dordt, qualifying for the conference meet at the end of the year. Both also had a chance to run in relays at the Drake Relays which brought back lots of nostalgic memories for Russ and I having run there both in high school and college. Here are a few pictures of the season:

Sisters handing off the baton to each other!

One of the best parts of running at the Drake Relays was seeing cousin Katherine (seated in front) who ran in the 800m for Butler University.  This meant that Aunt Renee and several other cousins came to watch as well as Uncle Philip and cousins who live in Des Moines.

Drake Relay Results:

They loved being on a team together again.  I love these two so much!

Seth also ran track for Cole Valley with his dad as the head coach.  He had a great season, running the 800m (and also a few 400s), but he didn't quite qualify for state. Maybe next year?

The girls were home in time to catch the District track meet.

The boys are District champions!

Pre-State Meet dinner with all the seniors and state qualifiers.