Last week I spent a couple of days in Holland with Abby, Sophie, and Noah. We had LOTS of fun on Wednesday when Tori was with us! Because the weather was crummy, we opted for an indoor picnic and a trip to Paint-a-Pot where the kids made some beautiful pieces of artwork. Then we got out lots of craft stuff and made more interesting creations.

The weather on Thursday was not much better, so we spent a few hours at the library before stopping at the Dollar Store to buy some things to play with at Centennial Park. We then met Tom and Anna for supper before watching the Street Performers. It was great to meet up with Beckie and most of her kids downtown!

We had a wonderful weekend at the cottage! We missed our California family, but everyone else was here and the weather was perfect! Steve is carrying on Grandpa Brummel's tradition of pulling kids on skis and tubes and letting the little ones all have a chance to drive the boat.

Tori spent a day with me after everyone else returned to work. Last night we drove to Holland to watch Noah play his first ball game and then all the kids came back to the cottage with me. What fun!

We celebrated Fathers' Day and summer birthdays last weekend - Lynn, Anna, Ty, Deven, and Tori. Lots of presents, cards, and our favorite Chantilly cake. I didn't do very well with my camera....didn't get one picture of Deven.

Laura sent these pictures taken on Fathers' Day.

Amelia loves her daddy!

Giggly Amelia

Baby - soon!!!

Noah played his first ball game of the season last night. He hit, ran, and fielded really well!

Smiley Sophie

Precious Amelia!

Take time
to smell the roses!

Summer !!

What a great week! It began with a Monday night supper in Holland with Tom and Anna and their kids followed the next night with a burger fry with the ball team - thanks Jerry & Arla for your hospitality!



Tori spent the afternoon with me on Wednesday. After lunch with Bill, Tori and I went to some of her favorite places - Millbrook Tack and the dollar store, followed by a stop for a flurry. Love being with that girl!




Wednesday evening we joined the celebration for the 60th (!) wedding anniversary of Al & Ruby. Precious friends.


Thursday was a full day, starting with coffee with Beckie.....

...then lunch with Bill and Deven.....


....ending with the 8th Grade Recognition ceremony for sweet Lidia.

Rick, Lidi, Beckie

Rick & Beckie's family

Lidi and three aunties

The weather changed our plans on Friday evening and we took advantage of the free night by having dinner with John & Jo and coffee (and treats, of course) at their home afterward.



We confused Amelia a little when she saw all four grandparents on the computer :) She blew us kisses - they landed on our cheeks all the way from California.

Kisses for mama, too

3 1/2 weeks from due date!!!

Bill enjoyed several days of golfing up north - a 35 year tradition. His new knees held up really well! While he was gone, I went to the graduation open house for Hanna - the granddaughter of our friends since forever, Gerrit & Ali.

Three generations

Today my friend Ruth hosted a mini-retreat at her home (sorry Beckie - the picture was taken after you left...). It was a wonderful day with cherished friends - an 'oasis' to be sure.

Ruth, Jacque, Diane, Tena

Lyda

Today reminded me of En Gedi, a wonderful oasis in the wilderness of Israel. Ben wrote a song about it when he traveled there way back in the mid-90s.

May you always find the oasis.

Joys! June 1 - 6

June begins with birthdays of three of my beloved people - Lynn, Beckie, and Denise!
We also enjoyed Tori's ball games and time with special friends :) What fun it's been!

Wednesday, June 1

The season is winding down for Tori

Thursday, June 2

Dinner with friends Gary and Shirley

Coffee and desserts with Rick and Beckie,
celebrating her birthday :)

Amelia loving her dinner :)

Friday, June 3

Celebrating the gift of Lynn
on her 40th birthday!

Bill, Steve, Lynn, Tori

Another ball game for Tori

Saturday, June 4

GREAT evening - dinner and a play - with Jacque & Dick

Sunday, June 5

Skyping with Laura and Amelia allows us to share
ordinary moments in their lives - it always makes us smile!

Do you think there's a baby in there ?!?

Only four more weeks until Laura's due date!

Monday, June 6

Denise, Marva, Beckie

Sisters' lunch
celebrating the birthdays of Beckie and Denise (on the 10th)

Field day at Byron Christian - Tori is wearing the orange shirt.

The traditional water spray, compliments of the local fire department :)

May you be showered with blessings!