Sweet Sixteen

I cannot believe that Sara turned sixteen this month. But besides the actual shock of another child driving, we are so happy at the wonderful and beautiful young women she is. We weren’t sure when we would be able to see her, but because of a pretty tough fall on a practice run she skipped a race in Minnesota and came to visit us instead. Not to worry she is doing fine and even came in 1st place in last weekend’s race! So far she is having a very strong year.

Mariada finished up swimming and is already on to volleyball. Swimming was not her favorite sport but she wants to do it again next year because she says it keeps you in very good shape. Overall she did really well considering this was her first time and we are happy that she wants to swim next year. We had her in a fotsball training this past month as well, ever Tuesday and Thursday night which she really enjoyed; her coach has asked her to practice with the girls from Cornerstone collage (he trains them as well) in Grand Rapids so we are trying to fit that in as well. She also enjoyed a retreat with her youth group last weekend and had “the best time of her life” with lots of eighth graders. In English last week the teacher had everyone write an essay for a contest and Mariada’s was chosen to move up to the state level, she was so happy since English is her hardest class, she’s been working really hard and we are so proud of her. She’s also taking profession of faith classes; needless to say she and we are keeping busy.

Ben is doing great at Michigan and is working hard to move his GPA from 3.5 to 3.7 so he can apply for a dual major program. He is also planning a trip out west with some friends for his spring break, we are happy for him but also a little sad this will be his first spring break without us. Bob thinks maybe we should just go with him! HA, I am sure that five college guys would love a set of parents on their first spring break! Although if we offer to buy dinner maybe they wouldn’t mind so much ;)



The retreat at camp Geneva! It was really cold that weekend, but they still had a blast. She has made some really great friends.

Go Lakers!
Sara is SIXTEEN !!! Time goes by so fast!

Christmas, New Years and the New Year...

I hope you all had as wonderful a Christmas as we did. It was full of friends, family and lots of memories. We were so blessed to have all the kids this year, even if it was for just a few days. I drove over to Ann Arbor on the 21st to get Ben and Bob drove up north on Christmas Eve to pick up Sara! They got back just in time for Christmas Eve service, after which we went back north (just north) to my parents Christmas Eve party. When we all got back home around ten, it was hit the coach for some Christmas movies and off to bed for a good night’s sleep before a long Christmas day! My parents, brother and Grandmother were here bright and early, I made breakfast while the last “kid” rolled out of bed and was quickly told to get to playing Santa! We opened to many gifts (Grandma to blame) and started dinner. After dinner we said goodbye to my side and loaded up the truck to drive south to eat some more and sing carols with the Gezon side. Honestly we ate so much that day I am full just thinking about it! We spend Sunday going to church and having lunch with the kids, then Sara and Mariada took off to the ski hill and Ben went to visit friends! I think Bob and I came home and took a nap on the couch :) Monday morning Bob loaded Sara up and drove to Canada for a FIS race. Her first race against world cup skiers! She did great, came in about the middle of the pack which is pretty awesome for a 15/16 year old. When I spoke to her that first night you could hear the amazement that there where racers from around the world, even girls she and her coach had just watched on TV the month before. Bob says she just continues to get stronger and stronger. Mariada had swim practice so we had to stay home; she also had a babysitting gig for that week watching the cutest little 18 month old, she loved it.

New Years Eve Mariada was oh so happy to be able to go to her girlfriend’s sleepover party, but there was zero sleeping! She had so much fun, with exception of Monday morning coming way too soon. She’s had two swim meets this week along with indoor soccer training on the other nights, needless to say she is one busy girl this month. I left the camera sitting on the kitchen table for both meets, so next week I will put a post-it on the door!

I gave Bob a stand up paddle board, he had to try it out, we watched from the house.
Sara doing her thing in the big leagues!

Sara with her new purse and Ben reading one of the many books he got.
Mariada was so happy, she has been wanting a guitar since she got home. She would always ask Ben if she could play his, but when he left for school it went with him. She begged but I told her she was way to busy with school and sports! She loved it!