Michigan Vacation, Part 3

We stopped by our first home, which was just a few houses down from where we stayed, and took a few pictures in the Ginko tree leaves on our old front yard. We were glad to see they weren't rakin' the leaves off the yard any quicker than we did.

In 2007, Ezra was born when the Ginko leaves turned yellow, and by the time we made it home from the hospital the front yard was full of them, so began the tradition of taking pictures in the Ginko leaves. If we were to ever plant a tree, this would be our first choice!

Here is a little photo journal of each year. It is fun to see how much Ezra grew each year!

October 2007
(notice his blankie is brand new...it now has all four corners chewed off)

October 2008

October 2009

October 2010

Michigan Vacation, Part 2

We spent a beautiful morning at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids with friends, the Bierengas. I went earlier this year with T and the kids during late winter. Each trip you see something different, and the gardens are always changing. There is so much for all ages, with lots of spaces just for children to explore and discover. When you haven't seen friends in a while, you really appreciate the time you do get together, even when there are busy kids running around.

Michigan Vacation, Part I

This past week we traveled back to Michigan for the first time in 6 months. After a lot of thought, we decided to take all three kids, and we are thankful we did. I was excited to see Ezra remember our old home, but instead, he remembered where all the toys were at each of our friends' houses. He also knew where everything was at church, like nursery and the lemonade afterward, but he wasn't sure how he knew.

It was important to us that we were able to see Lake Michigan, where we've made so many memories. We hiked at Rosie Mounds in Ottawa County, which we've hiked before. Both Ezra and Elliot walked quite a bit of it.

Ezra's carrying his canteen

Overlooking Lake MI

A Special Visit

This Monday we were so excited to have good friends visit on their way through Iowa!

We introduced them to Zachary, showed them around the area, shared prayer and a meal, and ended the night with coffee, watching the sunset over the beautiful Iowa fall landscape. These friends taught us about ministry, family, and hospitality during the years we lived in Grand Rapids.

The short time spent together was a gift.

House Closing

Photo from 1961

We closed on our house today in Grand Rapids, with mixed feelings. We are grateful to be able to sell the home, located in one of the top 10 worst housing markets in the nation. But, thanks to its great curb appeal, attractive back yard, and generous friend and Realtor,we were able to sell it in just two months. As much as we know that this transition was in God's hands, it has been hard to let go of the place we made so many memories as a new family.

A thoughtful friend and Elder from our former church gave me two articles she ran across for me to read. The first, "Moving Day," about leaving a home full of memories, and the second, "After the Move," written by a pastor's spouse who refers to herself as the "queen of the forwarding address," after moving ten times in fifteen years of ministry. I don't think we plan on moving that often, but her advice on how to flourish in "unfamiliar soil" relates to anyone who feels like a newcomer in and old-timer's neighborhood.

Visitors from Grand Rapids!

We had our first visitors from Grand Rapids stop by on their way back from visiting their daughter at college. Ezra was very excited to see Pastor Paul and Diane, Dylan, and especially Jenna.

Meijer Gardens

Can you see the two butterflies?

The kids and I had a little getaway, and visited Meijer Gardens here in Grand Rapids with other moms and kids. The sunshine and warm temperature in the garden house was very nice, although the mid-forty temps outside isn't too bad this week! There were a lot of other kids with moms, dads or grandparents; and a lot of photographers taking pictures in the butterfly house.

From their brochure:

Butterflies Are Blooming features butterflies from tropical regions around the world flying freely in the 5-story Tropical Conservatory. The 80-degree conservatory is filled with thousands of exotic butterflies from tropical regions around the world. More than 40 different species of butterflies and moth make this a warm and colorful exhibition. Throughout the exhibition, butterflies can be viewed drinking nectar from the flowering plants and feeding stations, congregating among stream beds and flying freely within the five-story tropical conservatory.

Ezra jumping. He jumps off of everything. Doesn't the couple in the back ground look like they are having fun? I like how this picture captures two different ages enjoying life.

Calvin Seminary Farewell

Monday morning was my last day of working at Calvin Seminary. I was privileged to have a green and yellow-themed (John Deere) farewell party with fellow staff and faculty. I am grateful for the opportunities I had to learn and serve as an employee. I transitioned into marriage, motherhood, and our first two calls in ministry during our time here, so I experienced a ton of transition and growing. Although I'm going to miss my colleagues, I'm really looking forward to the time ahead with the kids at home (and on the farm... that is why the John Deere theme:).

A special lunch on Friday.

Fall Color Tour

This morning we got up early and watched the sun rise over a beautiful Michigan landscape. We drove to Luddington, had breakfast at the Old Hamlin and went on a few short hikes. (Ezra says, "Hi-kee"). The fall colors were outstanding.

Now if the Hawkeyes beat Michigan, we'll really call it a good day (Here is for hoping they go 6-0).