Saturday, July 19, 2008

Hello, Goodbye, Goodbye, Hello

We arrived back in Holland this week, after saying goodbye once again to family and friends in the states. Kathy babysat Kayden for 9 glorious weeks, giving Kari a couple months of working without using Day Care. The bonding that took place between Grandma and baby was a gift never to be forgotten.

Grandpa and Kayden bonded pretty well too!

Kristi flew in from Seattle mid-June, with Kevin and Kenny following shortly after. Following are a few snipets of our summer highlights:

Pictured below are photos of a weekend at Kevin's sister Kathy's lake cabin. Kayden liked the water splashing on his feet.




Just being together was the best. We went out one evening to celebrate a nice promotion Kari received at work.






More pictures from our weekend at the cabin:





Being grandparents in awesome!

Kenny enjoyed two afternoons of paintball at our house.


We had great times connecting with our families.




We are very grateful for family and friends who made the summer possible. We were hosted by Kathy's mom Phyllis, Kevin's sister Kathy, and our friends Paul and Dolly Smythe. Our friend Dianna McCartan opened her home all summer for Kathy to watch Kayden during the days. Pictured below is Eric McCartan enjoying time with Kayden.

Kenny had lots of good times connecting with his friends Jeff, Ryan, and Spencer.


After a great 9 weeks for Kathy, 3 for Kevin, and 4 for Kenny, we said our goodbyes in Minnesota. We are still saying our hello's in Holland, but in the midst of that we said goodbye to our good friends the Husthwaites. Bill and Margo and their 3 kids Rachel, Hannah, and Joel have been at Crossroads for 8 years. Bill, Margo and Joel are moving to Singapore where Bill will be working.


Life abroad is marked more by the hellos and goodbyes than it is by the seasons. We wish Bill and Margo all the best as they venture out. Its been great to have them be a part of our lives.