A Few Firsts . . .

Mom, Dad, Erika, and Sean's First Visit to our Home in Virginia!

The family made the twelve to fourteen hour trip from Michigan to come and see us a few weekends ago. They traveled all day Friday and stayed through Monday. We were able to go and stay with them up in Williamsburg for two nights. On Saturday we made the journey to the "most beautiful theme park in America", Busch Gardens, and tried all of the major rides, since the lines were so short! Sunday we attended our church in Williamsburg, made the hour trek to our home, and then onto P.F. Changs restaurant for some yummy lupper and then to the "hurricane waters" of the Atlantic!! They visited the weekend that Tropical Storm Gabrielle came ashore in North Carolina. The effects of the storm were still evident all the way to Virginia Beach. The waves were crashing against the shore, but that didn't stop our adventure seeking family!! They endured the thrashing of the Atlantic, and then took out the boogie boards and could catch almost every wave! It was a blast!!

Thanks again Mom, Dad, Erika, and Sean for making the long trip down to see us! We love and miss you guys!!







Don & Sean are third and fourth from right!!














First Volleyball Games!!

The volleyball season is officially underway. We began our season two weeks ago. We have a much different schedule this season with many larger Christian schools that we are up against. So far we are 2 - 0 in our conference and 0 - 2 in non-conference play, bringing our record to 2 wins and 2 losses. The girls have played well this season and I look forward to seeing how they will handle the pressure of some of our tougher conference games!



A little "Bind Us Together" for the old assistant coach, Kristen Varner! We miss you Coach Varner!!

Over the last couple months when Don and I had a few spare moments in the midst of our schedule, we created our own cabinet for our half-bath that is attached to our bedroom. Last summer I took on the project of stripping the wallpaper (cursed material!!!) and painting the bath to match our dark tan bedroom. We invested in a new sink, mirror, and accessories. However, since then I had been looking for a cabinet to put over the toilet to add to our much needed storage. I could not find one that I liked for less than $80. So, Don took it upon himself to create a cabinet to my specifications (because once I get something in my head, I don't compromise until I get it - even if that means I never get it - one of my positive and negative qualities combined!). This was his very first woodworking project, except for the homeschooling days when one of the dad's had him and some other boys make stools. I think it turned out great! Thanks sweetie for being brave and taking on new tasks to satisfy your "particular" wife!

Sorry for those of you who have been waiting with the drum roll slightly beating since the Godiva-killing-birds story!! I was out in the yard sanding, staining, and polyurethaning our creation when the tragedy occurred. Thanks for your patience.