Agape Valley and a visit with John and Bets!

We camped at J & B's for a week while five of the kids went to a Bible Day Camp.

The week started off very wild, windy & stormy, and didn't really settle down until Wednesday. In a sunny interval Esther entertained Marike by floating boats in the puddles.

 We started off camping in the front yard but felt like we were going to be blown away :), so the next day we moved to the backyard. It is a lovely property surrounded by farmer's fields and a big sky!

 Here are the kids after "Splash Attack Thursday" at Camp.

 They get the ribbon & certificate if they memorize the "acheivement passage".

 We had a great time with J & B and family!

 

 These kids are great buddies.

 Joseph won first prize for best-looking boat, and James tied for 5th place.

 Friday aft/evening and Saturday we went to the beach. Looking through the pics I found this to be a fairly common scene - Sarah being dramatic while Anneke stands by observing... :)

 We had a BBQ dinner on the beach.

Thanks so much for having us, John and Betty! We had a great time!

Opa's 80th & a visit with Uncle Jack and Tante Connie

We celebrated Opa's 80th at Maurice and Christine's.

 Opa was most delighted over the chocolate part of his present, I think...

 A few days later we got together again with Opa & Oma and A. Marguerite, and U. Jack and A. Connie. We went to a park for a while and watched the kids playing in the water.

 

Pakjes!

After a several tries, we finally managed to get together for our annual Pakjes on January 18.  Once again the creativity of the family was displayed in the wrapping of the gifts and poems/songs.  Lots of fun!  Several of the grandchildren also got together and performed for us - piano, violin, cello, recorder and panflute - beautiful, and fun to listen to.



Enjoying together time



And of course, the chess game



Here's one more of Oma's masterpieces, made for Sarah's doll

And we enjoyed a delicious Potluck meal together.  These two little girls love to take their time to enjoy theirs, oblivious to all around them.

 



We praise God for our wonderful family

and the loving fellowship and bounty we were able to enjoy again!