Updates

Wow.......has it been awhile since I have blogged. So many things have happened, it is hard to know where to begin. I will try give some of the highlights without getting into too much detail, less this becomes a book.

-we sold our house in May and had to be out by June 22. We decided it was too quick to find a house in that short of time, so we are going to rent a house in Hudsonville. We spent much time packing (I highly suggest you only do this a few times in your life. Although it is a good way to declutter your junk). My mom came up and stayed with us for almost 2 weeks in June and it was an absolute blessing. She took the kids on almost two hour walks and helped pack, and much more. We are so thankful that she could help and spend quality time with the kids. We are able to move 90% of our stuff to the place we are going to rent and some of the stuff went to Tim's parents. Their garage has never looked so full. It was a very bittersweet time for me. Although we knew we wanted to sell and get closer to family, friends, and church, we also knew we would be leaving a great neighborhood and good friendships. I will truly miss all my great neighbors and pray God will bless us with another great neighborhood to raise kids in.

-we have temporarily moved into Tim's parent's house until we can get into our rental house on July 23. They have so gracious to let us move in and take over the basement. The house can be quite noisy at times, but I do think they enjoy having the twins around for entertainment.

-we just got back from our family vacation in Northern Minnesota. We went back to Elbow Lake Lodge. We had been their two years ago and it was fun to reminisce about then and now. We added 4 more grand children to the mix, so their was a lot of noise and kids everywhere. We really had a great time. Oh yes, there were the few meltdowns, but everyone took comfort in the fact that each family had their own meltdowns and no one was left out with having crabby, tired, or sick kids. We enjoyed the evenings when all the kids were sleeping and the adults could enjoy playing cards and games. We had a blast down and the beach and on boat rides. It was such a great bonding time for all of us, especially since we don't get to see each other that often. We hope to make this a tradition. We left on the 4th of July and spent some time in Duluth, MN and then the Stuive family headed home on Sunday night. I always go through a time of homesickness when I have been with my family that much, but I have tons of pictures and videos to keep reminding me of our good times.

-so the present........ we are spending time at Tim's parents and starting to look at a few houses. We promised our renters, that we would be in the house for 6-8 months, so we don't need to be in a rush to find a house.

So that is my update in a nutshell. I will try blog a little more regularly now that things have slowed down. All for now!

Elbow Lake Lodge 2009: "Beckering Family Vacation"

The Family Picture...not too bad for 8 kids and 8 adults

Nathan is not so into picture taking

Mom and Dad

Darin, Tricia, Brayden, and Breanna

Dan, Laura, Bennett, Caleb, Kylie, and Avery

Family picture with the lodge in the background

One night we had a water balloon toss and the little kids had fun popping their balloons

What a little man

Three of the four girl cousins playing in the sand

On a boat ride to check out the rest of Elbow Lake

Look at that cute body

Grandma on baby duty

Ella is quite the lover...giving Breanna a hug

Nathan has taken attachment to his blanket and sucking on his lower lip

Ella is stealilng the show

"hamming" it up for the camera

We decided to do a "cousin" birthday party to celebrate everyone's birthday. We had cake and lots of gifts.

The other boat that went out for a ride

This picture makes Tim look short

Plying together in the water

Look at Ella's cool sunglasses

Nathan is ready to go surfing

It was a little cold in at the beginning of the trip, but that didn't stop us from getting on the beach

Look at Avery's classic way to suck on her fingers. It is so cute now, but not for long right Laura!

Nathan and Ella got camp chairs for their birthday presents

This is Nathan and neigbor Bennet checking out the truck before we packed it up for our move

How much is that baby in the window?

Nathan and Ella in the back of G. Beckeirng truck ready to head up to Elbow Lake

Nathan loves his blankie

Taken on Father's Day. Love you Daddy!

Grandma came and stayed with us for 2 weeks to help with the move. Here she is entertaining Ella and Nathan by painting their toe nails

Saying goodbye to my Brees Way neighbors. Oh... I will miss them

I couldn't resist!!!!!!