2007 Highlights.

As I think about 2008, I find myself naturally reflecting on some of the highlights of 2007. In no particular order, here are some of the major blessings that God granted to us in 2007:
















1. Kennedy graduated from kindergarten in June. The ceremony was attended by both sets of grandparents and was a really fun time to honor our little girl. She has amazed us since then with her academic progress, particularly in reading and spelling. It has been a pure joy to see her learn and grow and excel using the gifts that God has created her with.
















2. In early July, we enjoyed a wonderful "Rags to Riches" vacation into Michigan's gorgeous Upper Peninsula. The trip started with a week of camping on Muaskallonge Lake, including lots of fishing, combing the Lake Superior shoreline for pretty rocks, and day trips to Pictured Rocks and Taquamenon Falls. We were truly awed by God's natural creations.

3. After the week of camping, we spent 3 days at the Mission Point Resort on Mackinac Island. We swam, rode bike around the island, walked a lot, toured the butterfly gardens and the Fort, and just simply enjoyed the nostalgia of the island.
















4. In June on the morning of Father's Day, sweet little Samantha Jay joined our family. She is our first niece on my side of the family. It has been so much fun to have a baby in the family again and to see her little personality begin to shine.
















5. In March, I was able to travel to New York City for a conference. While there, I experienced my first Broadway musical "Mary Poppins" which was fabulously magical. I also enjoyed sightseeing around the city, experiencing Ground Zero, seeing the Statue of Liberty, and just living in the "scurry" of the city for a short time.























6. In January, Hayden started preschool {with his beloved school bus backpack} and has grown so much in his school experience. He has met new friends, developed solid skills in letter and number recognition, and improved in so many ways. He is a joy to have in our family, and it has been a true joy to watch him grow and be excited about learning and the entire school experience.























7. In May, Matt and I celebrated our 7th anniversary with a trip to McGuire's Resort in Cadillac. We stayed in the same room where we spent our wedding night, enjoying a nice dinner and some time of relaxing together. It was fun to reminisce on our wedding and the 7 years that God has blessed us with.
















8. In September, on Matt's 44th birthday, we celebrated his parents' 50th anniversary with a community open house and dinner. What fun it was to honor them, hear stories about their early married days, and view photos of their wedding day. It was a day enjoyed by the whole family.
















9. In May, on Mother's Day, a little ball of brown fur joined our family in the form of our chocolate lab, Ruby. While there have certainly been "puppy" challenges along the way, we love Ruby and have come to view her as a true part of our family. She is such a gentle and loving dog, she has been pretty easy to train, and she just loves to cuddle and give puppy kisses. It is amazing to watch the kids interact with her and to watch Ruby love and protect them.























10. Seeing God's hand at work.....2007 has been filled with so many glimpses of God's faithfulness to us. We are so thankful to Him for His love and grace, and we anticipate more of His blessing and guidance in 2008. Thank You, Lord, for calling us your own and for blessing each day we live so richly.