First football game!

Tonight was Hidden Valley's first football game. I really enjoy going and talking with parents and taking in the atmosphere of high school football! It was Rachel's first time going to a game since it was too cold to go by the time she was born last year. She did great, as usual and turned on the charm! She was passed around among the parents and was as happy as she could be, even with it being so late. I took this picture right before we left, so she was getting pretty sleepy by then. I need to get a better picture of her band shirt next week!

Peekaboo!

Rachel decided to play peekaboo with us tonight while on her swing. It's the first time that she's played with us like that!

Pontoon Ride

Here's the video of Rachel helping Uncle Gary driving the pontoon. I think she wanted to go faster there for a minute.

Indiana Part 3!

After a few days in Gary, we were back in the car to go to Warsaw. There we got to visit with Grandma and Grandpa Nieter, and Uncle Gary and his family. We got to see Aaron and his fiance, Brooke, a few times, and Jeremy and his girlfriend, Amanda for a little, but unfortunately Tad had to work and we couldn't meet up with him. We were able to go to the lake to use the pontoon boat for a little while one day. It was a perfect day and we had the lake pretty much to ourselves. Uncle Gary's a good guy for taking all the ladies out!

Rachel was ready to go!

Uncle Gary let her drive for a while (a video will be posted later!)

Aunt Bonnie and Rachel. We weren't going that fast, the wind just made it look that way.

Me and Rachel enjoying the scenery.

Rachel had a great time swimming off the pier!

Enjoying the peace and quiet.

Relaxing with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa on the swing.

Uncle Gary is such a fun uncle!

Talking with Great-Grandma and showing her all of her fun toys!

Rachel with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.

Indiana, Part 2!

We went up to Gary, Indiana to visit Nana, Grandpa, Uncle Doug and his family next on our trip. While we were there, Rachel got to meet a LOT of people. It was great for Mom and I to see everyone too. Mom was born and raised there, and I spent the first 9 years of my life up there, so it was fun to see people that we hadn't seen in a long time.

Sunday after church Mom, Rachel and I went to a cookout at a friend of Mom's. Everyone was actually getting together to catch up with Allen and Diane Frey, who were home for a while. They are missionaries in Peru and were great friends with Mom and Dad in college.

Nana was able to round up some ladies that were good friends of Mom's when we lived there. I was especially excited to see Mimi More, who was my second grade teacher! We keep in contact through email and it's always nice to see her when we visit. Connie Mezera also got to come. Our families were very close when we lived in Indiana. She has two kids who are the same age as Brent and me and we spent a few summers together.

We went to one of the beaches of Lake Michigan for a little while. It was a hazy day, so we weren't able to see Chicago. Rachel had a great time in the water and trying to eat the sand!

Nana and Grandpa are always hosting or planning get togethers and I love it! We had a wonderful time catching up with Aunt Caroline and Uncle Bill (Grandpa's brother and his wife). They are getting ready to head back to Africa to serve on the Mission Field.

Rachel and Aunt Caroline

Rachel and Uncle Bill

I think every member of our family has played on this piano. Rachel thought it was great fun just like we all did!

It would not be a visit to Nana and Grandpa's if we didn't play pit at least once! (I think this is the only picture I have withOUT Rachel. She was exhausted and was asleep. If you know anything about Pit, you have to be extremely tired to sleep through all that yelling- especially our family!)

Rachel found the Phase 10 cards and thought we should play that game too!

Uncle Doug and Rachel

Hannah loved playing with Rachel and giving her a bath

Look at the matching smiles of Ethan and Rachel!

I'm not sure how I managed to not get a picture of Aunt Laura- sorry!

The four generations at church.

Nana, Rachel and Great Grandpa. Thanks for the fun trip!

Indiana, Part 1!

This past week, Mom, Rachel and I took a trip to Indiana. Dad had volleyball camp, Dustin had band camp, and I wanted to see family. So a few weeks ago, I called Mom and asked her if she'd want to take a girl's trip up to Indiana. It didn't take much convincing! We went to Southern Indiana first to see Uncle Rod and family. Morgan works at a restaurant in the area so we ate there on Friday night, and Rachel turned on the charm. She waved at people, laughed, and had a great time. Of course the rest of us did too. It was great catching up with them, even if it was for just a night. (Thanks Morgan and Gregory for giving up your rooms for us!)

Morgan and Rachel looking at their dog, Cayman, outside.

Gregory and Rachel cheesing for the camera!

"Thanks Aunt Kim for the bottle!"

The other picture I had of these two, Rachel had her fingers up Uncle Rod's nose! He looks much happier in this one!