We finally got Bryce baptised at Jason's home church in Independence, IA on Sept 24, 2006. He was pretty squirmly throughout the service but managed to stay calm during the actual event. The reason we waited until September was so we could do the baptism with Bryce's sponsors, Brian and Katie. They flew in from Alaska to do a presentation to the church about their time in Kenya. You can still see their blog about their trip here. This presentation drew a lot of extended family who we also haven't seen it a while. It was an added blessing to have them there for Bryce's baptism as well as the Kenya presentation. We enjoyed seeing Brian and Katie again and can't wait until Christmas when we'll all be together again. Sydney has been talking about Grandma Jayne's Barbies (Melissa's old toys) and Oma's dolls and cars since we left. Every time we talk on the phone she reminds them that she's coming out for Christmas to play with their toys. I think they could wrap up a few things she's already seen and she'd have a great Christmas!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Sydney and the Penguin
I'm still trying to catch up with our iPhoto library by uploading to Flickr. This photo belongs to a set I just uploaded from when Melissa, Sydney, Bryce, and Jayne went to the Omaha zoo on their way from CO to Saint James. I've also uploaded some from when we went to 6 Flags Elitch Gardens in Denver. Each fall Ball rents out 6 Flags for the evening for all the employees. We usually hang out in the kids area the whole time but this year, since Jayne was in town, Melissa and I were able to ride the wooden roller coaster. 6 Flags in Denver is a decent park but because it is really land locked there isn't much more they can do with it. Oh well, they still have an awesome wooden roller coaster. Just ask Melissa!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Sydney at soccer camp
Sydney participated in the English soccer camp in Broomfield this year. By English I mean all the teachers were from the UK. Notice the kids t-shirts with the flags. The kids met each day for an hour at 4pm at the beginning of August. Needless to say, it was often very hot and that seemed to wear on the kids. Sydney had a mixed experience. One day she was out there running around and the next she didn't want to do anything. Obviously the 3 year olds didn't really learn any technique or soccer skills. It was more about learning to be away from the parents and listen to a coach. Mission accomplished??? Well, maybe a start.