Busy B's

We've had a full four weeks. We left Orlando early on July 12 and traveled north -- spent a week with Emily. We camped in Coles County, IL (Abe Lincoln area) at Fox Ridge State Park, fixed a few things at Em's condo, and enjoyed worshiping with her. The second week we spent in West Michigan, visiting friends and relatives. We were able to spend a significant amount of time with Mom and Art, for which we were grateful. We enjoyed an amazing providence one evening -- we were going to take Mom and Art out for supper, but Art had a handful of coupons to the Grand Villa, so we went there. As we walked up the sidewalk to the restaurant, we saw Uncle Harry, cousin Peggy, and her husband Joe sitting inside. We got a booth next to them, started to get caught up with things, and by the time we had our menus, another group of Bosschers was walking into the place! Uncle Art, Aunt Helen, and Uncle Howard and Aunt Doris - all unplanned. So we pulled four tables together and enjoyed the company! By the time we left Michigan, we were emotionally drained. We had not anticipated that visiting for five days would be so difficult. We were able to visit most all of our uncles and aunts, who are getting on in years. Each time we see them, it's a gift from God, and we are grateful for the moments shared. Our third travel week we spent a couple of hours at Gettysburg again and then some great times with Katie, Alec, and the grandkids. Very restorative! This week was spent finishing a few things around the house and some time at school before the meetings and busyness of the beginning of the new school year. I pulled out the overgrown hibiscus behind the bathroom and replaced it with a pink grapefruit tree. while we were gone, the bougainvillea next to the hibiscus fell over and I had to radically trim it. So the back of the house is very different now. The bougainvillea will grow back within a year, but it is strange to see so much of the house right now. I finished the tile project also. We've had two in-service days at school to end our week. New teachers and a new administrative structure -- leaner, which is good for the school's budget. Good meetings, well run which makes for a positive beginning to the year. Mixed in with the continuing prep next week are several meetings for both of us with parents who want to be proactive for the children. So we meet, listen, and encourage. Next Friday afternoon we have a 3 hour Meet-the-Teacher time when students and parents can come to the room, drop off their supplies, and check things out. Here are a few pictures of the past month...