The storm front coming across the lake. It was unreal how fast it moved




The whole clan golfing - - and the only way to golf - with carts and playing best ball. I maintain that I will not golf any other way!

50? Who's 50?!

So, in my ever increasing genius (I go to school you know), as I was uploading all the fabulous pictures I took of Dad's 50th celebration to my computer, I accidentally hit the delete key....needless to say I can't figure out a way to get them back as I deleted them permanently off my memory card for my camera - hence the old picture of Dad - although you might not know its old unless you were there. Moving on -- we had a great celebration - brunch at the Delta Armories, champagne back at our place, topped off with the crowning moment - Dad opening the stereo receiver we all chipped in and bought him - like a kid at Christmas I tell you!

It was a great day even though we all missed Aaron and Paige like crazy. As I was thinking about the milestone of 50 years, I can't help thinking how much Dad has accomplished in those 50 years - 3 kids, who knows how many houses and home renos, countless cars and car repairs, countless hours spent serving in consistery, teaching catechism, serving as an elder, and serving God. God has truly blessed him in these past 50 years, and in turn, Dad has truly blessed those that he's known along the way, especially his family.

Congrats on 50 years!

This really could pass as a birthday card - but alas it is an anniversary card - closest picture I could find!

Congrats Leah and Ryan!

A little late on the blogging of this event, but as someone refused to assimilate with the rest of the crowd and announce things on some social network website, I wanted to wait to make sure she had the chance to tell everyone before the 5 people that read my blog find out. Not solid logic, but just go with me on this!

So congrats are due to Leah and Ryan!! We are so excited to have Ryan join the craziness that is the Okkema family - welcome to non stop jokes about the gastrointestinal system, non stop gourmet food cooked by the one and only 'chef Harry', and non stop harrassment of 'there's still time to back out Ryan, there is still time...' (it doesn't stop until you actually get married, trust me).

So, now on to planning with my sister - - I can't wait for it to start!!!

Our first Christmas!

Our first real Christmas tree - nothing beats that fresh tree smell

Loving the timer on the camera - seconds before we tore into our gifts - a housecoat for Mike (trust me - he wanted it - he wears them at every hotel he goes to; and an iPod dock for me!)

Fluit Family Christmas

This year, the Fluit family Christmas was bursting at the seams with grandkids. With Halle and Kiersten getting older, the house was overtaken with toys. Mike and I fell in love with our nieces and nephew all over again. We definitely missed Paul and Dan, who flew in after our Christmas reuinion with their new daughter Ruby - so another family reunion was in order a couple days later!