We're in England

Hi Everyone! I'm sorry we haven't posted in so long! We have moved! We moved into our new condo last Saturday (THANK YOU to everyone who helped!), unpacked Sunday, cleaned the apartment after work for 4 hours Monday, had a Christmas party Tues. night, and left to drive to Chicago on Wed. We flew out on Christmas and everyone (Keri's whole family) has arrived to England safely! We are jet lagged, but very very glad to be together! We will post more pictures of the move and of course of England when we return after the new year!

More work

We had a good weekend (a three day weekend for Keri!) that included more work on the condo and a birthday party for Ellie Torgerson, the 1-year old of our friends Joey and Kim. It was a great time!

Joey, C.J., and Jeff with their party hats

Ellie opening presents

Eating chocolate cake!

On Saturday, we had a total of 11 people come and help us on the condo throughout the day. LOTS of work got done and we are closing in on being done with the first floor! Thank you to all who helped! There still seems to be an endless list that we would like completed before our target move-in date, but I guess the life of a home owner is always having a list of projects, so this will induct us into the club well. Keri has been fighting a cold/sinus infection all week, which has not helped progress! The end is in sight, though. We're getting there!

C.J. and Jon installing countertops

Jackie painting trim

Countertops installed!

Cupboard doors with first coat of paint

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was strange for us this year, as it was the first year we didn't go anywhere for the holiday. Throughout undergraduate school, we went to Keri's grandma's house in Michigan. For 3 Thanksgivings after that, we drove up to Michigan from St. Louis, and last year at this time, we were in Peru! We did, however, have C.J.'s brother Kevin drive in from Dordt College in Iowa and stay with us from the Tues. before Thanksgiving to this past Monday morning. We had a great time with him! He shadowed some physical therapists at Keri's work, helped on the condo, got to see a Fundamental Elements show (our friend Russ's band), got to see a baptism service for the church plant leadership team, and got to go to a Ram's game. One of Keri's former patients had sent her some of his season tickets for the Rams vs. Dolphins game on Sunday. When we got to the game, her patient was sitting there too! It was really fun for her to get to see how he was doing and catch up. As you will see from the pictures, we had great seats! Work on the condo is coming along. We're hoping to have lots of help this Saturday and get most of the first floor done and our bedroom a long ways into started.

Green kitchen!

Pantry area painted tan

Tan entryway

Rams vs. Dolphins

Brothers!

The three of us on the metrolink home from the game