Big changes

Welcome to my new blog!

Even though I resolved to post more frequently back in February, we've faced a few key changes that have made that more difficult than I originally anticipated! The first and major change we experienced was our decision to make the 1,000-km move to Smithers, BC. After a lot of praying, talking, thinking, and mulling.... Greg informed his dad that he would join him at Vandergaag & Bakker.

That was in June.

We are now coming up to September, and we have settled in with Greg's parents in their ginormous house. In between June and now, there was a ton of stuff to accomplish. And we couldn't have done any of it without our Heavenly Father guiding our feet. From listing and selling our house in less than a week of each other, to flying up to Smithers over a whirlwind weekend and looking at houses and properties, to packing up our entire house in between multiple camping trips.... He saw us through it all, and everything went very smoothly with the move.
Physically speaking.

Emotionally it was like we were being thrown about in a tumultuous ocean of feelings and experiences. We were happy with the decision we made, but we faced a lot of sadness and anxiety when it came to telling our friends and family, and eventually bidding them farewell at the end of July.

We've gotten into a bit of a routine here in Smithers, and we have been anything but bored. The excitement began with brother Brad's wedding to Vanessa, with Kenzie being a flower girl and Greg being a groomsman. We loved having "out-of-town" visitors, although to us we still felt like the out-of-towners. The Vandergaag house was bustling and bursting, but we wouldn't have had it any other way.

We've done a ton of visiting, thanks to the hospitality of friends and family here in Smithers. Part of what made our decision "easy" (I use that term loosely!) was that we had already established some friendships here during our past visits over the years. The church community here is awesome, and we have been welcomed with open arms.












We've spent a lot of time outside, exploring the vast spaces here in the Bulkley Valley. Tyhee Lake,
Driftwood Canyon, and this weekend we hope to head out for a fishing trip this long weekend with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying lunch in the back yard. Note the awesome playground that Grandpa Vdg built for the kiddos! It's been used daily since our arrival.

 

Liam has a deep love for all things moving. The golf cart at Uncle Pete's was no exception. He begged for rides from whoever would take him!

 

Liam and Tianna (Rob and Becky Vandergaag's little girl... she and Liam are weeks apart in age) chowing down on some fresh fruit. Yum!

 

Brad and Vanessa's wedding day! Such a happy and fun day celebrating these two with so many friends and family.

 

 

Our little "flower girl princess"

 

 

The handsome lads. Those Vandergaag men....

 

This past weekend the kids had an absolute BALL at the BVX (aka Fall Fair). Kenzie has not stopped talking about all the different rides she went on. I think we have a little thrill-seeker on our hands (not unlike her adventurous Uncle Brad)!

 

 

 

 

That is all for now... I will share a few more photos from the wedding as soon as my lovely SIL is done editing. I hope this post finds you all in good health, and I look forward to hearing back from you! Welcome along on our new adventure in the wonderful Bulkley Valley!