The BaanHofman Broadcast Vol. 10

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LITTLETON!

2007

OK, Becky has finally let me write one of these "broadcasts". In the spirit of the season, I'll let my resentment go. I've been begging her for the last 8 years to let me write about our year and she gave in at last (tongue in cheek of course).

2007 has been a year of stability...which has been nice for a change. I've been at the same job for over 2 years now (ok, so it's only 2 weeks over but it's still a record!) and our little family is starting to take shape. We are sincerely thankful for where the Lord has us and what he is doing.

Adelynn just passed 2 years in September and is talking up a storm. She has a running commentary on everything that's happening around her. Recently she's started asking "why?" to just about anything that's said. It can get a little excessive at times but is really very cute. She seems to earnestly want to hear the answer and is just learning the world around her.

Hotel BaanHofman was open again this year for both permanent and itinerant guests and we loved it. We came into the year with my sister, Amanda, living with us who was joined by Becky's brother, Jason, in February. It was a blessing to have family so close. Adelynn loved it and couldn't get enough of her Aunt and Uncle. Amanda moved out in May to her own condo (congratulations, sis!) and Jason moved downtown in September. We almost felt like empty nesters, but that only lasted a couple of weeks! God brought Kearsten (friend of Becky's from Pleasanton where Becky grew up) into our lives in October and she will likely be with us until she gets married in July. We love visitors, feel free to stay a night or two... or thirty!

In August we took a family vacation to California where we were blessed to spend a week at Roger and Debbie's cabin (long time friends of Becky's family...thanks guys!) at Lake Madrone near Sacramento (check out the video at the end of this post for Addie's commentary). When that incredibly relaxing week was up we headed down to Grammy and Papa's house with Becky's Mom where we enjoyed great meals and memorable family time. It's always a treat to get spoiled for a few days! We were also able to stay a couple nights with Becky's good friend Tina with her husband and new baby, Ashley. They were gracious hosts and made us feel right at home.

It's been fun to have company on a few business trips this year. Becky was able to join me for a long weekend in Chicago as part of a tradeshow, both Becky and Addie joined me in LA for a week in November, and Becky and I did a quick overnight to Vegas in conjunction with a last minute business trip to the strip. Having one or both of them along always brightens up the hotel room when I get home in the evenings!

God also had a little trip planned for me that I didn't see coming. In October I found out about a group of 4 men from our church going to India to teach 2 pastors conferences. After some quick decisions, I joined the team and left in early November. It was a life changing experience and one I will always be thankful for.

We thought it would be fun to end with a picture taken for Addie's first Christmas in 2005. We tried to get a similar location and angle to this year's picture above. What a difference!

Addie's first Christmas, 2005.

Another anniversary...9 years, only 1 away from 10!

June 21, 2007

Our last big game night with all the youth group seniors. We had four great years with them and it wasn't easy seeing them all graduate. We chose not to volunteer this year in order to have more family time.

Yeah, I know I have a crazy hairdo but bath time sure is fun!
16 months, Jan. 2007

Floating in Arizona with the Farrars and Schlitts.

As Addie puts it, she is "blowing off" the candles!

Running through the leaves...

She was really excited to carve these guys until she saw what comes out. She was adamant that Mommy and Daddy had to do that part.

In front of the school and church facilities in Siwan, India getting ready for our last day of teaching.

Addie gives us a little commentary (with Mommy and Daddy's prompting) on where we are and what we're doing.

Just a little extra video for those of you with fast internet connections. Addie learned to play foosball at the cabin in California and was excited to learn we had a table right in our basement!