Abilene Trip

In April our co-op group took a field trip to Abilene to see one of the copies of the Declaration of Independence. We had been studying about that specific time era in our history discussion, and thought it would be beneficial to go.
This particular copy was found on the back of a painting, which was bought at a flea market for $4.
A Hollywood producer ended up purchasing it for over $8 million dollars.
The Declaration of Independence was being shown at the Eisenhower museum, so we enjoyed seeing the attractions included in the area.
The 3 graduates (Andrew, Michael, and Elizabeth) also had a photo shoot together. Included are some of those photos.

(Also, I have decided to try and post once a week in the month of September---so get ready for some posts!!)

      Our Caravan-Espings, Woods, Finches, (and we were in the back!)

The Graduates!

                                           "Help!"

                                  "Whee!!!"

 

Practicing our Hitch Hiking Skills (it's an essential for graduating, you know.....)

                   Susanna writing her name on a pretend Declaration of Independence!

                                        

         Lots of Eisenhower memorabilia!

  Our whole group!

Happy Birthday, Eric

Today is Eric's 16th Birthday!

Happy "Bee-Day"! (Smile!)

Happy Birthday, Caroline!

Today is Caroline's 14th Birthday! Two birthdays in 3 days-Our house is party central!!!
Happy Birthday, Caroline!

Capitol Trip

In March, our family and the Kroeker and Ulmer families enjoyed a trip to the Kansas state capitol.
Our family had never visited the capitol, and it was a great "before I graduate" trip!
Here are some of the photos from our capitol trip that was capital! (Smile!)

Susanna

Before the others got there, we had a personal tour with
Rep. Clark Schultz who is a friend of ours from Lindsborg.
He answered many of our questions, and even gave us Capitol shirts and pencils!
Thanks for the tour, Mr. Schultz!



The tunnel under the street (the boys raced from one side to the other)




The architecture, decorations, lighting, etc. was so amazing!
I think these lamp shades had 34 stars to symbolize Kansas as the 34th state.


Micah, Moses, Eric, and Kyle


After the Ulmers left, the rest of us went to see
the Governors Mansion. It was very beautiful!


The four older girls!

The four older boys

Happy Birthday, Miles!

Today is Miles' 11th Birthday!

Miles and Kaleb

Summer Update

Here is a short summer update of what the Beckman family is/has been doing recently.

-Planning and enjoying Family Christmas Gift Trip (Mom+Dad planned, we children enjoyed!)
-Garden (100 bulbs of garlic and a bowlful of raspberries is what we've harvested so far)
-Graduation wrap-up (Elizabeth)
-Swimming (All)
-Capturing some bee swarms (Eric)
-Working at the Fireworks Stand (Elizabeth)
-Learning to ride a bike without training wheels (Susanna)
-Planting a new tree (Dad, Eric, and Miles)
-Watering flowers (Caroline)
-Enjoying each and every day the Lord gives us (even if it is 107 degrees out) (ALL)
-StarBase Camp (Miles)

-Biking 17 miles in 2.25 hours (Eric, Caroline, Miles)

Happy Anniversary!

We are rejoicing with our parents today as they celebrate 21 years of marriage today!
I was going through the photos from the shoot I had done for their 20th anniversary last year, and decided that they hadn't changed too much to use a photo from last year.
We are grateful for the example of faithfulness to the Lord and each other that they have shown us. Go for (at least) 21 more years, Dad & Mom! Love you!

Happy Birthday!

Today is Elizabeth's 18th Birthday!

Golden Belt 2011

2 1/2 weeks ago Eric, Caroline and I (Elizabeth) participated in the GoldenBelt Vocal Festival in Salina. We have done this for the past few years, and have always enjoyed it.

But, this year was amazing.
Mr. Creer was our conductor, and he did an excellent job!

It was a great opportunity to learn a variety of songs such as:
Hallelujah Chorus
Be Still My Soul
Be Thou My Vision
Author of Majesty
Our Island Barque (girls song)
We Are God's People

Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burnin'

Gloria

Hosanna

Rise Up O Men of God (boys song)

We are looking forward to next year!

Some of the group we ate lunch with.


The Girls!!!

This picture is a little scary....Miles was using flash, and everyone looks like nocturnal animals!

Timbrely and Caroline

VCY Singspiration

This past Sunday evening, our family enjoyed a time of worship and praise as we joined in the VCY America Singspiration. It was held at a church in Salina where most all of the pews were filled.
Although most of the attendance was comprised of older couples, there were some younger children.
This 90 minute program was filled with God-glorifying music.
We listen to VCY America about 99% of the time........A few years ago, when there was an ice storm, we couldn't listen for about 2 weeks. It showed us how heavily we depend on it!
From bible teachers to children's programs, sacred music and conservative news broadcasts, we love VCY!

Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.

~Psalm 96:2

Mr. Vic Eliason lead us in our time of singing



Mr. Eliason drove by himself all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today is our Mother's birthday! We are grateful for her godly example, as well as, patient instruction in many areas!
Happy Birthday, Mom!

Miles-The flour boy

This is what happens when you forget to put the filter in the wheat grinder!!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Today is our Dad's birthday! We are celebrating his life with thankfulness that he is the head of our family! Love you, Daddy!

January Activities

As we come to the close of January 2011, I have looked over the few (200!) photos that have been taken this month. Our family has kept busy with many different activities, some carried over from 2010 and others new opportunities!
Here are some of the photos I gathered:

Doughnut making


YUM!


Games! (Slapstick)




Memory.....hmm which one should I pick!


Eric had his first two basketball games!




Caroline had her violin recital