If it is any indication of what kind of a year we had, it took us nearly to the end of February 2026 to post this update.
2025 began with our home renovation project still underway, and only a tiny little light visible at the end of that tunnel. Not going to lie, this project was painful. It took so much much more time and money than we ever imagined. But we’re in it. We did it. We sold our other home in May and made the move.
Kansas winter did its thing, and the kids at least made the best of it by turning our Lenexa front yard into a neighborhood snow park.
They also joined their cousins in Houston for the Houston Marathon. Before January was over, Aimee had also visited Costa Rica to scout for the Impact staff retreat later in the year.
The Wonder Project is progressing nicely, and that meant a trip for Aimee and Reagan to the House of David Season 1 premiere. Reagan had already met “Jesus”…now she adds “David” to the list.
Spring brought Track and Field, and all three kids participated this year, with Reagan taking up shot put and discus. Liam decided this was going to be his last year playing competitive soccer, and his TOCA team made it memorable with numerous tournament wins. They even won the Kansas President’s Cup and advanced to the regional in St. Louis.
May 1 was the day we finally moved into our newly renovated house, and by the end of the month we were swimming in the pool. Andy also qualified for the state track and field championships in Wichita.
In June, Andy and Marshall took a trip to DC for Andy to get some counsel on his future. While there, we checked out the Mall and Arlington National Cemetery.
Come July, it was time for Marshall and Liam to finally take his “13 yr old” father-son trip. He had graciously waited another year, as life was just too busy to make it happen in 2024. We set out for Zion NP and Grand Canyon North Rim, but a horrible wildfire closed the North Rim indefinitely just days before our arrival. But Zion didn’t disappoint. Among our many hikes was Angel’s Landing.
Later in July, we all headed to Colorado Springs for cross country team training. Aimee spent days in advance prepping meals for nearly 30 people.
In August, Marshall went to Birmingham to pay respects to Samantha, the wife of his A-School friend John. Sam passed away after a long battle with cancer. This was a terrible loss, but Samantha so richly lived her life for Jesus that this gathering was joyful, with no shred of doubt about where she is now.
September was really busy. XC was well underway. Liam, now a Freshman, was able to run with Andy in competition for the first time.
Andy and Marshall made another trip to Wichita, this time for Andy to interview with Senator Moran for a nod to the military academies. As we write, Andy is now waiting on responses from Air Force, West Point and Naval Academies.
Marshall, Aimee, Reagan, and Mary Lou went to the Gathering at The Breakers in Palm Beach. It was once again a great time of fellowship and worship and learning.
And Marshall and Aimee attended the House of David Season 2 premier, in Nashville.
October brought KCC Homecoming, and Andy was crowned King by his classmates. It has not been an easy year for Andy, as hopes of revival at his school have seemingly evaporated. But he is a good leader, and this was one way that his classmates seemed to acknowledge his efforts.
Aimee and Marshall went to Costa Rica for the annual Impact staff retreat. While there, we were awoken in the night to an earthquake centered just 7km from our location and measuring over 6.0. It was a scary scene, and not something we ever care to experience again!
By the end of October, the boys had won their conference in cross country, and then went on to place 2nd at the state championship. Andy personally also finished 2nd.
Come November, it was time for the big Nike NXR meet in Sioux Falls, but this year only Liam would run it because Andy was scheduled to go to Jamaica with his fellow seniors on their mission trip.
Also in November, Mary Lou hurt her back and moved in with us, along with Sally's friend Rocko. Mary Lou has been through a lot since, but for us it is a joy having her around.
As the holidays arrived, we couldn’t help but be filled with gratitude that we could spend it in the comfort of our new home!
Oh, and Andy turned 18! The reality of him possibly leaving our nest soon has not yet sunk in.
All in all, 2025 was full of blessing. Things don't always seem to go our way, but they always go God's way, and He is perfect in all of his ways.
As always, see more photos on the sidebar, or click here.
