Twelve and a half Bakers? - Marijke

Yes, the Baker numbers have increased sizeably since the last time all of us were at a Schepers family reunion. That was in the summer of 2002, right? Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. Back then we were technically only 9 in number (Will and Danielle weren't engaged yet) - now we are actually 14-1/2 if you count us parents.

Erika and Bryan (Counts), as you know, have Garrison and Daniel now (born 2-5-04 and 11-26-05). They live in Colorado Springs, CO; here's a shot of them at their favorite beach house in South Carolina. These next 'kids' are responsible for the 'half' person. And I don't mean Traveller, their dog. Their next Christmas picture is going to look a little fuller after their little Flippin arrives around October 1st. Oma and Pops will be going out to Colorado Springs for that, to be sure - and to see Todd and Schelyn's amazing house renovation project (see baker.blogspot.com).Danielle and Will (Gibbs) are loving being back in Greenville after a year in Charleston, SC. We're so happy to have them, too and have had some fun helping paint and decorate their new home. Here's a shot with the incredible tree that's at the side of their yard. This closeup shot was taken on Danielle's 23rd birthday - but maybe they can submit something themselves now!!Stetson Olice Fisher arrived on 8/26/05 {correction: 8/28/05 - see comments} to Nancy and Reid and they couldn't be happier as a couple and family. They are renting a cute house in the country for the moment but with Reid's new job in construction management, I'm sure they will be looking for their own place before long - and possibly more babies!
Speaking of babies, Thomas is not really ours any longer. He had his 20th birthday on the day of the party in Canada, as you heard. Here he is holding his two littlest nephews (bibs compliments of Oma) but it's hard to get him behind the camera lens. I got this cute picture of him with nephew Garrison, too but usually he's off cutting lawns or golfing or shooting skeet or working out at the gym or playing poker or bowling ... (anyone ever seen the movie "Failure to Launch?") - Just kidding - we love having him around and single!!

Anyway, he'll be taking horticulture for one more year in Spartanburg and then he'll decide if he wants to transfer to a college somewhere else. We feel sure that he's dreaming of meeting a good girl someday but right now he's content with his 'freedom' and the cash he's able to save.

And now it's time for someone else to blog again!! Gwen - any news to share about your sister and mother? They're both on some exciting adventures this summer!!

Love you all - Marijke (& Ken)