I'm not always great about taking pictures of "all of us" so here it is----the five of us at Holland State Park. We had the best time soaking up the sun, scooping up the sand, and making lots of great memories! I sure do love the summer in Michigan. I am looking forward to the other adventures we have planned this summer. Stay tuned!Monday, June 29, 2009
Family picture
I'm not always great about taking pictures of "all of us" so here it is----the five of us at Holland State Park. We had the best time soaking up the sun, scooping up the sand, and making lots of great memories! I sure do love the summer in Michigan. I am looking forward to the other adventures we have planned this summer. Stay tuned!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Perfect Summer Day
We had the perfect summer day. The kids went to the Caledonia parade with Scott this morning. Loved it! We packed up the van and kids and headed to Holland to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan. It was perfect! Had ice cream on the way home,....LOVED it! Scott and the kids went to the fireworks tonight and the kids were cashed out as we brought them from the car directly to bed by 11:00. Christian was sound asleep by 8:00 maybe next year he can do the fireworks. Will write more later, sleep is calling my name!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Fantastic Father's Day
Our family is blessed by our wonderful fathers. We were sad we couldn't celebrate with Scott's dad. We were able to enjoy a beautiful day at the lake. Here are a few pictures from our relaxing day. 
On the hammock
Christian is growing up so fast. Look at this big guy!
Dad and Grandpa with the kids
kisses for Daddy!
Carter is in his glory up at the lake. He spends every minute by the lake, watching the lake, or IN the lake. There isn't much he dislikes about the lake...except going home.
He is learning the virtue of patience through fishing. Although, this is a highly gratifying game of drop and catch! He takes his work very seriously!
Learning to get a hold of the fish to take it off.
Watching and waiting....
Opening presents with dad.. the kids even had a surprise in dad's box from Minnesota. Thanks Grandma-for thinking of us.
On the hammockChristian is growing up so fast. Look at this big guy!
Dad and Grandpa with the kids
kisses for Daddy!
Carter is in his glory up at the lake. He spends every minute by the lake, watching the lake, or IN the lake. There isn't much he dislikes about the lake...except going home.
He is learning the virtue of patience through fishing. Although, this is a highly gratifying game of drop and catch! He takes his work very seriously!
Learning to get a hold of the fish to take it off.
Watching and waiting....
Opening presents with dad.. the kids even had a surprise in dad's box from Minnesota. Thanks Grandma-for thinking of us.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
F-U-N
We've been enjoying the beautiful summer weather. This weekend and the start of the week have been sunny and fun-filled. Scott is tickled, we've been spending lots of time in the backyard. Here the kids are on Sunday enjoying the slip n slide along with some juicy watermelon.
Ella had the idea for these first two pictures. She suggested the heading read:
Grandpa & Grandma we are SOO sad, we miss you!
But we're HAPPY we'll be seeing you soon!
" Yummm-o! "
Who's the baby in the family?
Chillin with Dad in the sun.
Monday we invited the Heyboer's over for some water fun. Here is Luke lunching himself down the slide.
Doesn't this look like a motley crew?
The girls
Two of our four boys
Just being plain SILLY 
Tuesday at the lake. The heat inspired us to get up to the lake. We loved every minute of it, except leaving!
Christian enjoying her new boat.
Treasures
Feeding the fish...a favorite activity.
We love Popsicles! And today was a real treat since everyone had a different flavor and they were so excited to share! There was another set of hands here so I decided to snap some pictures. Typically, I am fielding fallen Popsicles or wiping drips of sticky melted juice. Today it was cute to catch it on film.
Christian is VERY proficient at manning his own treat. YUMMO!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Slippin' and Slidin'
Despite being a week into our "summer vacation" today was one of the first REALLY nice days we could play outside. So as it goes with my family....we added water! I am so glad the kids love to play in and with water.constantly! Here are a few shots of them slipping, sliding, and sipping!
Christian must have been thirsty because he just kept coming back to this refreshing water fountain!
Having fun with Ella!
Carter would run from the front of the house, all the way to the backyard.....momentum???
Christian must have been thirsty because he just kept coming back to this refreshing water fountain!
Having fun with Ella!
Carter would run from the front of the house, all the way to the backyard.....momentum???
End of the year
Ella was tickled....and surprised (like mom) to win the citizenship award. This was a pretty big deal as it is only given to one person in each class. Had I known, I would have invited Scott, the grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends.....such a proud mom, I am! Here she is receiving the award from our principal and her teacher, Mrs. Galer. 
It is hard to believe, Ella completed her first year of school last week (June 5). We couldn't be more proud of her. She made so much progress socially, emotionally, relationally, and academically. Who knew she would learn so much in kindergarten? Most importantly, she loves school and adores her teacher(who will forever live in her heart as "My Mrs. Galer"). As many of you know, it was our intention all along that Ella would do kdg this year with me at East for half days and then go to Caledonia next year on full day alternate days. Ella tried to "negotiate" her way into first grade after we shared how everything was going to work next fall. She gave it her best pitch one afternoon while I was prepping dinner. The conversation is a little fuzzy at the moment but I distinctly remember her having a specific plan with reasons to back it up as to why she should go to first grade.
It is hard to believe, Ella completed her first year of school last week (June 5). We couldn't be more proud of her. She made so much progress socially, emotionally, relationally, and academically. Who knew she would learn so much in kindergarten? Most importantly, she loves school and adores her teacher(who will forever live in her heart as "My Mrs. Galer"). As many of you know, it was our intention all along that Ella would do kdg this year with me at East for half days and then go to Caledonia next year on full day alternate days. Ella tried to "negotiate" her way into first grade after we shared how everything was going to work next fall. She gave it her best pitch one afternoon while I was prepping dinner. The conversation is a little fuzzy at the moment but I distinctly remember her having a specific plan with reasons to back it up as to why she should go to first grade. She seems to be taking it all in stride now and tells everyone who asks, that she is going to a "different kindergarten" next year....all with her little smile. Here is a picture of the class. 
With her favorite teacher!
At the school picnic (which had to be held indoors due to rain) Ella and Mrs. Galer dance in front of a large crowd to the music provided by the very talented band.
Just a few of her favorite friends hamming it up after a lunch of hot dogs and ice cream!
People always told me how quickly life goes by. I never believed them until I had kids. The kids are all at such fun stages and I want to soak it ALL up and enjoy it ALL. I feel like there is never enough time in the day to have all the fun we want and manage to get all the necessary work done. Our life is so full of blessing. Being a teacher can be tough but I am so grateful for June, July, and August. I am thrilled to be filling my days with fun at the park, reading a good book with Elle, splashing in the lake, taking fish off Carter's hook, and listening to Christian babble on and on. I dread how much time my thesis project will take away from this but thanks to naps and early bedtimes, I think I might squeak it out. I am overwhelmed right now since the most writing I've done the last 5 years has been for email, blogging, or modeling for my students at the first grade level. The task of writing in a highly specialized format that requires LOTS of thinking and research is daunting to me. As my good friend Kirsten says, "let's just stay positive about all this!" I am trying to take a cue from her. And so it will be!
With her favorite teacher!
At the school picnic (which had to be held indoors due to rain) Ella and Mrs. Galer dance in front of a large crowd to the music provided by the very talented band.
Just a few of her favorite friends hamming it up after a lunch of hot dogs and ice cream!
People always told me how quickly life goes by. I never believed them until I had kids. The kids are all at such fun stages and I want to soak it ALL up and enjoy it ALL. I feel like there is never enough time in the day to have all the fun we want and manage to get all the necessary work done. Our life is so full of blessing. Being a teacher can be tough but I am so grateful for June, July, and August. I am thrilled to be filling my days with fun at the park, reading a good book with Elle, splashing in the lake, taking fish off Carter's hook, and listening to Christian babble on and on. I dread how much time my thesis project will take away from this but thanks to naps and early bedtimes, I think I might squeak it out. I am overwhelmed right now since the most writing I've done the last 5 years has been for email, blogging, or modeling for my students at the first grade level. The task of writing in a highly specialized format that requires LOTS of thinking and research is daunting to me. As my good friend Kirsten says, "let's just stay positive about all this!" I am trying to take a cue from her. And so it will be! More pictures to come...I promise Grandma! :)
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