Sunday, May 31, 2009

Memorial Day Fun

We went out to Ompa and Oma's cabin for a Memorial Day BBQ and fun in the sun.

Oma with Baby Bryn

My children are always happy for a good old fashion marshmallow roast. Throw in the chocolate and graham crackers, and they are thrilled.

Each of the children got to ride in the kayak with Ompa. Though the jet skis weren't in working order to pull this massive float, the children still had a chance to float on it near the dock.

Mikey and Karsten; terrific two's!
Auntie Angie and Karsten cuddled near the fire pit. He was so sleepy!


We were so glad to meet Bryn Violette, our newest niece, born December 2008. She is real cutie pie! Here she is with her daddy and my little brother, Kris.


While we were thankful for a holiday and reason to get together with family, we were mindful of the sacrifices made by men and women in order to help keep out nation free. We are proud to be Americans and thankful for our soldiers.


Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Good Friends are Like Stars

My dear friend, Stacy, came out to visit recently. We were both transfer students in college and hit it off right away. She has been my close friend and prayer partner for over sixteen years. I love that no matter how much times passes between visits, we always pick up right where we left off as if no time has gone by at all.
**********************Time Warp*************************
1995/1996



Camping in Indiana our senior year


"Using up the extra film @ Meijer," is what I had written on the back of this photo. I love Stacy's spontaneous and fun nature.
It was Stacy's birthday and we went into the city to celebrate. After dinner we had make-overs done. I remember that I was engaged to Ken at the time and the make-up artist told me that I should wear at least this much make up on the day of the wedding. I didn't follow her advice. Is it just me or do we both look awfully pale?

Good friends are like stars.

You don't always see them,

but you know they are always there.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Time For Change

With the arrival our our new little one on the way, we knew we had to make some changes to accommodate another child under our roof. We decided to switch the boys' and girls' rooms around. Papa made some great loft beds for the two big boys and recently came over to set them up. Daddy had painted the room and was glad to help Papa put the new beds together.
Mikey is in a "big boy bed" now. It was a bit of an adjustment at first, but now he has the hang of it.
The big boys enjoy their space up above the room. It kind of reminds me of college life in the dorm.



The only thing left to do in their room is hang the art on the walls. Our next indoor project will be getting the girls' room ready. It is almost there, just in need of some fresh paint, curtains, and wall hangings. Stay tunned for the results of that project!

Monday, May 11, 2009

A Perfect Mother's Day

I made a list. It was labeled, "Perfect Mother's Day." I left it on the dinning room table before I went to bed the night before.

1. Sleep in until 9:15 AM

2. Strawberry waffles and cookies for breakfast. (Harrison has been talking about making cookies M's Day morning for months)

3. Banner or handmade cards

4. Day at a park or beach with the family

5. Photo with all of my children

6. Certificate for pedicure

7. BBQ salmon

8. Lots of hugs, kisses and kind words

9. Bubble bath before bed


I loved the banner. The spray paint was a great touch. You can't tell from the photo, but all the children left their marks on it with love.Daddy and Harrison made this giant cookie for me along with strawberry waffles that I enjoyed in bed about 9:15 AM.We had a wonderful time at the beach. The tide was out and we all frolicked in the tide pools and dug our toes in the sand.I was actually in a couple of the photos! Thank you, hubby!
We had scrumptious BBQ salmon for lunch.
I had a relaxing bubble bath before bed.
And the verbal "Go for it" on the pedicure.
It was a perfect Mother's Day, indeed.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Great Time at the Great Wolf

This week our family had a chance to get away to the Great Wolf Lodge thanks to a generous gift certificate we received for Christmas (thank-you, Ompa and Oma). We all had a blast at the indoor water park. Ken took the two older children on the slides and in the wave pool while I kept track of the little boys in the children's area.

Unfortunately, Jack wasn't quite tall enough to go on the "Twister" so Kennedy and Dad had to ride it alone. Jackson keeps talking about going back to the lodge again so that he can ride it when he is taller. It didn't help that Kennedy came off the slide, bouncing with excitement and telling us that it was the best ride she had ever experienced.



Here the boys are waiting patiently for Kennedy and Dad to come off of the "Twister."


We had a fun room with a separate little cabin area for the children.

We truly had a great time.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Showered with Blessings

Ken's family threw a shower for little Baby V yesterday. It was so sweet of them to do it and really nice to see all who were able to come.
A line was hung in the window and the outfits that were given were placed on it as they were opened. It was a really cute way to show off the adorable little clothes.

The little girls enjoyed playing in the back yard. Here they are in Grammy's rose garden.
Thanks ladies, for a wonderful shower. It was fun celebrating this new little life that's on the way.

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Getting Their Feet Wet

It's great to be back. We have missed the YMCA over the last nine months, but we have joined up again and are looking forward to the benefits. Yesterday I took the kiddos swimming. At first, Jack and Kennedy felt a little rusty and said they forgot how to swim. But after about twenty minutes, it all came back to them. All of the children had fun playing in the pool.

Harrison is in swimming lessons for the first time. He is happy to be there but isn't crazy about using goggles yet.

I expected Mikey to be very clingy in the pool, but he surprised me. With it being only two feet deep, he felt confident enough to walk around in the water and "swim" with a noodle on his own.