Saturday, May 31, 2014

Sweet Sweet Summertime

Phew, it's finally been warm enough to play outside and even fire up the sprinkler the last few days. the kiddos enjoy every moment they are allowed to soak up the sun and mommy doesn't mind too much either.
We got the wading pools filled, water table set up and the sprinkler on high.

 
And too keep the littlest family member in on the fun without getting trampled there's always a laundry basket that can hold a little water.

It's amazing how a little sunshine can literally brighten up the day. My kids would live outside if I let them. Too bad Michigan summer is fleeting, we'll have to make the most of it.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Another Road Trip

My dear cousin planned to take a road trip to visit our grandparents in Arkansas for Memorial Day weekend. She threw out the possibility of us joining her during our family garage sale a few weeks back (not sure if she regrets that!). While the kids and I have spent a lot of time on the road the past few months, I could hardly pass up the chance to go. As teenagers we used to visit our grandparents when they lived in Cali during the summer and we always had a blast. As we've gotten older it has been harder to have that time together. What better way to get quality time than a road trip?!? Plus, 4 kids 5 and under in a minivan for 12-14 hours. Who wouldn't enjoy that!
This is just the stuff for my three kiddos, yikes! Not sure how we fit it all in our minivan, thank goodness for stow-n-go.
Elissa and Haddie, 4 months apart
It all went very well. We left late Thursday night and arrived at their house before lunch time. It was a fabulous visit. There were no schedules. No plans. Just lots of time together.

The kiddos bonded, the adults conversed and played with the littles. My 78 year old grandpa played like the kid he still is. Some of my favorite memories were made with my grandparents, I love that my kids are getting a chance to make their own with them! The memories that were made in the short time we were there will be cherished forever. So thankful my cousin asked us to go!

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Little Friends

We are so blessed to have lots of close friends with kiddos to hang out with. Emma spends a lot of time with these two, her best friends. Well, Gavin is her best bud and she is going to marry Weston some day- technicalities.

 


 This crew cracks me up! They have played together since birth, I can't wait to see where the road will take them as they grow.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Preschool Graduation

Emma has officially completed her second year of preschool this week! I loved the Biblical teaching she received at Lakeshore Little People last year, but I really saw her blossom this past year in the Little Hawks program though the Outdoor Discovery Center.

She has become a little leader.
She has always been willing to help out her friends, but I loved to see her really caring for her friends both new and old.
She loved being able to get outside for an hour to play in the mud and explore.
So proud of you big girl. Can't believe you'll be ready for kindergarten in the fall!
We had to go get ice cream to celebrate!

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Making Money, Making Memories

This past weekend was wonderful and crazy all at once. My grandma kindly offered her garage for hosting a garage sale. A few of the neighbors in her subdivision decided to have one as well. I took two loads over to sell last week. Between myself and a few family members we had a full garage. And driveway. My hubby gave me a little bit of grief about driving 3 hours round trip to make a few bucks.

But it wasn't about the money. It was about these girls playing together.

Spending time with extended family members.
Giggling over the past, enjoying the present and dreaming about the future.
Because while a little extra cash in hand is nice, at the end of the day nothing can replace these people!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Little Dutch Babes

I finally got a few shots of the kiddos. It's amazing how difficult it is to get them all looking in the same direction with a pleasant expression on their face! I may have used bribery an incentive to cooperate. Even then, the photos of all of them aren't perfect. I could never cut it as a photographer, I just don't have the patience!


 I was able to capture some cute individual photos though.



And I have to include a few outtakes. I was much harder to choose my favorite photos in this category!

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Tulip Time '14

We have headed downtown a few times now to sneak in some junk food and check out the sights. It's so cold though! We had to really bundle up this year at the beginning of the week.


 The kids enjoyed their monster size corn dogs!

 
On Wednesday it was cool and rainy so we just stopped at a road side vendor to grab and elephant ear to take home. We had to celebrate an awesome conference at preschool! Really, I'll use any excuse to eat fair food.
 
Today it warmed up and we were able to hit up a parade with some friends. The kids did really well, even though it was pretty hot out.

We picked up snow cones before we left to help cool off.
I still need to capture our yearly pics of the kids in their Dutch gear, but I'm thinking I may wait until after the tourists head home...


Thursday, May 1, 2014

9 Months


Phew, last month was a crazy one! We took a big road trip with Grandma Jen and Papa Joe, you celebrated your first Easter and you have finally mastered sitting for extended periods of time. I'm finally confident enough in your abilities to let you sit in the bath, but I have to wrap a towel around you because you are still so tiny in it!
We had a great time in Tennessee over spring break. You were a great little road warrior, mommy is so proud of you.
You got to meet the Easter Bunny at Tip Toes last week. Everything was fine until you looked at his face.

You are still mostly in 6 month clothing- most of the 9 month is summer and we are still waiting for warm weather in Michigan. The items that we do have for higher temps are still quite big on you. You currently weigh 15 lbs 11 oz and are in the 9%. Diapers are still on the mid-rise setting and we are using size 3 disposables at night.

Eating and sleeping schedule hasn't changed much from last month. You have now mastered getting smaller food items into your mouth which has offed more possibilities to try. If you are going to eat baby food with a meal I have to give that to you first. Once you have a taste of whatever we are eating you want nothing to do with puréed stuff.

In addition to sitting, you have started to roll around on the floor. I'll put you down in one place only to find you some where else a few minutes later. I'm not ready for you to be on the move!