We are warriors.

Last weekend, we spent the weekend DASHING!  Yes, we survived a 5K that included 12 obstacles (crawling over cars, climbing 18 foot walls, jumping over fire, you know, etc.) - the Warrior Dash.  Almost 25,000 people participated in this crazy event, 500 people being released every 30 minutes.  Our team (myself, Scott, and Matt) raced to finish together and have a good time...and, we did!  Tori was our dashing photographer.  We are already putting together a team (already 4 couples officially signed up from our Life Group) for 2012.  

My dashing husband.

It says "flip over", if you can't read upside down.

Scott refused to wear his gray YFC shirt.

Serious.

Picture frame!

"Are they on straight?"  Yes, Matt, they're fine!

  I look calmer than I feel.

It wasn't quite hot enough out. 

I think we're all on top!

At some point, I looked up and saw a very large man in front of me...please, keep crawling.

Can't wait to be done.

We survived!

Apparently they were donating these?  Um, to who?

Mmmmm...until the unidentified turkey parts appeared.

Turkey Leg eating a turkey leg.

Happy 4th Birthday, Jake!

Yup, 4.  What?  Everyone always says, time flys.  But, seriously, it really does feel like just yesterday I was insisting that the epidural was not working. 

I don't have girls to compare boys to, but I really love having boys.  Especially as they are getting older.  First baseball games, golf clubs, and last night we stayed up in bed playing Beyblades.  What?  You don't know what beyblades are?  I didn't either.  But, they sure are fun...pretty positive we all love playing.  They are like these spinning tops that you zip out into a plastic dome/stadium.  They are "fighting", and the last one standing wins.  Of course, you can play tournaments also.  We've already been to the store so we could purchase another blade with Nana's birthday money.

Not to mention...a new bike, beach toys, pajamas, doctor dress-up clothes, diggers, and a dragon!  Um, yes...spoiled. 

Busted, picking out all the m&m's.

Why is it that the girls were smiling perfectly in every picture?

Pretty sure all your wishes came true.

Grandma worked hard on this cake.

Yes, we do have a different kiddie pool.

I love you buddy.

Jake's 1st Tiger's Game

Sitting inside the Tiger's arm

About to enter

Our awesome seats.

$15 foam claw, that only a Grandma would buy.

No, the guy in the back is not with us.  He looks familiar though.

Finally riding an animal, instead of the bench.  I put my foot down. 

Justin doing his thing.

Jake took this guy's picture...I thought it was funny.  He thought Jake was funny.

Looks like Justin DID his thing.  14 strikeouts!

Fireworks!  Lasted about 10 minutes too long for an almost 4 year old.

Last Saturday night we took Jake to his first Tiger's game.  The only thing that would have made it totally perfect is if Daddy would've been able to come!  He had golfing commitments that weekend and we only had 4 tickets anyway.  I highly recommend the Tiger's Den for anyone with small children.  Lots of room and a table to unload your junk stuff.  Special shout out to my Dad's friend at work, who gave him these spectacular seats.  And memories!

Another highlight....The Hyatt Hotel, specifically the 6 glass elevators.  Jake was enthralled.  Not sure if he liked the game or the hotel better.  Grandpa took him on several rides.  Special thanks to Memaw for watching Caleb!

Camp Week

This week, 19 West Ottawa students are out at Camp Geneva.  These students are all connected to my YFC ministry in the middle schools.  They are having so much fun.  My personal favorite night is Talent Night.  This year's highlights included a performance from one of Kate's Zeeland campers, singing Micheal Jackson's "Make a change".

A special Thank You to all of my friends and family who support this ministry and make this life-changing week possible!

I cannot leave out that the real reason for camp is to give these kids the opportunity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ! 

Matching Jams

Tubes in, adenoids out

Fun and games at first.

Party in the crib!

Drugs are settling in...

 

 

Post-surgery...poor buddy.

Caleb had tubes in and his adenoids removed last week.  We're keeping our fingers crossed that this will help with the crazy ear infections and his chronic drooling.  Maybe by the time he goes to school we'll be able to keep a bib off.  We're thinking that his large adenoids were preventing him from breathing through his nose normally. 

Of course, it wouldn't be a normal trip to the hospital or doctor's office if Mommy didn't get a personal escort from a nurse over to a recliner with a glass of orange juice and a cool rag...I CAN'T HELP IT!

Memorial Day Parade

What a difference a year makes.  The parade was actually relaxing.  The boys applauded for our veterans.  They don't know why, but someday they will.  I don't think I've ever been to Holland's Memorial Day parade.  We're usually on our way home from the cabin or trying to recoup from a weekend gone, and I'm searching for a piece of sanity.  Not this year!  We spent only one night Up North and still had time for a parade on Monday and a bbq with our friends.   Too bad Grandma and Grandpa missed out watching it with us, Grandpa would've been proud!  Either way, I'm proud of my Dad and Travis for serving our country and I gave an extra cheer as the Marines marched by.