Field Trips

I know.  It's been 10 months since my last post.  I don't know why I can't do this on more of a regular basis.  I did notice that my last post was titled snowpocalypse. Gross.  I'm not sure why I even documented that nightmare.  Just about the time I thawed, the leaves are changing colors and I'm heading out on field trips to Robinette's with my son's first grade class. 

If there was ever a dream to chaperone field trips, it's been shattered.  It's anything but a dream.  I'll spare you the details of the 45 minute bus ride with 2 puking kids or me playing whack-a-mole to get them to sit down on the bus ride home after being hopped up on donuts and cider.  Instead I'll show you pictures of these darlings learning about how to make apple cider.  That's where it's at!

Snowpocalypse 2014

It's been about a decade since I've posted on the blog.  Since we've been buried alive over the last month with snow, I thought I'd document it.  Therapy is being scheduled for my lack of sun intake.  Picture me crunching on Vitamin D pills.  Does anyone want to get in on the group rate?  There have been statistics thrown around like a rag doll about the amount of white stuff we've survived.  As of early Thursday morning, Holland has received over 96".  Oh, what the heck..let's just say 100 since we got dumped on last night for a couple hours.  Rumor has it that we are going to get another round on Saturday.  I've lost count of the snow days.  8?  Even my husband, the teacher, is sick of snow days.  Say what??  Yes, you heard that right...he was ready to go back.  I'm not sure if I should be offended. 

In the meantime...I really do have some joy.  I promise!  This is some of it...

6 years old.

Last week we celebrated Jake's 6th birthday. We had two parties. One was at Nana's pool  where we got to also celebrate Sydnee and Olivia's summer birthdays.  It was a 3 in one party with the cousins. The day of his birthday, we partied Star Wars style.  All was filled with family and friends.  God has surrounded all of us with his rich love.  From him all blessings flow.

Jake, we are so proud of you and all the special qualities about you.  You are curious about everything and love to have a plan. Not bad characteristics!

First time on golf course.

First goal

Before I forget, I want to officially document the day (April 27, 2013) my oldest son scored his first goal in soccer.

I got to witness first hand what doing something for your team does to building confidence. It feels good.  I think we are designed to be a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

I hope that raw moment will be forever etched in my brain. It was an instant transformation of witnessing "I can".

I truly don't care how or if any more goals are scored. Like every other parent, we want our kids to know that they are good enough to do anything they set their minds to.

Jake, we are proud of you. And we hope you are even more proud of yourself.

Oh, the places you'll go.

It's a magical moment. A right of passage. Almost worthy of cake and ice cream in my world. It's moving from little boy to boy.

The freedom from being dependent on those two extra wheels on the side of your bike, to going places. Faster and quicker.

Grandpa said it best,  "he just opened up a whole new chapter in life."

I've known that you could do this for a long time, Jake.  My secret little trick to get you to do it?  "Caleb, do you want to try riding this bike with no training wheels?"

Looks like Caleb's 1st Tiger's game will be this Summer.

12 Footer

This is probably the best tree we've ever had. It was freezing cold and blowing some of the first flurries of the season. We didn't linger. I was fine with the first tree Scott held up. But, we went with the bigger 3rd option. Done. It's up. And beautiful. Oh, and we added a tree for the boys up in the loft. It's all theirs. They can decorate it however they choose. They want to get ahold of Santa to tell him to leave their presents upstairs. Funny, they think they've been good.

Caleb turns 3.

Grandma made a Train Cake

A new tackle box.

A new movie!

We will have this same dilemma for-ever.  We love to go up to the cottage on Labor Day weekend.  And, it's Caleb's birthday September 1.  So, this year we opted to just celebrate there.   We had a extra special treat this year:  Aunt Kimmy got to spend the weekend with us.  We had such a relaxing weekend doing our normal things: golf-cart rides, bonfires, dunes, fishing, and boat rides.  We are definitely blessed. 

I can't believe that 3 years ago we left this guy in the hospital for 10 extra days to recover from pneumonia.  From day one until now, Caleb's huge personality keeps us on our toes.  We love you, buddy.  Please stop growing up now.

Birthdays, Reunion, and Super Hero fun.

Scott's cousin Brooke is getting married.  Poor Ross is getting initiated into the Brooks family.

Heckling begins.

And continues...

Jake opening his bingo prize.

Cannonball!

I think he got it all.

Uncle Dave and mini Uncle Dave.

Liv being brave.

This is before he broke the infant ring.

Scuba Raegan.

Aunt Connie and Emma.

This one's for Nana.

Adorable.

He's mine.

So is he.

Showing his muscles.

What about me, Nanny?

Super Aunt Kimmy.

More cottage memories...

Nature walk.

Downtown Manistee.

Ain't no bugs on me...

I can't get enough.

Heading to parade.

Telling stories.

I kind of like Grandpa.