Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Summer Fun in 2011

We had such a busy summer!  The kids were involved in many different camps, VBS, swim lessons & we made time to swim and get together with friends as much as possible.  Here are just a few pictures from what we were up to this Summer.

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My girl Taylor had a lemonade stand and donated a portion of her proceeds to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.  She & Daddy went down to the mission to deliver the money personally, and they had a really neat experience while they were doing it.

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We made sure to hit up South Haven with friends, and had a blast!  It was such a beautiful day, and once again I survived with all 3 kids!

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Twinsies- Caroline & Lo in their matching suits.

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Rhett & Zach had so much fun playing together.

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The three musketeers!

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Fun in the sand!

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Taking a break..

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Poor Lo… Why did Mommy make me wear this?

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Staci, Ashley & Me!

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We went raspberry picking, and Taylor and I made Raspberry freezer jam.  It was super easy & we are still eating it!

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Yum!  My favorite!

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Taylor working hard!

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We went blueberry picking on a 90 something degree day and roasted!  Oh, and this was also the day after a big storm so a lot of people (including Staci) were without power!

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So… we loaded up the troops and went over to my parents to cool off!

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We celebrated Ashley’s birthday under a tree & had a picnic!  Staci brought Texas sheet cake!  Love this picture of all the kids watching.

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The birthday girl with Drew & Caroline.

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We picked Cherries!

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My toothless girl..

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Sweet Zachie.. didn’t get into the Cherry picking so much, but he loved Blueberry picking & Raspberry picking.

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Staci, Rhett & Will

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What a group!  This picture makes me smile.

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Loving the swing!

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This makes me miss Summer!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

The day you turned 4…

Mommy made you french toast for breakfast, and you ate 3 whole pieces!

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You practiced riding on your new Lightning McQueen Scooter!

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You tried to beat your sister, and got upset when you couldn’t keep up with her.

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You tried out your new roller-skates…

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you kinda liked it!

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Your sister joined in and you fell a few times! Smile

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I was proud of you for trying!

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We made our own mini pizzas for dinner!

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You wanted yours with just cheese.  I was not surprised.

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They turned out really good!  Here you are giving a thumbs up!

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You like to be silly with your sister.

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You opened MORE presents from Mommy & Daddy!

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You were so excited when you got your very own leapster!

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We sang Happy Birthday to Zachie!

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You blew out 4 candles all on your own…

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after a few..

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Tries!  Happy Birthday Zach!  We love you for who you are, and we love what your bring to our family.  You are sweet & kind.. and you have the best smile & the sweetest heart.  We are looking forward to what God has in store for you this year! 

Zach’s 4th Birthday Party!

My sweet boy turned 4!  We had a party for the family a few days before his birthday to celebrate.

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Here Zach is “decorating” his cake.  We have a tradition of allowing the kids to decorate with a topping of their choice.  They usually choose M & M’s.   I made cupcakes too, but completely forgot to take a picture of them!  I put the same little pennant toppers I had used for Taylor’s birthday on the cupcakes.  Zach loved it!

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Zach is in a bad smiling stage.  We often say smile… ok, don’t smile! Smile

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So serious about his work!

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My 3 monkeys.. trying to grab a picture before the guests arrive, and I forget all about my camera!

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The family in 2011.

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Did somebody say presents?  Here we are with that smile again! Smile

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I think his cousins enjoyed the gifts as much as he did!

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What could it be?

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His first hot wheels set!!  YAY!

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A set of golf clubs just his size from Grandpa Ray! I think Daddy was just as excited!

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Waiting patiently for cake!

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Happy Birthday to you!!!

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Blowing it out!

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Loves his cake! 

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So does his little sis… Oh my word.. Oh, and note the bib!  Such a third child.  I didn’t even notice until after the party.. this was one of Zach’s old bibs. Smile

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Grammie serving cake!

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Loving the hot wheels!

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The legos have been a huge hit for all 3 kids! Smile Happy Birthday Zachie!!  We love you!