Brown's Landing Day 1

We just got back from a great vacation at Uncle Clay and Aunt Carol's house! They live on a lake in a small town outside of St. Louis. We arrived there on Friday and left this morning (tuesday)- so 4 days. I am going to post one day at a time- so you will have to check back each night or next day to see a new vacation post!

Day 1- we drove the 6-7 hour trip, we left at 7 in the morning and arrived at Brown's Landing Resort (Clay and Carol Brown home) at about 1:30 IL time. The first picture is at the rest stop on the way up.



Uncle Clay rides around on a golf cart, and Josh really enjoyed it too!



Here Grandpa John and Kevin and Sam are trying out the paddle boat.



Next we went for a boat ride around the lake.





Uncle Clay served up some delicious drinks for the boys in the hot tub!



We ended the night eating Aunt Carol and Erica's yummy chocolate cake to celebrate Nana and Grandpa John's birthdays.

Tattoos and Zoo

Finally took Josh to the zoo! We went with Kelly, Brendan, and Sydney and had a lot of fun. I think the kids loved the Sea Otter the best because he was really active, diving and coming right up to the glass.

Before we went to the zoo Josh saw one of the stick on tattoos I had and asked if he could have the lizard put on him. I said: "Sure, do you want it on your hand or arm?"
Josh: "No, I want it on my neck." !! You can see it in the pictures- it was pretty cool! We got comments on it too!

The first picture is yet another failed attempt at a photo of all three of them together...

more weekend memories

Hit by his own father. With a baseball.

Annual Softball Tournament

For the past several years, we have played in the John Knox Christian School fundraising softball tournament. We call ourselves...the VanSchepen's. This year, despite injuries during batting practice, despite runaway kids... we won the CHAMPIONSHIP!

(consolation side...)









We also got to watch the Penguins beat the Red Wings. Sam got to stay up and watch the whole game!

GO PENGUINS!

Way to go Pittsburgh!

quotes

This morning while playing Memory with Josh, about halfway done with the game:

Josh: Mommy, actually I don't want to play a game with you. I have a hockey game to get to.

Jumps off his chair and runs downstairs. Sigh- I think I saw a small glimpse of the future.....

No original title today...

When Josh doesn't nap...



Sam had his last soccer game last saturday, here is the team and their medals!



Today after garage sales, we made a quick stop at the children's area of Meijer Gardens. Zeke loved it!