Sleep and Sam?

Today, at work, I am exhausted and not getting much done...we have been letting Sam skip his nap and than go to bed at 8:30. It has been nice not having him up till 10, but two nights in a row he woke up at like 3 and 4 AM and was awake until like 6:30!! He gets out of bed and wants to read books, listen to music, or go downstairs!! Why do my children not sleep at night?????

Helping Daddy and Brotherly Love

State Champs!!!

Congratulations to the Holland Christian Girls Tennis team on winning state, AGAIN! What a great coach! Congrats Coach Knoester! We look forward to seeing you in the Tulip time parade...and Sam will most certainly ride along with you!

To read about the championship see the Grand Rapids Press article.

A Day at the Gardens

Saturday was such a beautiful day that we packed up some lunch and headed to Meijer Gardens. We spent several hours there and just had a really enjoyable time.

Brothers

Brothers: Sam a couple weeks after his first birthday and Josh just before his first birthday. At the doctor today- Sam was still in the 75th to 90th percentile for kids his age. When Sam was 12 months, he weighed 25lbs and was 32 inches. Josh weighs 23 lbs and is 28 inches. So Josh is quite a bit smaller and he ranges in the 25th to 50th percentile for kids his age.

Josh's First Birthday

Josh had a great day! Thanks to all who made it soo special!

Outdoor Fun

Sparta Migrant Program

As many of you know, I am currently working in Sparta teaching ESL to some of the migrant workers. It is a great program and I am having so much fun. I am working with a lady named Deb, who is just great and her Spanish is much better than mine- which helps! I really could tell lots of fun stories, but I don't want this entry to be too long! I hope to take more pictures so keep an eye on the blog!

Crane's Apple Orchard

This past sunday we went to Crane's apple orchard with my parents. Sam loved picking apples, he had so much fun. He also likes helping us make applesauce!

Josh's First Steps

Josh took his first sequence of steps tonight. I captured it on video ... you will notice that Sam is in time-out and he hits his head during the video. I looked after him after I was done watching Josh :)

Josh Steps Video

Family pics

On Saturday we had our friend Emily Schreur come over and do a sort of family photo session. She is a wonderful photographer! The digital photos (she also did some film ones) turned out really well! If you want to catch a sneak preview check them out on her website at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanemily/sets/72157594276748518

I am sure I will eventually post some on here too!

Meijer Gardens

We went to Meijer Gardens with Grandpa and Grandma on Saturday and had such a great time. Sam loved the children's park so much we bought a membership for a year! Than on Tuesday we went and enjoyed a great concert.

Sammy's Birthday Part III- Thanks!

Thanks to everyone, it was a lot of fun, even with blue cake and blue tongues! (We can't wait until Joshy's birthday in September!)

Sammy's birthday part II- dinner, presents, and cake

Sammy's birthday part I- the musuem

Josh and the slide

Sammy conversation

People often don't believe me when I say Sammy talks sooo much. Really, he never stops talking. Here is an example of what he was saying today:
Sam: Does Josh want to go in the pool?
Mommy: Yes I think so.
S: Is he gong to like it?
M: I don't know, we will see.
S: Is Joshy going in the pool?
M: Yes.
S: But is he going to like it?
M: Yes.
S: Will Joshy like the pool?
M: Sam, I just answered that questions.
S: Is Joshy going in the pool?

At this point I stop answering, but for the next 20 minutes, off and on, Sam continually asks those same two questions. EVEN WHEN JOSH IS SITTING IN THE POOL. He keeps asking and asking and asking and asking and asking....And than if I get at all irratated or a little short with him, or if I ask him to please stop asking those questions he immediatly says:
S: Are you happy?
M: Yes.
S: Is Josh going in the pool?
M: SAM!
S: Are you happy?......Does Josh like the pool....But is he going in the pool....are you happy?.....will josh like going in the pool?

Toybox

We love our new toybox- thanks daddy and grandpa John!

The face!

Aunt Sarah got a great picture of Joshy's scrunchy face!

Softball

Our final game is Thursday, Aug. 10 @ 8:20!