Second Grade Fun at the Park!

Today Esther and all the other second graders had their year-end field trip.  They spent the morning at Meijer Gardens and then went to GR Township Park for a picnic and games.  I was able to join her for the afternoon fun and we had a great time!  It was a beautiful day and they had many activities available for the kids.  It was a nice way to end the year.  Only 2-1/2 more days of school for her!

Early Summer Project

This year it looks like I got my annual summer project done early! The last few years have involved building two fire truck beds (Peter and cousin Tyler), 1 dollhouse (Esther, and then given to Miriam), and 1 loft bed (Esther). So far, cousin Cassie hasn't asked Uncle Casey for anything yet!

This year I built something for myself (and Laura). The cheap dresser that was purchased almost 15 years ago has been on its last legs for the past 2 years. After looking in our walk-in closet, I decided that something could be built to accommodate everything that was in there and probably more.

I think Laura is in agreement, that the sawdust piles in the garage for the past week were well worth it!

Critter Barn!

Today Peter and I enjoyed a great day at The Critter Barn in Zeeland.  I've been there twice with Esther and it's always a fantastic field trip.  Ms. Mary does a great job explaining things about the animals, the farm, and the amazing ways that God created His world.  It's very interactive and fun, and they keep things moving so that the kids don't get bored.  We had fun seeing and petting the animals, doing activities, and spending time with Peter's classmates and their parents.  Here are some pictures from our fun day!

Feeding baby goats from a bottle:

Jake, the Jerusalem Donkey:

Petting calves:

Yes, this is a pig dressed up in a sparkly outfit with flowers/bows:

Milking a goat:

Planting soybean seeds... we'll see if they grow!

Cute little lambs:

Peter and the other kids loved the bunnies!

Baby chick:

Duckling:

A highlight of the day is the cool bag swing made from a feed sack!

Happy Birthday Casey!

Friday was Casey's birthday.  He took the day off to do some house projects (which is truly an enjoyable way for him to spend a vacation day because they were his own projects).  The kids gave him homemade cards and a coupon book, and then he took Esther and Peter to the bus stop.  Miriam was the lucky one who got to go out for breakfast with Dad, Mom, and Grandpa and Grandma K!  After breakfast, Casey's Dad helped him pick up some project supplies with his truck and then they got to work.  Friday night we went to Saugatuck with our friends Jeff and Erin and enjoyed a lovely birthday date.  Thanks to my parents for babysitting!

Today we continued our Memorial Day tradition of celebrating Casey, Renee and Nick's birthdays.  We got together at Casey's parents house with all of us as well as my parents and Renee's in-laws.  The kids had a great time on Jeff and Renee's slip-n-slide!

After dinner we of course had cake!  Casey's mom made 3 separate cakes, all with different themes.  It was very cool (and of course very delicious).

Happy birthday Casey, Renee, and Nick!

Happy Mother's Day!

We had a great mother's day today.  I was greeted in bed this morning with hand made gifts/cards from all the kids.  Esther made a beautiful card with a poem for me in school which had a picture of her and beautiful decorations.  Peter made a cute little book about me, as well as a bag of muffin mix accompanied by his illustrated version of "If You Give a Mom a Muffin," which was really sweet.  Miriam made a very pretty card for me with lots of stickers and her own writing.  She made it at "Grandma School" with my mom, which was wonderful so that she didn't feel left out.  Casey got me roses and made me French toast for breakfast. 

After church we had Casey's parents, Nick, my parents, Karen and Juan, and my Aunt Elaine over for dinner.  Then we just relaxed and played outside for the rest of the day because it was a gorgeous day!

I'm so thankful to be the mother to 3 amazing kids.  I'm also thankful to have such great role models of motherhood in my mom and my mother-in-law.  I am truly blessed!

Calvin Nature Preserve

Today Miriam and I got to accompany Peter's class on a field trip to the Calvin Nature Preserve.  It was a beautiful day for it and we had a good time exploring God's creation!

Miriam's first ride on a school bus!

Guess who...

lost a tooth?

Peter figured out he had his first loose tooth sometime last week.  It's been hanging by a thread for the last couple days, but he wouldn't pull it out.  Casey emailed his teacher this morning and told her to feel free to pull it out today.  We both got an email back which said, "done... see picture" and she had emailed us the picture above.  It actually came out while he was on the playground just before they went inside this morning. 

He's pretty proud of his new gap... and just in time to show the dentist tomorrow when he goes for his checkup!

T-ball!

Peter decided to try t-ball this spring instead of playing soccer.  The program is through school, so it's fun because he gets to see some of his friends.  Actually that seems to be the highlight for him.

The first night was rained out, so this past Saturday was the first day.  It was very entertaining watching the kids (and their parents) figure out how it all works.  Peter got to bat 3 times, and by the third time he remembered to run to first base without being reminded!  It will be fun to see how the kids improve and pick up on how the game works as the season progresses.