{weekend/rewind}

Another busy gorgeous weekend is in the books. hard to believe its almost July!

friday we spent the day at Auntie Chels' pool with all the bitties {and kids}. The boys loved swimming...i could hardly get them out to eat lunch. Aunt Heidi stopped on her lunch break and swam with the kids for a bit - she's the best!

it was the perfect hot sunny day for the pool, amy's famous puppy chow and some girlfriend conversation.

friday night the boys had a sitter and we golfed with some friends. i always love getting out with my hubbs, especially to do things he enjoys, that we can enjoy together! :) we played really well and I actually had some killer drives.

Saturday morning we celebrated my cousin's {almost}wife with a wedding shower at my moms. Always so fun to have all the cousins together and celebrate something so exciting like a lifelong union of marriage. Can't wait for you to join the family, Regina! :)

the boys hung with daddy and spent the morning "working" which wore them out before lunch, even. When I got home and asked what they did with Dad, Bentley replied "we went pretty much everywhere, mom!" with a big smile on his face.

We had intended to spend the afternoon on the boat but some things came up that didnt allow that to happen so we indulged in naps together instead.

We decided to enjoy a bonfire after dinner...the boys had a blast loading the wood in the wagon to take to the backyard.

and we roasted our first marshmallows for smores of the season! :)

harry really enjoyed the hershey's bars the best!

We went to church on Sunday and packed up and headed out on the boat. It was a perfect day to relax and swim - the sun was out and it was hot! :)

Wes and Bentley enjoyed feeding this momma duckies and her seven babies throughout the day.

Bentley also used his new swimming skills and jumped off the back of the boat! :) He was a little surprised how cold the water was, but he was a trooper anyway.

We have a pretty quiet week, which is welcome after two busy weeks of swimming, and are hoping to sneak away for the long weekend, on the boat somewhere. Hope everyone had a great weekend, too!

swimming lessons {week 2}

Bentley started his second week of swimming on Monday...in the rain...again! Im so over sitting at the pool in the rain! :S Anyway, he is quite the swimmer now, and he is proud, AND we are proud! He has quite a smaller class this time and its just him and two girls he was in class with last week.

Here he is, on day six, swimming almost the full width of the pool.

Day 6 also finally brought us NO tears while in the pool, so we grabbed some ice cream afterwards (before lunch, even!) as a reward. 

day seven brought us no tears, again, and even volunteering to go first! :)

he also jumped in like a big boy, which was a struggle for him on days five and six.

and day eight brought us a swim across the entire pool! :)

We are so proud of this guy and all the hard work he has put into learning how to swim, along with some basic water safety skills he learned. Like this one:

He's knew what was coming after watching the two girls before him, pretty funny all his comments to Miss Julie!! :) We are looking forward to a fun summer of swimming with our new swimmer, along with maintaining and sharpening his new skills.

We are so proud of you Bentley! Good job, buddy!!

 

{{weekend/rewind}}

We had a busy week with swimming, and taking naps to recover from swimming wearing the boys out. I never fathomed that 45 minutes a morning would take such a toll!

Friday night we hung at home and searched Daddy's change jars for quarters to complete the map that Gramma gave the boys. She started this collection when the new quarters first came out, way back when, and the boys asked if they could take it home Friday when we were at her house. Of course she can hardly say no. 5 states were missing, but by the end of the night we had them all filled in! Now time for a frame...thanks Gramma! :)

Saturday was one of our busiest days all summer. Brandon left first thing in the morning for a golf outing, the boys and I spent the morning running some errands and preparing to celebrate our neighbor friend Eddie turning five.

He had a mexican fiesta themed pool party - a huge hit all around. the food was amazing, as were the moustache props that Bentley and I had some fun with!

enjoying their cake. they sure have a sweet tooth!

The boys headed to Gramma and Grampas for the afternoon and night and I headed out to celebrate Haleigh with the bitties. We had a bridal shower at Ange's parents.

Always a great time with these girls...never a dull moment! But so thankful for them all and our friendship for the last nearly 20 years!

The boys went to Berlin with G&G and kaindls for a night of destruction. The fair was going on, complete with monster trucks, a car eating dinosaur and a jet powered golf cart.

the boys thought the new suite was the coolest thing, and already cant wait to go back!

We picked the boys up Sunday morning and got to hear alllll about their fun night! :) We relaxed together all morning and then indulged in some naps - no one sleeps good when we aren't all together!

the boys continued to snuggle after they woke from naps.

After naps we headed to Kaindl's to play in the sun with Sawyer. Uncle Robert rigged up this water slide, it was a big hit!

We did some grilling, and then headed for a post dinner dip in the big pool in their sub. It was the perfect end to a gorgeous and busy weekend! :)

Swimming Lessons {week 1}

Some things I post here are probably so boring for most of you to read, but i've found this to be a great place to keep notes, memories, things that the boys are up to, etc.

That being said, we had our first week of swimming this week. We decided to put both boys in this year, though Harry is on the young side, only because he copies everything Bentley does {the good the bad and the ugly}.

The first day went pretty well for both boys. Harrison loved learning how to float on his back, but did shed a few tears when it was time to swim. He would NOT kick his legs. Not even just once.

Bentley did awesome. He retained almost all of his lesson from last year and was kicking and actually moving through the water very well.

Tuesday was a bit of another story, for both boys. They were a little nervous about coming back, as you can probably tell from the videos, Miss Julie is alllll business.

But they got some practice in with their kickers. Well Bentley did, Harry hardly kicked again this time.

Bentley was swimming pretty much alone, Tuesday. He put up small fight but did everything Julie asked and did it well.

Harrison on the other hand....still didn't kick. Not even just once.

He's got the belly float pretty down pat after two days though!

Thursday was a huge turning point for Bentley and he took off like an old pro. He is swimming realllllly well, going off the diving board (feet first into the water) and getting himself to the ladder, swimming from the steps to Julie on his own.

FINALLY the fourth day, Harrison decided to show us some kicks!!!! I'm not sure who was more proud, him or i! ;) We even made a trip to a special tractor store for a reward.

Bentley goes for four more days next week but we aren't going to send Harrison again as planned. We are going to try and practice our kickers and wait till maybe later in the summer and try again.

Daddy's Day 2014

My Prince,
I don't often write to you, or about you, here in this space so today I decided to.
Yesterday was Father's Day, and as I reflect on our last four and a half years together as a couple, and our last year (specifically) together, as a family, so much has changed. It is so amazing to look and see God's hands in our lives.

You continue to grow and become an amazing father to our boys. They adore you; everything about you. You love to show them things, teach them things, and help them learn and grow. You take the time to read and snuggle, and also the time to tickle and play rough which they love so much. You are patient, kind and loving. You teach them right from wrong, in so many instances. They cannot wait for you to come home each day so they can ask "how was your day" and hear what you worked on. You are so proud of them, which makes them so proud of you.
I could not ask for a better partner in this crazy thing called parenting. You are the patience to my snappy, the energy to my sleepy and the calm to my chaos. I can honestly say I would not be half the mother I am if it were not for you, the father. You complete me, and encourage me to be the mother these boys deserve.

Our lives have taken a 180 the last year. You remain confident, and unphased. Keeping your composure and moving forward, doing what you have to do to provide for our family and to keep yourself sane. I could not be more proud of the way you have handled this entire change in our lives. I know that it is due in large part to your faith, and your ceaseless communication with God. You're faith and trust in our Lord is absolutely unfailing and the one thing I admire most about you.

God sure knew what he was doing when he brought us together. You are my greatest blessing, and I am so thankful He caused our paths to cross. Though it's not always been easy, I am thankful that we have worked through it all together, growing stronger and more in love.

Happy Day to you, my love, my best friend. Happy Day to you, Daddy, the hero to our sons. We love you more than you will ever know. And we are so thankful and proud to call you ours.

xoxo

Your princess and your little princes.

baby update {the first tri}

We decided (well tried, anyway) to keep this babe a secret until we reach 12 weeks. We told earlier with both boys, and our miscarriage, and after losing the last babe we decided we really wanted to wait. Of course, we told our families and some close friends.

It was quite a bit harder to hide this time than before...for a few reasons. First, I felt like as soon as we found out, I was showing. They don't joke when they say you show faster with each one. I was finding it harder and harder to conceal as time went on.

{10 weeks}

Also, I have been feeling terrible. This is a huge change for me, as I felt AMAZING with both boys, the entire pregnancy. The nausea was a very reassuring feeling for me at first, but I won't miss it. I spent many a day on the couch, early to bed and late to rise. This little peanut is kicking my butt so far, but I know it will be so worth it! ;)

{12 weeks}

We are undecided about finding out the gender, at this point. Brandon would like to, and I would like to wait. So many people ask if we are "hoping" for a girl. In all honesty, we would be absolutely content with either. Healthy is all we can ask for, since all the plans lie in God's hands anyway. We LOVE our boys, and would love another, but yes, a girl would be fun too! :)

 

The boys ask more questions every week about the baby in my tummy. They are concerned why they can't see it, and Bentley asks about once a week if it's "time to get the baby out now". He also asked a few weeks back how the baby got in my tummy. At a loss for words, I came up with "God put the baby there, honey. It's like magic." He then replied with, "Oh, down your throat Mom?" I just had to laugh. They came with me to my 12 week apt and were able to hear the heartbeat which they thought was very cool. They had some questions for the doctor regarding the baby and its arrival, and also shared with him their top name picks.

Bentley has made it clear he does NOT want a sister. He repeats over and over that "I just want brothers, and a mom and dad!" Sometimes we tease him and egg him on, but so far he isn't wavering in his feelings. His top name picks for his "brother" so far, are Harry (not even joking) and Bullseye.

Harrison says he would like a sister OR brother - though sometimes I don't think he understands one bit. His top name picks for either gender are Horse, and Big Monster Truck. I think Big Monster Truck would fit a princess just great, don't you? ;)

{weekend/rewind}

Our weekend started a little early this week (again) on Thursday. The boys and I headed out to Berlin to watch the Faster Pastor races with my parents. It was the boys first time at the track.

We sat in a empty(er) part of the stands so they would have some room to roam around if they got the willies. It worked out perfect, and they both did surprisingly well. Bentley can't wait to go back...he already told Grampa he wants to DRIVE a race car next time though. ;)

We also moved the boys into the same room this week. Harrison asks on and off to sleep with "brudda" and knowing another babe is coming, I figured it was not too soon to vacate the nursery. The first two nights, Harrison ended up back in his crib, after a couple hours of horsing around and not going to sleep. Last night, we toughed it out and finally at midnight, they both fell asleep. Pretty quiet morning around here today! ;)

I know they will eventually adjust and do fine...what I really love is how much they love one another and want to be so close together, all the time. Bentley yells down to us multiple times after we put them to bed that Harry is in his bed with him. So hard to punish something so sweet!

Friday we hung out and home, enjoying the sun and some much needed naps. :) the boys love being outside, I can only get them to eat anything by bringing it to their picnic table.

Saturday we were able to get out on the boat for a while. The boys always love it, and it was the perfect day. We spent time with some family at their beach...the boys made endless laps in the sand and Bentley even went swimming in the super frigid water.

Daddy let Bentley navigate us all the way back to Port Sheldon. He took his new captain job pretty seriously.

Before I even got back in the truck after helping Brandon load the boat out of the water, Harrison was asleep. Thats a sure sign of a fun day! :)

Sunday we had a relaxing family day. Everyone was exhausted...including myself, so my husband made the wise decision to just stay home. We took naps, cleaned, caught up on laundry and spent time playing together instead of being on the boat again. Sometimes, simplicity is key.

I finished my relaxing Sunday with some scripture and a cup of hot tea. (night time help-me-sleep-tea. pregnancy insomia already? i never remember it this early before.)

Our Monday morning came quick, with a long to do list of errands to run. Hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoys a great week ahead as well! :) xo

Excited to share...

...that God has blessed us with another little bundle, who will be joining our family in December!

The boys are pretty excited so far, and are coming up with quite the list of names for this new family member. We are excited to, and very thankful for a healthy pregnancy thus far. God is SO good!

wrapping up {three} school ::

Hard to believe that our little Bentley has his first year of school in the books already....time sure continues to fly!

The end of April and the month of May included some super fun days at school for him.

They had a bike parade, which had to be inside due to the rain, but he had a great time anyway!

They decorated their bikes during class time and then parents (and gama) came back early to watch the parade before pickup time. He was pretty proud of himself, and his brother was even proud-er!

We also took a field trip to Captain Sundae for ice cream in the last weeks of school.

I totally forgot his red field trip shirt, oops!

Good thing I walked along so I could make sure he didnt get lost! ;)

Mrs. Walters said siblings could come too, so Harry came along. Bentley had originally asked Gama to walk with him, because she usually stays home to watch Harry. Then we learned siblings could come, so bentley wanted alllll of us to join! it was a special day for us all!

Monday the 19th was his last day of school, at school in the classroom. I had to take the obligatory "last day of school" pic and make a comparison. Hard to see much change in his looks, but I can definatley see change in him spiritually AND academically.

Piper was the special helper for the last day of school in the classroom, and her mom posted this pic of her being the line leader out to the playgroud. Leave it to our little love and his antics to photobomb this sweet girl! :S Its a good thing he is cute!

Thursday, May 22, was his last official day at school and we celebrated with his class, with a trip to Timber Town. We played, fed the ducks, enjoyed a good snack and had tons of fun! He wanted a picture with his teachers, but asked that they pose by this tree with him. He's such a goon!

The grand finale for his year was to ride the float in the Memorial Day parade downtown Zeeland. We got downtown, put down our blankets and headed to where the float was stationed. He saw it and chose not to, saying he "was scared and wanted to sit by Gramma!" So he skipped, sat by Gramma on the curb and waved to his friends that went bye.

 

He had a wonderful year at Zeeland Christian, learned so much and matured in many areas. We are so thankful for Mrs. Walters, Mrs. Treffers and their love for children, but more importantly their love for God, that they share with the children they teach.

We are looking forward to another awesome year of PRESCHOOL starting in the fall! :)

{weekend/rewind}

we had a super busy weekend this past weekend, but it was a fun one with some great memories! :)

Thursday afternoon we picked up my Dad from the aiport, he came in for the weekend from Arizona to see us and the kids.

Grampa Randy working on a project at Kaindls, with so many helpers!

Friday and Saturday the boys and I relaxed and enjoyed the nice weather while Daddy worked, and my dad worked on the patio at Kaindls.

The weather this weekend was just amazing!

Saturday night B and I headed up to Rockford to celebrate one our friends, Kim, turning 30. Kim was my roommate in my very first house and not someone I see often but someone that holds a special place in our hearts. She is a true gift from God, to us, a gorgeous woman inside and out! Love you, Kimmy!

Sunday we slept in a little and enjoyed some snuggles. My boys are just whipped from all the fun and sun they enjoyed!

After breakfast, we brought my dad back to the airport, and then headed out on the boat. Daddy worked alllll of memorial day weekend so we didn't get a chance to go out, then.

The boys were so excited to be back on the boat - they are true little boaters!

We cruised to Holland and back, and their seats of choice are in the cuddy, on the couch.

It makes me sick just thinking about the motion, with not being able to see, but the beauty is that I got my first mate chair back! ;)

We beached in Port Sheldon and dipped our leggs in the freeeeezing water.

 There isn't much beach there this year with the water up so high, so the kids made do by playing on the swim platforms and on the boats.

Harry slept until 830 and Bentley until 9 on Monday morning. They had some milk and breakfast and parked in back on the couch, with the request of Planes to watch. 

I think they are still worn out! :) I told my mom they are like a couple of college dudes after a long weekend - they are moving pretty slooooow! ;)

We have a very busy week coming up, but an exciting one!!!! We hope everyone enjoyed the gorgeous weather this weekend as well, and enjoys a wonderful upcoming week too! xo