Silly Summer Videos

Lucas singing (or something like it).

Riding bikes at the HCMS track.

Camp VLugt 2014

We were back at Big Star Lake again this year and you simply can't beat the beach (and apparently the fishing, per the older boys).  Our kiddies did exceptionally well this year and for the first time since having babies, I actually sat on a chair on the sand and read a magazine.  Granted, this was short lived but still wonderful!  They slept well, napped when necessary, and played HARD.  It was amazing.

We didn't take an official "forced family fun photo" this year (too much going on with various families back at home to get all shinied up at the same time).  But nevertheless, the photos prove it was once again a great Camp VLugt.

The view from the lake.

Sandcastles and cousins.

Lukie swimming.

Lots of racing into the water with the cousins.

Racing with Papa.

More racing with Papa.

Lukie catches a fish.

Lukie, Papa, and Tyler.

Boating.

PJ's, popcorn, and movie night.

Play hard, nap hard.

Sam loved getting in on the big-kids baseball games.

Silly Tyler.

Tradition! Tradition!

It was a BEAUTIFUL year for the Grandville Fourth of July Parade.  It was sunny, gorgeous, and mid-70's.  Amazing.  In all the years I've been going (and Brenda and Leah, for that matter) I can't remember a better year of weather for baking in the sun by the asphalt.  And to top it off, we had great "parade neighbors" -- people with nice, sharing, giving kids who didn't hoard or block the candy / view.  It was perfect (not to mention, my kids are at a great age for it).

The rest of the day was lovely with lots of baseball (I think Sam played all afternoon with the big boys), a little slip-n-slide action (it was almost too cold with the hose water), and lots of family time.

The next day, we went to the Holtvleuwer cottage at Indian Lake for another great day with the Ploegs'.  All the boys had fun in the water -- going down the slide, jumping off the dock to cousin Tony, fishing on a boat with daddy and Grandpa Doug (Brenda's dad), jumping on the trampoline, and playing in the sand.

All Aboard!

A few weeks ago, I took the boys and Grandma & Granpda Ploeg on a train ride (the Coopersville-Marne Railway).  I had found a Groupon so I bought the tickets early this spring and waited for a good day.  Well, the day was only so-so (rainy) but the boys were super-excited and had a lot of fun.  My only "complaint" is that it is just a tad long for a 2.5 year old as Lukie was ready to be done at about an hour and 10 minutes (it's an hour and a half).  The whole thing is really cute though -- the conductor is all dressed up and comes an punches your tickets on the train (which they learned about on Dinosaur Train and couldn't wait for).  Overall a total success and the boys have asked multiple times when we are going back to ride the train.
All aboard!

Watching the Storm

We had a pretty decent storm roll through at about 1pm this afternoon.  I had just put Lucas down for a nap and then saw these amazing clouds rolling in from the west.  The boys didn't like me being actually outside (before the rain came) so we went upstairs to peek at the blowing trees through the window.  Then we went in the porch and watched the rain come down sideways and in sheets (check out the flood by the flowers!).  

A Fun, Boring Day

Wednesdays are my "long" days at home with the boys (Jack works til 8pm).  We had a lovely, boring, rainy day.

 Fun 3-D art projects with Sam & Tyler during Lukie's nap time 

(hidden Christmas presents finally uncovered).

 After Lukie's nap, we strapped on our winter boots and some jackets

and went puddle jumping / splashing / stomping.  

And then, after dinner and playing with our neighbor, Zachary, we went over

to Sweet Mellissa's (the local ice cream shop) for this great summer program that

from GVSU for free books and ice cream!

Easter Blessings

In celebration of 75 years, our church has undergone a renovation.  The sanctuary was re-opened on Palm Sunday to trumpets (yes, including me) and lots of fanfare.  Easter Sunday was also a beautiful service in our new space complete with singing of the Hallelujah Chorus.  It was the start of a beautiful day.

After church, we stopped by the Ploegs' for some Easter baskets and then on to the VLugt's for lunch, birthdays (Josh & Mom), and more Easter eggs.  The weather was warm and gorgeous -- one of the first beautiful days of the spring.  It was a wonderful day celebrating with family.

All the grandbabies ready to find eggs!

Lucas finds some eggs!

Sam, Noah, Ty, and Andrew ready to go!

Sam & Mommy

Beautiful day for the playground too!