Simple Summer Fun

Don't ya just love the long days of summer? Unless you are Scott, who has been working extremely hard. We are very thankful to the Lord for blessing Scott's work and taking care of us. Although, Scott could use a nice rain day to rest his weary body. We love and appreciate him more than words can say. He sure knows how to take care of his family! Ethan is learning an immeasurable lesson about life from Scott.

On Sunday we went to the Laug pond. The kids absolutely love to be outside and with nature. We followed some deer tracks and a very small hopping toad, threw a lot of rocks, admired Scott's amazing talent of skipping stones, climbed the sand pile (and got dirtier than I think I've ever seen), played in the wagon, and awed over the huge tractor (more Ethan than anyone else).

Monday we met with my wonderful friend Amie (the blog expert) and her cutie pie son, Isaac, at Pere-Marquette beach in Muskegon. Issac recently had tubes put in his ears so we tried to stay away from the water as much as possible, but who can do that when the water and weather are so beautiful! Here are some pictures from our day at the beach (one of many this summer)...

Also, Scott and I just finished a fantastic book titled The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant. It is a quick read. The principles outlined in it are so profound yet told in such an engaging manner that it is on our favorites list.

Ethan's 2nd Birthday

My sweet baby boy just turned two. When Ethan was born I was overwhelmed with gratitude to God for blessing us with the presence of His beautiful boy. From the beginning Ethan's kind, sweet, loving, happy and joyful spirit has filled our home and lives with laughter. His wonderful spirit has only grown larger over the past two years.

At 2, Ethan loves trucks, tractors, BOOKS (especially Spot or books about animals), Barney, Elmo, playing at the BEACH (and rubbing his head in the sand), friends, climbing, running, ANIMALS, baby dolls (Olivia's influence)and babies (especially his 3 new cousins), and, unforunately, pulling his sister's hair. He is THE most ticklish person I have ever met. He has such a kind, compassionate way with Olivia and any other children he meets. He loves to give big hugs. He can hear a motorcycle or the "garbage monster" from a mile away.

Ethan, Buddy, is a magical part of our lives. My face lights up just to think about him. I can hardly keep the grin from rising to my cheeks when I think of the adventures, love, and laughter to come in the years ahead.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Olivia's 4th Birthday

When Olivia was born a whole new world opened up for me. That "new" world is still growing and changing every day as she (and I) grow and change. Olivia (or Evie or Ia) is so intelligent and creative, I can only hope that, at times, I challenge her to grow as much as she challenges me to grow. At 4, she loves Disney Princesses, Dora, BOOKS, ballet, playing OUTSIDE, the beach, and often says that she doesn't want to grow up. Other times she says she wants to be a swimmer, a teacher, and/or a runner. She is a quiet girl like Mommy and Daddy were/are, very helpful, sweet with Ethan, and funny.

My sweet baby girl is 4 years old and will start Preschool in the fall. Thank goodness she will be in my class and right next door for childcare. I love the idea of being a fly on the wall and being able to peek in on her. This will all be so new to us both - again growing and changing.

Olivia is a beautiful child of God and we are thankful every day for her presence.

Just Starting

Well, I can't believe it. I am going to attempt a blog. Heaven help me. I don't know if I will be able to keep it up when school starts, with new schedules for Olivia and Ethan, me working part time and taking two grad classes, etc. Scott thinks I'm absolutely nuts! But I am going to give it a shot. So many sweet and wonderful things happen that I'd love to share and I think this is the best way to do it. So we will see how it goes...