November 26 memories

New Year's Resolution (early!) - post more on the blog.

Sylvia's high:  Ava G.'s birthday at school and Sydney's birthday = I got a lot of treats!

Gracie's high: lost her 5th tooth!

Andrew's high:  "school is special."  Singing repeatedly: "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world.  Yellow, black and white, they are all freshest in his sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world."

"Every time I get out of the tub, sometimes my fingers get sprinkled!"  -Andrew

We also had dinner with Grama Koning, who stopped by to pick up some of her things.  And also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Grampa Koning today!

Good to see Katie, Ruby, Shawn and Aaliyah in Wisconsin over Thanksgiving break.  Love you guys!  (sorry, old picture)

Half a year later....

It has been about six months since our last post.  Quick run down....

May-New dog!
June-Mike's Honduras trip, our South Haven Trip
July-Camping!
August-Bought our Pop Up Camper
September-Back to school!
October-Fall Camping trip coming up soon

Here are some pictures to help with details, since I am too lazy to write.  In future posts I want to have Sylvia write.  It would be fun to have others read her writing.  She is so good at it!

Sadie.....6 weeksSadie.....6 months

 Memorial Day Parade

camping trip, on the bluff, watching the sunset

Our campsite, shared with the Dyks

Gracie on the Ferris Wheel

 Carnie Food!  

Sylvia did a big kid ride this year.  Wasn't too sure about it once we got on and it was too late!  I was proud of her for trying.  She is growing up so fast!

cousin Carly's wedding at Grandma Vanstrien's, enjoying sugar on a stick!  We also met a new cousin named Sylvie!

At the waterfront with the Dyks, Picnic after church,  Andrew-only boy out of seven kids.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes with the Kruis kids

Getting a wagon ride from Sadie and her best friend neighbor, Molly.

Zoo with the Puplis Family.  The boys were working on the roof

cutest little fishies ever (standing in front of large fish tank)!

Oops!  we forgot to turn off the water for Andrews bath.  A couple more minutes and it would have been gone over!

Just a picture I love, or at least a memory I love!  Andrew fell asleep on me while watching a movie.  Notice the sweaty hair.  Must be a boy thing?

First day of school.  Kids all love school!  They are so happy, which makes it so easy for mom and dad.  We are very proud of them!

Silly faces for Grandma Koning!

Mud Run 2012

Ok, we know it has been a while.  Please check back throughout the summer for some "missing memories", such as Florida, birthdays, preschool graduation, new puppy, and much, MUCH more!

But, today was the big Kalamazoo Mud Run.  Laura, Joe, and Jamie ran in it, along with about 1200 others, but who cares about them?

We will let the pictures speak for themselves!

Nice and clean before the race.  Why does Joe look so goofy? 

Getting nervous?

If you look closely (and zoom in!), you can see a great picture of Joe entering the water pit from the slide.  Nice look, Joe!

Confident.

Wading in the water.

Proof that Joe cheated - he went OVER this obstacle.  Looks pretty clean doesn't he Jamie?

Cleaned up and feeling great.

Refreshing!

1-2-3, here we all go.

Laura looks a little unsure.

My favorite picture of my beautiful wife.  Makes me laugh every time!

Field Trip

Gracie's field trip to the fire station

Daddy Daughter Dance

My kids are growing up way too fast!  Last Thursday night was my first experience with the "Daddy Daughter Dance".  Of course, I was not too excited at the thought at first.  But Sylvia was excited enough for both of us.  And we had a TON of fun.  Did some good old fashion square dancing, ate some ice cream cake, and were shmoopy.  I love my daughter Sylvia, and hope to dance with her for many more years!

Sylvia and friend Nicole

Close up

Thank goodness dads were not involved in this.

Always wondering where dad is.

Flowers and all.

Sylvia even picked out my shirt and tie.

Love you princess!

Birthday Fiestas!

January brings many birthdays in our household, which although it is a little too close to Christmas, it adds little excitement to an otherwise somewhat boring month!  We also had Pokagon in the beginning of the month, which we still talk about and miss so much. 

Andrew woke up to this train city throughout our living room on his birthday.  It was a hand me down from a friend, but we waited to give it to him on his birthday.  We have oodles of Geo-Trax train toys. 

Although it may be little going on in January, we still take time to enjoy the snow.  This is our first snow day of the year! 

One of Andrew's presents, a nerf gun.  He also received a pillow pet, some squinkies, and the train set.  The grandparents used their talents and made Andrew a catapult (sternberg) and a ABC photo book (koning). 

Sylvia looking through the fish tank at Pokagon.  Love this picture!

Exploring the Lodge, one of our favorite things to do at Pokagon

Gracie's FAVORITE shirt.  She would wear it everyday if it were allowed, even in the winter.

We played many games

Painted in the craft store

I think swimming won the prize for the amount of time spent and our favorite for this year.  Thanks, Aunt Jane for the swimming toys.  It would have been a totally different experience without them!

Gracie's birthday pictures to come soon!