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Cousins

2008-07-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

This summer, we headed down to South Carolina for three weeks. While we were there, Julia and Harrison had a blast playing with their cousins. Each one had to decide who was "in charge". Not sure who really won out in the end, but they sure did have fun- and we all made some great memories! One of Julia's favorite memories is going camping with Nana and Papa. It was the highlight of our trip in her eyes.

Preschool Graduation!

2008-05-23T14:04:00.000-07:00

Well, Julia made it through three year old preschool- how many more years of school do we have left? We are extremely proud of how Julia has performed in school this year. According to "report card" Julia made all A's!! Guess she takes after her father! Julia loved school this year and woke up with great anticipation each school day anxiously awaiting to go. She made many friends and I have HEARD talk of a BOYFRIEND- what is this?!? Anyway, it really was a great way to begin her school career.

The next Mary Lou Retton!

2008-05-23T13:57:00.000-07:00

This was Julia's finale for this semester at Champion Gymnastics. Julia has moved up a level on a recommendation by her teacher. We have learned that Julia ia very goal oriented - like her mother and not so much task oriented - like her father. However, we are very proud of her. She did a great job performing in front of so many strangers.

Mother's Day

2008-05-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day for me. Jason gave me a beautiful bouquet of tulips. He also made me breakfast. Julia gave me a wonderful card and a lovely placemat made with her handprint. Harrison gave me lots of hugs and kisses. We went out for lunch and were on the lookout for a Nintendo Wii. Jason and I have never been huge video buffs, but the Wii has intrigued me. That was my big gift. Most of all, I feel blessed to have two beautiful children that are healthy and that love me. I am blessed!

Klompen Time

2008-05-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Tulip Time has arrived! Julia and Harrison enjoyed dressing up in their Dutch costumes. They have also discovered the "gut wagons" stationed all over downtown. They have developed quite a liking to cotton candy! The tulips truly are beautiful this year and we are so blessed to be able to join in on some of the festivities.

The Beach

2008-04-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

We had such a great time at Bradenton Beach. Julia and Harrison loved the beach!! They loved getting in the water and making sandcastles as well as beachcombing for shark's teeth. Each day we had a picnic on the beach and just had so much fun! Jason and I said we could both get used to going to the beach on a daily basis. Since we have been back, Julia has refused to wear a coat. She still thinks she is in Florida!!

Big Boy Haircut

2008-04-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

While we were in Bradenton, FL for Spring Break, we went to Big League hair salon and had Harrison get his first Big Boy haircut. At first, he wasn't really excited about it, but then Mommy gave him a sucker and he was set to go. It was hard to see all those blonde curls fall off, but he still looks cute to me no matter what!!

Mickey Mouse

2008-04-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

During Spring Break, we went to Disney Hollywood Studios. Julia was so excited to meet some new characters. She was able to meet Jojo and Goliath, Handy Manny and all of the Little Einsteins and of course Mickey! It did end up raining for about half of the day, but it is still the "Happiest Place on Earth".

Hoppy Easter!!!

2008-04-03T07:16:00.001-07:00

We all had a great time celebrating our risen savior. This was the first year that Julia wasn't scared of the Easter Bunny. Harrison didn't seem to mind the Easter Bunny too much. Julia was a big helper when it came time to decorating eggs. She wanted them all to be very colorful! The Easter Bunny did make its way to Holland, MI this year. We all had a great time, until all the candy got to us. Then we got a little sick! I guess that comes with the territory sometimes.

Luck of the Irish

2008-03-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

Erin Go Bragh! Tis the day that we are all Irish. We went downtown to the St. Patty's day parade. Julia loved it- partly because she gets to run after the candy that is thrown our way. Harrison didn't really care so much- just as long as he had a steady supply of animal crackers headed his way. This year it was really neat because- St. Patrick himself was there! It was a beautiful day and a fun time was had by all!

My Little Pony

2008-03-06T13:01:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Jason, Julia and I went to see the World's Greatest Tea Party with My Little Pony. This was the FINAL event in celebrating Julia's 4 year old birthday. She LOVED it! Jason, of course was thrilled to be there! His favorite pony was Pinkie Pie! We did have lots of fun! It was a cute show. We also had to take Sam, from Dr. Seuss with us. It was part of a Reading program at Julia's school. Sam loved the show too! Julia has quite gotten the fact that she will have to wait a full year to celebrate her birthday. For now, she is obsessed with riding an airplane and going to Aunt Julie's house for Spring Break!

AAARRRGGGHH MATEYS!!!

2008-03-06T09:31:00.000-08:00

Well, I think everyone did have a swashbuckling good time! This year, Julia insisted on having a pirate themed birthday party, much to my dismay. (I was pulling for Wonder Woman), BUT it is HER birthday, soooo...... Anyway, she loved it all! Her cake was in the shape of a ship and it was delicious to boot! Of course, her favorite things was all her new "treasures". After all isn't that what every good pirate is after! Happy Birthday Sunshine! 4 years old!!!! WOW!

Santa Claus

2008-01-29T07:52:00.000-08:00

In the past, Julia has been a little afraid of Santa Claus, but not this year. I think she has found out that he could work to her advantage in the gift area. Everytime she saw Santa Claus, she always told him that she wanted "books". That will always put a smile on a mother/teacher's face. We really did have a great Christmas and are very thankful for our many blessings.

The next Picaboo Street!

2008-01-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

In the middle of December we all went to Boyne Mountain with Jason's work and Julia got the opportunity to go to skiing school. She loved it and was great at it! Her teacher only had two students, Julia and her friend Garrett. Another bonus of Boyne was the waterpark- Avalanche Bay. That was a lot of fun as well. We really had a great time!

Disney World

2008-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

Early in December we headed down to Florida to celebrate an early Christmas with Joy's family. The weather was great and it was so much fun to see all of the cousins playing together. One thing that was determined is that among the cousins - we have MANY chiefs- NOT too many Indians. As they get older, it will be fun to see just exactly who is in charge.

Firetruck Parade

2007-10-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at this years Firetruck parade in dowtown Holland. Both kids really enjoyed watching so many firetrucks and firefighters go by. It was such a beautiful day!

Post Farm

2007-10-16T13:49:00.000-07:00

On October 2nd, Julia went on her first field trip to Post's Farm in Hudsonville. She loved going on the hayride, picking out a pumpkin and of course the pumkin train ride. Mommy and Daddy thought the pumkin doughnuts and cider was the best part!

China

2007-09-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, Jason and I went to China on a missions trip with our church in July. We had an AMAZING time! It was incredible to go on a trip that was so powerful and meaningful and be able to share that with each other. It had a big impact on us. While we were gone, thankfully, my Uncle Jack and Aunt Shele, plus their four kids helped watched Julia and Harrison. We missed them like crazy, but knew they were having a ball! Here are a couple of pictures from our trip to China.

Harrison's First Birthday

2007-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

Harrison was lucky enough to celebrate his First birthday two times! One time was in South Carolina with my side of the family. The other time was in Holland, MI with most of Jason's side of the family. Both parties were lots of fun! Harrison did have a blast and of course LOVED the cakes- as you an see!

A Tea Party

2007-09-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

As any southern belle and fair maiden would know- Julia must be exposed to the proper tea etiquette at an early age. Therefore- we ventured to attend a tea with some friends and neighbors at the Women's City Club in Grand Rapids. Check out Julia's tea manners! I think we have a ways to go. After all, she is only 3 1/2.

1st day of Preschool

2007-09-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? Julia started her first day of Preschool. She loves going and has made lots of new friends. She tells us all about her day and of course she has to fill us in on who got in trouble- and its NEVER HER!Her teacher is Mrs. Mulder and she really likes her. We are thankful that this new journey in life has started without a hitch!

From Our House to Yours

2007-09-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

After seeing my sister in law's awesom blog, I decided to venture out and attempt to create my own blog site. My goal is to post events and happenings of our family throughout the year to let you get a glimpse of what is going on in Holland, MI. This is also another tool of communication for our friends and family members who live so far away. Feel free to come and visit anytime!