playing summer catch up!

It's been a LONG time since I made a post, but I'm going to do my best to play catch-up and show some pics of what we have been up to this summer. First and foremost I need to announce that we are expecting baby #3 February 8, 2015. We are extremely excited (maybe a little nervous)! I can say that I have been blessed with minimal morning sickness, but the fatigue is unreal!

Back in June we took a weekend trip to Chicago with some friends from church.  The main highlight was Brookfield Zoo.  It was an amazing place and the weather was gorgeous too.

Cooling down thanks to these mist-making animals

Our tradition on the morning of July 4 is to walk over to a local neighborhood parade called the Hollyhock Parade.  Andrew is showing a little sibling love before we head out the door.

Back at home we had to take a look through all the candy that was collected and take a sample or two  :)

That evening we headed over to East Grand Rapids to watch the fireworks over Reeds Lake.  Sylvia tried cotton candy for the first time and was a bit unsure.

The kids played in the boat launch to help pass some time

Soon after these pictures, Sylvia and I headed home while Andrew and Ryan stayed for the fireworks.  Grandma Huizinga joined them a bit later.  Andrew watched the fireworks for the first time and absolutely loved it!  He jumped up and down and exclaimed "did you see that one?" after every firework...a great memory that won't soon be forgotten by Ryan and Grandma.