fun

And the winter drags on. We keep trying to find things to do to keep everyone happy and occupied...not an easy task!

Playing together in the crib is always fun

Poor Andrew was sick with a terrible cold and later got strep throat.  It was a rough 2 weeks.  Thanks goodness for toys and games like his gears toy...right up his alley :)

Making strawberry pancakes just like Daniel Tiger

This weekend we took the kids to an indoor play place called "Catch Air."  What a blast!  Can you tell?

Dance party complete with bubbles and all

Sylvia dancing on a floor that lights up!

Going down slides together.  I just love that they play together so well (most of the time).

Riding a miniature carousel 

Andrew requested a picture with his Dada and I gladly agreed.

This is what happens when a certain girl refuses to take a nap...totally collapsed before dinner.

snow days

I'll admit, I don't take my kids out in the snow as much as I should. Getting two kids ready to play in the snow is no easy job. Most days we find indoor activities. But we have had SO much snow this winter (surpassing the 100 inch mark), we just had to go out and play. What a blast! So worth all the work :)

Making goodies and licking the batter...a good indoor activity

Heading out into the cold tundra.  At the top of Andrew's agenda?  Snow angels!

Love that smile!

And who can resist swinging in the snow?!  It was a bit difficult since their little legs were dragging in the snow.

Next, the slide.  Sylvia got stuck half way down.  Oh well...she had fun playing in the snow right there :)

Sibling love

Throwing snow in the air.  

Warming up back inside.  This little girl is just stunning.



catching up...again

Having no computer for a few weeks is just irritating on so many levels, one being that I have not had an opportunity to update our blog. Therefore I have lots to catch up on.

Ryan and I decided to break up the winter by heading up to Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City for a weekend.  The kids had a great time.  They had many activities to do besides just the swim park, one of which was the arcade.  Pretending to drive was a big hit for Sylvia and Andrew.

I could not take this girl away from this game.  I had to pluck her tiny fingers off the steering wheel.

Driving a toy bus is serious business



Andrew was a little fearful when Sylvia took the wheel



The kids had their own little separate "Kamp" in the room.  They thought that was SO cool :)



Not the best picture of Sylvia in her bathing suit (she was unwilling to pose), but she looks so darn cute nonetheless.



Back to real life.  Sylvia in her Sunday best.



Always looking for new accessories



We've been trying to get Andrew to stop sucking his thumb.  This was the look he gave after I put some nasty stuff on his thumb.  But alas it was short lived and he sucked his thumb anyway.



Andrew making Valentines for his classmates



Sylvia using her Valentine stickers to decorate her face



And of course I need to mention Andrew's favorite day of the year:  the Auto Show.  Two words to describe this day?  Pure Joy!  In this picture Andrew is standing by one of his favorite cars, the Buick Regal



We also found a black Infiniti car, just like his favorite matchbox car



Sitting in the trunk of a Mini Cooper with my favorite little guy :)



And for some reason he was really drawn to the Nissan Leaf.  He may not realize why yet, but I know it's because I'm raising a good little Democrat :)



hair

Sylvia's hair is finally long enough that I can put in pony tails or use other various 'pretties.' Unfortunately, she tends to pull out anything I put in her hair which results in some crazy looks.

Look at that hair!  She enjoys playing with fans just like her brother.

I can sometimes fool her and put pig tails in while she is busy doing something else.  I quickly pulled out my camera...unfortunately this look was short lived :(

family

Here a few pictures of the Huizinga clan:

The whole family

The Huizinga grandkids

And of course, a silly picture :)

Christmas 2013

As usual, Christmas was super busy but also super fun! It's so funny how things change when you become a parent. Suddenly I don't want any gifts...I want my kids to get all the gifts because I love to see their excitement (and I was the parent who would NEVER spoil my kids). I guess things change :) But even through all the gifts and all the parties, Ryan and I try our best to stress the real reason for Christmas...JESUS!

Andrew and I continuing our tradition of making and decorating Christmas cookies.  Maybe next year Sylvia can join us :)

Sylvia making herself comfortable in on of Grandma Linda's toys, and singing 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' of course!

My girlie girl loves her poodle purse!

The perfect pinwheel for a dutch boy

...and the perfect dutch, chocolate treat (continuing a Huizinga tradition).

A glorified  light-bright

A boa, tutu, and bottle.  Life is good!

Adding more 'pretties' to her attire

Do you think he loves fans?

Sylvia loves animals so a kitty hat was a perfect gift.  Thanks Auntie Sara!

Daniel Tiger!!!

Taking all the kids to Breton Village on a cold winter day.  They were hungry after looking at the train, running around, and taking trips up the elevator.  Thank goodness for D&W and their pretty cookies :)