new activites

Now that the days are sunnier and warmer, there are a lot more activities to do with Andrew. We've been having fun. I would say that one of the most fun parts of being a parent to a toddler is watching them think and having fun exploring. Here's what we have been up to:

Andrew loves to play on this bike even though he doesn't exactly know how it works. Every once in a while he will accidentally push himself backwards which he finds amusing



















In these next few pictures, we went to a local school playground. Most of the equipment was too big for Andrew but he still found his own way to have fun.


































He had more fun in the wood chips than I ever thought would be possible. After about 15 minutes of playing in those things, it was time to move on...but not before 'sampling' a few.



















Andrew looked at these kids for quite a while, trying to figure them out. I love that perplexed look on his face














We came across a rock that had water running out of it. He loves to splash so this was the perfect finding. Naturally, he left soaking wet but it was SO worth it!



















Back at home, there is more splashing in his new 'kiddie' pool.














As always, Andrew just being so darn cute!!!

14 months

At 14 months, Andrew:
-has become much more vocal. He 'talks' a lot and can be quite loud when he does. I guess that's one trait he gets from his Mom
-is walking more on his own. When he first learned to walk he was very cautious and much preferred to hang on to things. Now he is finally branching out and feels more confident about walking from place to place without help
-is becoming a picky eater. I never thought I would see the day! As is typical for children his age, vegetables are hard to get down him.

Uncle Matt came for a visit this weekend. Andrew was surprisingly comfortable around his Uncle. Matt scooped him right up and Andrew didn't complain...highly unusual!














Andrew trying to escape. Not sure if he is trying to get away from me or just wanting to play outside



















Andrew sitting in our bed watching a video after a bath. So cute!

Spring has sprung!

It's been too long since I posted a few pics and now I have too many to share. We've been spending most of our time outside lately. Andrew begs to go for a walk or play in his swing. He is still our cautious walker but is slowly making some progress

Walking!!!

Andrew took his (very cautious) first steps today! Both parents are so proud!! It took him a little more than two minutes to get from where he started all the way to mom, so I trimmed it down to 30 seconds.

Since taking this video, he has gotten so proud of himself and is willing to go faster (all this in the last half hour that he learned to walk). He loves looking down at his feet and he gets a big smile on his face when he gets to his destination. But you are watching video of his very first steps where he's a bit more cautious and still trying to figure it out all the tricks, like staying up and getting somewhere. We'll throw chewing gum in next week. ;)

Enjoy!!!

Funny Faces

Oh Andrew! He is just full of funny faces these days:

The only way I could get him to eat his banana today was if he had control. Naturally, he shoved just a little bit too much in his mouth.














Sometimes when he looks at things, he tilts his head from side to side as if he is looking at it from all angles. Apparently he even has to do this when he looks at his Mama














Same here














Andrew will often 'pant' when he gets excited by something. In this case, it is a new toy














And here is a mischievous, but oh so cute, look :)

Tulip Time 2011

The tradition of Tulip Time continues in the VanderKamp household. We made it back from our vacations just in time see all the pretty tulips that are blooming in Holland. Here are a few of our favorite shots:










































































































Ending the evening by eating pizza at Fricano's Pizza which is Ryan's favorite :)

Travels

Andrew has been quite the traveler lately. We took a quick trip to Maryland the end of April to visit the Schrier family, came home, and then a few days later took off to go visit my sisters in Texas.

Ryan holding Isaac and Andrew. Isaac is Andrew's cousin who is just 3 months younger than him.














Andrew's one year birthday celebration continues in Texas!














Here are all of Andrew's Huizinga cousins: Andrew, Dayana, Adam, Isaac, Baylee, and Daniel. This was the best photo we could get :)














One of our traditions when we go to Texas is to go to an authentic bbq. This trip we went to the Salt Lick. Andrew loved their ribs, as you can see from this picture



















Andrew keeping guard while we wait to be seated



















We took Andrew to a pool for the first time. The weather there was around 95 degrees and humid, so going to the pool was a great activity (so we thought). Unfortunately, there were plenty of tears....



















and a few smiles/splashes














Going for a walk on an Austin trail



















We wore our little guy out. He slept practically the whole flight home!