Hoffmaster Park

Our favorite beach to visit is Hoffmaster. Beautiful water + dunes = 100% fun.

Cousins part two

What is July 4 without the Hollyhock Parade? Our time is made that much more special by having     Dayana join us!

Back at home, it's time to compare and trade candy!

Sylvia (the sweet tooth of the family) had no problem digging into her candy even if it was first thing in the morning

Evelyn loves to climb the stairs (which scares me a bit) and is also learning how to come down.  Everyday she is saying something new and voicing her opinions.  Her favorite word is 'no' but at the same time she loves to gives kisses and hugs.  She keeps us on our toes :)

Hot days require having fun in the water, even if it comes from the hose!

More cousins love.  Andrew connects with his cousin Isaac like no one else.  Those two have a blast together and it is always hard to see the Byle family go.

Fun in downtown GR

It's July which means all the Texas cousins come for a visit. We started our time in downtown Grand Rapids. Playing by Gerald R. Ford Museum brings back memories from my childhood. It really warms my heart to bring my kids there and watch them have fun with their cousins.

June 2016

June so far:

Andrew loves his atomic clock!  One thing he loves about this clock is that he can watch the temperature change.  He likes to set it in the sun, in the shade, on the heat/air conditioning, and here he is setting it in front of the dryer vent.  Exciting!

Enjoying a root beer on the deck (someone has a 'hard' root beer and someone does not ;)

.

Andrew wanted a selfie with Mom.  How can I say no?

Andrew and Sylvia playing farm.  Sylvia is feeding the chickens (with sand) and Andrew is fixing the fence.

Side note:  Sylvia came in the house a few minutes later crunching on sand.  She said she wanted to taste the chicken food.  Crazy girl!

Washing the van is always a fun activity on a hot day

Filling our massive pool

Safety first!  Even in two inches of water :)

Evelyn found an ant on our floor.  This was quite entertaining for her (and us).  The best part is that she says 'woof' when she sees one. 

My chunky monkey silly girl

May so far

May 2016:

 This girl has been so much happier (and so have we) now that she is walking!  Also, her latest well check up shows that she is 96% for height and weight.  That means she is the size of an average 2 year old.  Her pediatrician says that is what she calls a thriving baby.  Good news!  She also can say a few words:  Mama, Dada, Andrew (An-doo!), hop, up, boo, grandpa (papa), grandma (mmm-ma), and uh-oh.  We are just enjoying her so much :)

Sylvia picking rhubarb in Grandma Huizinga's yard

Sylvia getting her face painted at a friends fund-raiser

Can you guess whose house we are at?

Evelyn has no problem telling me when she wants yogurt

Dress-up is a favorite activity in this house.  Here Sylvia is a 'wolf ballerina.'

No explanation needed ;)

Why is she laughing?  Because this is what the floor looks like after every meal and she knows I detest cleaning it up!

Sylvia is 4!  May 15 was the big day.  Grandma Huizinga gave her a new dress and Andrew just had to be in the picture too.

All three of my children riding bikes.  I just love this picture!

The girls had a tea party today in the backyard.  Of course that means water and animal crackers :)