Family Fun in Mexico!

Papa was able to take a few days from working and we were able to get away to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) Mexico. We stayed at a friend of a friends home right on the beach. Wow, what a great time we had. Lot's of time playing on the beach and just hanging out as a family!


Look at our baby! She is growing so fast. And such a little girl she is...
Samuel is always loving on his baby sister (whether she wants it or not). This time she is loving it!
Caleb spent most of his beach time sitting in the water scooping sand, water and shells.



There was a small (as in one room) aquarium nearby. Once I got over the overwhelming fish smell, fun was had by all. There were many fish tanks but the best part was watching the kids feed the turtles and sea lion.

Fearless Samuel!

This little video was taken several months ago back in Chicago. I am trying to update my blog and I came across it. Samuel has no fear! I was packing for our move and he and his little brother came across some flattened boxes. My back was turned from the stairs and I hear. "I am on a surfboard!" When I turned around my jaw dropped! What you see is not his first attempt. He had a ball. I had to catch it on tape. My sister laughed so hard she cried and my mother well, lets just say she wasn't amused. Enjoy!

Caleb's Sick Day

There is nothing like a papa to comfort his sick little boy. I hadn't heard the pitter patter of Caleb 's feet in a while. When I found him there he was snuggling with his papa on the exercise bike! When you don't feel good it doesn't matter where or how you get the comfort you seek.

Sofie Loves Winter!

I guess our little pumpkin just can't get enough of winter. I think the bare feet are a dead give away that she just wanted to play "dress up".

These photos were taken just after Sofie woke up from her nap. She walked over to the coat rack and motioned for her hat and coat. She must have wore them for over an hour and boy was she a happy girl and quite please with herself!

Samuel's Rockclimbing Adventure

Since day one this not so little boy has had no fear. This giant rock wall is right at the entrance of our gym so several times a week I have to hear "mama, when can I climb that?" Does it matter that the age requirement is 6? Not to papa and Samuel! The first attempts were met with some trepidation but today he was so brave. He is really getting the hang of it too... and he loves it.












































Papa had a pretty good work out too.

Another year of the Pumpkin Patch

Samuel is ALL smiles! He loves animals of all kinds. Especially ponies!
Our pumpkin fits right in.
Caleb enjoyed the pony ride but as always is a little more cautious...
Sofie is all smiles... especially when she is being held close.

Papa and his little (or should I say "not so little") girl.

Sweet Cheeks!

All three children have been blessed with the most kissable cheeks but I think Sofie is our winner. She has to work so hard to get that adorable smile past those fluffy cheeks!

We love our Opa!!

We love spending weekends with oma and opa. Whether we are beside opa outside "working" or beside him at the organ playing hymns before church we couldn't be happier!

Our Summer Fun

Well, it is now early September and summer is almost to a close. At least in Chicago it is. Each day gets a little cooler and a little shorter. We had a fun and memorable summer. In May we officially became members of our church (Westminster Presbyterian) and had all 3 children baptized. It was a day we had been looking forward to for a long time. Oma and opa along with Karel, Shari and kids came to celebrate the day with us.




Doesn't Miss Sofie looked pooped? She should, she screamed through most of the baptism. I think there were a lot of prayers going on because right when the pastor was going to pray over her she became quiet (and it continued for Samuel and Caleb as well).



Oom Karel, Tante Shari, Karl, Jon and Hannah Boonzaayer... thanks for sharing our day!!

Aunt Cindy and cousins Hailey and Madison came from Phoenix in June. It was a wonderful time for the children to spend together and really bond. The boys just "LOVE" trains and we took the Metra into the city twice and saw the sights. Grandpa and Grandma stopped by for a week before heading to Minnesota. The only one missing was Aunt Pammy (and family). It was a week we will not soon forget!

Our snugglebug with Grandpa.

Now that is one happy auntie with Samuel!

Smiling Sofie

Our "little Sofie" is not so little anymore. She is a whopping 19lbs (at 7 months) and all smiles these days. She is a delight and everyday we see more and more of her charming personality emerging...

A day on the boat (Cass Lake)

"Do you think we can make a break for it?"

What a wonderful time we had in Minnesota with my parents. It was crazy at times trying to keep up with the antics of 2 busy little buddies and a sweet baby girl. The last day we spent on a pontoon and what a way to go out! The water was calm and so were the children!

Happy Memories. Times we will never forget!

Grandpa and his first mate!

More of our Family Vacation

Caleb just loves spending one on one time with his papa. Especially if it is in the Burley!











Wild blueberries were everywhere. The boys loved to pick them and make "cakes". Yum!!














The happiest place for Sofie is right in Mama's arms!

More of Cass Lake

One of the few moments papa and I were able to share alone... the beautiful sunsets.