Looking out into the world

This is where the boys have been spending a lot of their time.... Enjoying the view of the world, well alright may be not the world, but the comings and goings of life in the cul-de-sac.

The last two days we have had gail force winds/intermittent showers which added to their desire to dirty my screen door by watching the blowing around of the trees that are showing definite signs spring is well under way.

Its been a bit of a long week for me personally, as Zach has been struggling this week. I have decided that he has now entered, what I officially have dubbed, "The Frustrating Fours." As he seems to be doing quite some testing at home and plainly, just frustrating me. We also have had tears everyday at school this week, which I can't figure out the reason for. This morning he was crying on and off that he didn't want to go and was begging to stay home.
What am I to do? I can't keep him home just because he cries and says he doesn't want to go, as that then opens up another whole can of worms. Ugh.

Anyway, Happy Friday!! The weekend is here!

Our "Little Lamb"

This post is primarily for the grandparents, as they would have been proud of their 4 year old grandson last night.
Zach had his Spring Little Lambs program last night, 'David the Sheperd Boy.'

I was a bit nervous about the program, as both Zach and his teacher told me yesterday morning after the 'dress rehearsal' that he had cried and did not want to go on the stage. What my child cry at such events?? Really? I have a hard time believing it... He must take after his father!

However, he came through for us and the home video and was a wonderful participant! I wouldn't say he was leading the choir or anything, but he did sing along when he knew the words and did some of the hand motions. At the end of the program they acknowledged the graduates of the LL program and its strange to think that Zach will be one of those graduates next year. He is growing up so quickly.

(If I can figure it out, I might post a small video clip of his profound singing... check back later bloggers)

Zachary and Max heading to their classrooms before the show

Sitting with the girls

Clapping along, so cute

Holland, Michigan

Duke & Kristin Zandstra were kind enough to invite us and the boys up to Holland this past weekend. We were supposed to get together back in March and it got cancelled due to sickness, but I am glad it was rescheduled, as we had great weather, which allowed us to fully enjoy the Van Hattem's summer home on the lake.
It was great to get together with Calvin friends and their children, as it doesn't seem to happen that often. It was fun watching the kids get to know each other in a new environment. In the evenings after the little ones went to bed, the adults enjoyed soaking in the outdoor hot tub.

Thanks again to the Zandstra's for inviting, organizing, and catering a fun weekend. And Kristin, please thank your folks again for allowing us to use the cottage for the weekend. Not that I am inviting ourselves or anything, BUT we would love to do it again next year!

(Cam and Sydney Kreider, the morning after. The picture of the kids on the couch was an attempt at a semi-group photo shot, but we are missing a few kids, as people came and went at different times. oh well, we at least tried.
Left to right - Zach, Cam, Adia Sikkema, Douwe Groen, Mica & Duke
And thanks Duke for being willing to sit in on the picture so Mica could join in on the moment.)

Ixtapa Pictures

Club Med Ixtapa

Mexico was absolutely fantastic. The resort was beautiful, the weather was perfect, we ate a lot of great food, and had so much fun with my sister's family and my Mom & Dad. The kids were able to choose between activities like flying on the trapeze, soccer, tennis, archery, scavenger hunts, body painting or just playing at the pool or beach. While the adults took advantage of aerobics class (well, my sister Sian did), poolside dancing, kayaking, sailing, and most importantly...relaxing and enjoying unlimited foo foo drinks.

Cameron also seemed to enjoy his days at the Baby Mini Club, where he was pampered with one on one attention by the GOs (Gentle Officers).
There was a nightly show to attend, so a few of the evenings Mark and I took advantage of the nightly "pajama party" for him. The events in the evening were also fabulous, ranging from a circus show to a beach bonfire/dance party to 80's Music Factory.

Oh, and a side note, for a few of my friends who enjoy celebrity sighting as much as I do. One morning, the Boot Camp guru Harvey Walden, who stars in VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, ran an exercise class. I thought it was pretty cool at least.

I don't know if I can really sum up the fun in a short blog, but hopefully the slide show (probably with too many pictures, sorry it was hard to choose) will give a glimpse into the vaca that we will remember for a long long time...

THANKS A MILLION MOM & DAD!!!

flying the friendly skies?

We are getting ready to fly the friendly skies tomorrow and I feel like I am packing everything but the kitchen sink. ahhh, Babies... they require so much STUFF!
Anyway, this picture of Zach is on the flight home from Phoenix last October. I am hoping the boys will be just as happy tomorrow, despite the fact we have to be up at 4 AM!

But I am not going to complain, as I can't wait till we get off the plane in Mexico and are hit by the smell of the tropical air...ummm, there's nothing like it.
Also, thanks for the emails/comments about the health crisis at our house. Fortunately, Zach is much better and so far, fingers crossed, Cam seems to have missed this round of sickness.

Have a good week my fellow bloggers, I will miss checking all of your blogs while I am baking in the sun :-)

praying for a miracle

This is Zach enjoying the big bash over at Steve & Stacy's Saturday evening. Well, actually it wasn't really a big bash, just a small get together, and Zach obviously wasn't enjoying himself.

It came as quite a shock to us to look over during dinner and find Zach fast asleep on their couch. Completely out of character for him. Came home to discover he had a high fever and is still running one.

Normally I don't really sweat my kids getting these kind of bugs, as you can't really do much about it.... however we leave for Mexico on SATURDAY!!! And unfortunately, I know how long sicknesses run their course and that it usually gets passed to the other one. We are now praying that if Cam is going to get it, it starts ASAP so he too can be better by Saturday.
ahhhhh!!! I am feeling a bit stressed, as Mexico is not the best place to head with sick children.
There will be lots of praying going on around here this week, feel free to add us to your prayer list. thanks!
Although, I am not trying to rub it in anymore than I have to that we are heading south for some fun in the sun :-)



Lauren & Cam checking out Zach snoozing on the couch