switched allegiances

Since the US & England are now out of the World Cup, we are now rooting for the Dutchies!
As the Dutch say, Hup Hup Holland!

The boys received these matching outfits last night from some Dutch friends, just in time for the game today. They love it & couldn't wait to pose for the camera.

this past week

Last Friday we had a terrible thunderstorm pass through & the winds were so strong that it split our tree in half and it fell over. Fortunately, it missed our house, the neighbors & their fence, as it landed on other trees.

So Saturday we (our heavenly sent neighbor who is a Forest Preserve Ranger who frequently saves the day for us & Mark) spent the day cutting it down. We were sad to see it go, but it has now provided us more sunlight in the backyard as well as some firewood for campfires.


This second picture shows the tree right before they fully pulled it down




















The boys, heading to Naperville's Band Concert last night.
It was Disney Night, which includes a parade for the kids to participate
in so they wanted to dress up. Here we have Captain Hook
(Cameron) & a Pirate (Zachary). They had a great time!

World Cup Fever

We have caught it around here!

Here are the boys proudly displaying their England soccer shirts (Thanks Aunty Pat & Aunty Pam!)
Although, we are of course cheering for the US too, as we don't want to be completely biased!

Its been fun to watch Zach's enthusiasm for the game grow, as he completed his first soccer season this spring. He really seems to enjoy watching the games & learning about other countries from around the world.

Maybe we will make a "footballer" (English term) out of him yet!

4 montths old

Yeah!
We have made it to 4 months! And I truly feel like we have turned a major corner with Lindsey. She is a much, much happier baby these days.
She smiles a lot & if you really get her going she might even give you a few chuckles & giggles.

At 4 months old she is only weighing in at 12' 3", which isn't a lot of weight gain in 4 months, considering she was born weighing 9' 3". The doctor wants to see her back in a month, as opposed to 2 months from now, to make sure she is still gaining weight, as she also has dropped a bit in the weight percentile.
She is long & lanky and has the longest & skinniest arms and legs, which I guess could be a good thing considering she's a girl, now I only wish her Mama was the same!
I am just used to my boys, who both were chunkers and had many kissable fat rolls by her age.

Although her skinny-ness doesn't seem to bother her, she is taking her bottles like a champ & I have even managed to ween her off her Acid Reflux medicine. I am relieved that the dropping her medicine hasn't seemed to affect her eating & disposition so hopefully that concern is behind us.

We are now working on rolling over from back to front and she is almost there, but can't quite get her head to go with her little body. I was hoping to start her on cereal soon, but with her weight concerns her doctor said to hold off on starting it till about 6 months, as he doesn't want her belly to fill up on cereal & then she refuses her bottles. I am little bummed, as I am ready always ready to start that next phase, but I must be patient & stop wishing for her to grow up. With that in mind, we truly are enjoying her everyday & just love her to bits!

summer so far

The boys after church.
They are just looking so old!












Lindsey enjoying some time outside in the shade
















Annual Memorial Day parade waiting for it to start. We only got to see about 15 minutes of the parade before a thunderstorm rolled in, the parade was canceled & we had to make a mad dash for the car. It was a total disaster!








Waiting at the Memorial parade with friends, Lauren & Alex









My annual Calvin girls weekend in Holland, Michigan.
We had another great weekend and I am already looking forward to next years get together

Kindergarten grad!

Zachary graduated from Kindergarten on Friday & we couldn't be more proud. He has come a long way since those first few weeks last fall when he had streams of tears for days & clinging to my legs.

Over the course of the school year, he has matured, found some good friends, and most days actually looked forward to going to school. Zach was blessed with a wonderful teacher who was nurturing with him when he needed it, but also encouraged his growth & independence. Of course along the way he also discovered some new choice words/expressions/slang terms that I am not so fond of, as well as a bit of a sassy mouth at times. But its all part of the growing up process & we will take it as it comes.

I am looking forward to having Zach home for the summer & am excited to see what 1st grade brings. 1st grade.... wow...I can't believe it!

come on 'Terrific Three's'

I woke up this morning ready to embrace & start with the 'Terrific Three's' as we have officially said goodbye to the 'Terrible Two's, right Cameron?
We sure hope so!

Happy Birthday to my fun, sweet, challenging, witty, athletic, 'my way or no way,' love-able Blondie 3 year old.

We love you!