Preschool Graduate

We have a preschool graduate in the house!!
I can't believe he is done with 2 years of preschool already and we are heading to all day Kindergarten in the fall. He has come leaps & bounds since that first day when I dropped him off and he was begging me to not leave him. We are very proud parents and anxious to see what the next chapter of his life holds for him.

Zach on the last day of school with one of his teachers, Mrs. Corso.


Zach leaving school with his graduation cap

Camers turns 2

We celebrated Cameron's 2nd birthday on Monday, although it was without much fanfare. Not sure why, whether is was because he is the 2nd child or because it was his second birthday. But either way, it was a quiet birthday, which I enjoyed! He didn't seem to mind either. I know we all say this about our kids, but it is hard to believe that he is two already.

We did celebrate with Mark's parents in Wisconsin on Mothers Day weekend







big brother, who is always available to help with the opening of someone elses gifts

too cute not to post

Zach had his Spring Little Lambs program last week at our church, which had a Noah's Ark theme. He was asked to be an animal, a frog, and I think thoroughly enjoyed his role on the stage. He did a great job and we were extremely proud of him.

Zach's part of hopping across the stage

Zach 'graduated' (hence the graduation cap) from Little Lambs this year, as he will be in full day Kindergarten this Fall, which will unfortunately prevent him from being able to complete another year of LL. I think Zach has enjoyed his two years in this wonderful program, as much as I have enjoyed watching him grow in his knowledge and understanding of Jesus.

Our daily daycare friend Hailey, hanging with the boys

A weekend get together, Chloe decorating Cam with stickers

Easter highlights

We had a jam packed Easter week/weekend, but most importantly we celebrated my Mom's 65th birthday on Sunday!
Its not to often that we manage to be together for birthdays, so it was wonderful that we could celebrate such an important milestone with her. She is a fantastic Mom & Nana and we appreciate everything she does for us, so it was nice that we could have a chance to show our appreciation on her special day.

Neighborhood Easter Egg hunt last Saturday

On Saturday an outing to the Brookfield Zoo with Dad, which included an opportunity to brush the goats

Don't they look thrilled to be in their Easter duds?

Cam off for a ride

Family photo op, of course

The grandkids with Nana & Grandpa and their Easter loot

March happenings

In the beginning of March we took a trip up to Sheboygan to visit Mark's Grandma Leys. She hasn't been in the best of health lately, so we thought we would boost her spirits with a visit from two of her 22 (I think, it might even be a 23, I can't keep track) great-grandkids.
She turned 93 yesterday, doesn't she look amazing? We can all hope to look that good at her age.

For a last minute spring break trip, the boys & I went down to Phoenix for some warm sunny weather. We had a great time, despite some sickness throughout the week. We made the best of it and did some other activities instead of spending all day in the pool, which we normally do.



Zach with the neighbors dog, Powder, who Zach played with all week. He has been asking for one, but unfortunately for him, that's not going to happen. (I love how pasty white he looks... referring to Zach not the dog)

We are big fans of the Phoenix Zoo

Since we didn't want to expose all of other spring break kids to our germs, we improvised with a paddling pool on the back patio for a few days

Our first visit to the Phoenix Rainforest Cafe with my Mom

Zach checking out the gorilla

My 'Dancing with the Stars'

Zach & Cam were having a ball tonight dancing together to 'Dancing with the Stars', as the show is a big hit & family affair in our house. I had the camera out so I had to post one of the happier moments together, as fighting with each other seems to also be a big hit in our house.

Swinging around together!

Posing at the end of a dance.

And who needs a haircut?

Looking at this picture, I think they both do!

A 5 year olds bash

Although I started this blog on Monday, I am finally getting around to posting it today (Saturday), as we had a major case of food poisoning go through our house this week. I'll spare you the details but it was an absolute nightmare!!

Anyhow, we had a birthday party for Zach last Saturday, actually it was more of a party for us to see friends, but he doesn't realize that. We had a HUGE turn out along with out-of town friends Brad & Bradi and my sister and her family.
Zach has been enjoying the company of playing with pirates lately so we had a pirate themed party. I think the party was a big success despite the unorganized chaos. Here's a few pictures I captured from it.

Picture of my sis, who thankfully came down from Michigan for the weekend to celebrate with us. She completely took over the kitchen/clean up which I very much appreciated! Thanks Sian!

Per Zach's request, I agreed & thought that it was a good idea to have a Pinata as an activity for all the kids. Well, I learned a thing or two about what NOT to do with a having a Pinata slugged around in your family room. Feel free to email me for suggestions if anyone else is brave (or dumb, depending on my perspective)enough to try this activity at home.




The beauty of a cake I baked... yeah right, thanks Jewel!



Sitting quietly for his face painting

Darth Vader (Noah) & a Pirate

Admiring the cake before blowing out the candles

Zach opening presents with some help from friends, Max & Raegan. I owe all of you thank you's but what came from who got all mixed up, so please excuse the unpersonalized thank you's when they arrive :-)