Family Birthdays

Tonight we celebrated Jakob, Mary and Nancy's birthdays. Bev won a hayride at the school auction earlier this year, and so we combined that hayride with the birthday celebrations, and WOW did we have some fun! Anytime you get the family together not only is it LOUD, but it is FUN!

Jakob turned 11 on August 29th, Mary turned 27 yesterday (the 26th) and Nancy turned 46 today!!

Here are some pics of the night...

Kolton's Soccer Team

This is Kolton's second year playing travel soccer with the Tri Cities Strikers. He absolutely loves the game, and is "game on" all the time. He plays hard, and he plays his best. We are so proud of his efforts! Kolton's soccer team has had a rough season so far...they won their first game, but have lost the last two. Kolton always plays his best, and is a good sport about the game. He is of course disappointed to lose, but he keeps his wits about him and doesn't let the loss ruin the fun of the sport. Here are some action shots from his last two games... #97

Those funny little sayings...

I always say I should write down those funny little things the kids say that just make me crack up! Well, I'm going to do one better - I'm going to share two of them with you... Kelsea and I were on our way to Meijers to grab some groceries, and she was commenting on how she has freckles in the wierdest places! She said "Mom, I have a freckle right in my pinky-wrinkle!" I burst out laughing, because she was referring to her knuckle, but the phrase "pinky-wrinkle" just struck me as so darn funny! Kolton was at his back to school checkup at the doctor. I informed him that he may have to drop his drawers for the doctor, so the doctor can make sure everything looks alright. Kolton was less than enthused, to say the least. So, in an attempt to ease his nerves about the whole thing, I told him that when mommy goes to the doctor, the doctor has to look at her, too, and so it is really no big deal - that's what doctors do, and that is normal and good. Kolton looked at me, and with the most shocked/horrified/confused look said: "Are you telling me that the doctor just walks around all day going room to room looking at NAKED people?????" I almost busted a gut! After the doctor had completed his exam, Kolton and I were walking out of the office and saw the doctor going into another examination room. Kolton said "Yep, there he goes - from one right into the other!" Kids really DO say the darndest things, don't they??!!

Kelsea's 1st Soccer Game!

Kelsea had her first Strikers soccer game this past Sunday, against the Muskegon Gold. It was a gorgeous day, and the game was really good! Our girls were leading 1-0 until the last 15 minutes, when the Muskegon team tied it up. Unfortunately, in the last few minutes of the game, they scored two more goals against us, taking the game 1-3. It was disappointing, but at the same time, the girls had played REALLY well together for their first game. Kelsea was ON! She played a great, defensive game. We were super impressed, as she has not played outdoor soccer in a couple of years. Trying out for the team was stressful for her, and when she found out she made the team she was thrilled (and we were thrilled for her). Her coach is Chris Dennison, and he is a great coach. He truly cares about the "love of the game" and making sure the girls are well-rounded soccer players. He is teaching foot skills, working on endurance (running - not Kelsea's thing!!) and the overall strategies of the game. She is loving her experience! Here are some action shots of that great first game:

First day of school!

It is so hard to believe that summer break is over already! We had a wonderful summer...the weather was warm and we spent lots of time outdoors. School is back in session, and we are back to our busy fall schedules. With both kids in travel soccer we are headed for a busy next couple of months! Kelsea entered the 6th grade this year at Spring Lake Intermediate School! Her teacher is Mrs. Postema. Kelsea likes school and was excited to be back - especially as the "top dog" at the Intermediate School. Her favorite subjects at school are reading and physical education, and she plays the trumpet in band. Kolton entered the 4th grade this year at Holmes Elementary. His teacher is Mrs. Smits. Like his sister, he is "top dog" at the elementary school, but unlike his sister, he'd rather be home! Kolton's favorite subjects are math and physical education. Here are a couple pics of first day...

The morning began so smoothly - kids got up right away to get dressed and eat their breakfast. We left in plenty of time to get to school early and get settled. As I grabbed my camera for that "leaving the house" shot, I realized my camera was broken!! I was heartbroken! Then, as we approached school, both children proclaimed they did not need mom coming in the building with them! They are growing up...I'm not quite there yet. So, I dropped them off, ran to buy a new camera and was ready to take pictures when I picked them up. What a day...