A Visit from Marie!

Marie came out for the weekend just past. It was so good to see her again! We spent one day going to and from a blueberry patch that was incredibly busy (had to have been >400 cars parked there). We decided the berries weren't that good and made our way home empty handed. :)

Then on Saturday we took a drive to the beach. What started out as a cool day, wound up being beautiful! Unfortunately we didn't really dress for the beach because we thought it would be even chillier there and we wouldn't want to stay. Ah well... next time we'll come prepared for any type of weather!

James loved the water; loved to feel it lap his feet and wanted to sit and splash in it. I wish I had brought swim trunks for him as his poor diaper was swollen as big as it would go and his pants were so wet and heavy, they would not stay up. But he had a blast regardless!

James also loved digging in the sand. Marie showed him how to make little castles with an empty Mtn Dew bottle, compliments of Jerry :).

Doesn't he look happy?

A Visit from Grandpa and Grandma Great!

Here's a fun shot of our little Lucas with his sweet little smile.

Grandma Haveman was wonderful with the kiddos, my right hand woman helping to take care of the kiddos. Grandpa wasn't far behind ;)... he was busy for the most part, however, building shelves for the cupboards Dad Haveman and Jerry had built. He also was there to help Jerry replace the transfer case. I'm glad he was, because I would've had NO idea what tools where which when handing them to Jerry :).

Grandpa had a soothing touch for little Lucas and could put him right to sleep.

A great picture! (get it... great... great grandparents... heehee)

Another sweet shot; Grandpa-great and little Lucas.

The Hoosier

When we first moved here in September of '08, we went antiqueing with Mom and Dad Haveman. We came home with a hoosier for a deal :). Below is how it looked. Jerry sanded the whole thing down and repainted it all. He even cleaned all the hinges... and they look so much better. I painted a door or two, but Jerry is the one who redid it! As for the rolling door (a tambour, I'm told it's called)... Jerry's dad made a copy of the original door with new wood and it fit perfectly. Didn't they do an awesome job?? This piece will be in my kitchen for many many years! I'm so happy for it:)

A short trip to Canada

Jerry, the boys and I were able to make a short trip up to my family over the long weekend. Finally we were able to get an updated photo of the whole family. It's hard to keep it updated when babies keep arriving ;). Unfortunately, Rosee didn't want to have her photo taken and rather than argue that she is beautiful and we want memories of her also... we got her to be the photographer. She did a great job!

James loved the tractor... future farmer here :).

And here we all are eating and eating (what we do best!) on the back deck.

Lucas' Baptism Day

On June 21st, 2009, Lucas was officially welcomed into God's Covenant by the sign and seal of Baptism. What a wonderful promise of grace we have in Christ; and not just for ourselves, but a promise we can and must share with our children. Mom and Dad Haveman were able to come out to witness the baptism and share in the celebrations :)

The little star of the day.

A view to show off the hand made gown.

James being a little monkey...

James loves to squeeze little Lucas and Lucas tolerates it relatively well!

Brothers!

Parents, Grandparents and our little darling boys.

This is the best family photo out of 5. Sheesh. Better luck next time!

Oma, Grandpa, and little Lucas on his baptism day.

The Haveman men.

Snapshots

Future ComEd worker... Jerry's pride and joy!
We're seeing if he measures up to the mountain dew bottle :)... he's got a bit to go!

A Visit from Family

John and Anne with their 6 kids made the 8 hour trip down to visit us. I had a fabulous time and I'm sure they had a pretty good time too :). We spent relaxing days enjoying the sun, as well as a day to the Museum of Science and Industry, a day at the pool, and a day going shopping... where John and Anne bought a Wii for the kids, and for them ;). The Wii was really alot of fun!

Samuel and James became great friends and played really well together. James loved Samuels toy car from "Cars" and Samuel loved James' push toy, Thomas the Train. I think over all they shared quite well!

Rachel with Lucas who, to her delight, fell fast asleep on her lap.

The kids enjoying the trampoline. I'm glad we had it (a leftover from the previous owners).

While the man power was here, Jerry was able to chop down two trees. John offered manly support and a bit of advise and the kids were put to work by John later to clean up the smaller branches into nice piles. That was a great gift of time to Jerry and we are thankful!

Jerry's climbing high! Even on his days off he can't get enough of heights ;)