Christmas 2013

Jackson and Santa.  Jackson was the only one of my kids who would sit by Santa.  As soon as Lydia saw Santa, she started screaming and Brendan just sat back and observed. 

1st day of Christmas Break (an unexpected snow storm).  The kids were pretty excited to be home and all were loving their new hats made by Mo (their babysitter).

Annual family picture on Christmas Eve.  It's amazing how this picture is typically easier than our Christmas card picture (of course we do bribe the kids with their presents for the evening). 

The boys and Aunt Sara.  Jackson was pretty proud of his two missing teeth (two lost in one week!).  They both adore Aunt Sara and were super excited to see her since she's been busy with her new job.

My dad, ever the educator, had to read the kids the story "The Night Before Christmas" before opening presents.  The boys were enthralled!

Brendan LOVED Grandpa's funny voices during the story.  I am amazed at how this little guy had grown-up this year!

Brendan ... my child with so much joy! 

Jackson - my competitive child who can't get enough of sports right now.

Lydia - my child was such a big personality... and crazy hair!

Fall Pictures

Today turned out to be so beautiful outside so I knew we had to get out and try to get some pictures before the leaves were truly dead and our backyard looked completely brown.  Thankfully the kids were game and did an okay job ... they were done after a few pictures but at least I got a smile from each.  I still don't think it'll ever be possible for me to get a great picture with all 3 of them but one can hope :) 

He had to wear his Detroit Lions jersey underneath his shirt ... this boy is all sports!

My Loves ....

Double Trouble

Yep ... this one sums up our life ... CrAzY!

Had to get one with her new boots .... she loves them!

Gosling Run 2013

Two days before the run, the boys decided that they wanted to participate.  Our neighbor kids all decided to run as well so it became a neighborhood event.   Of course there was no training but Brendan only had to run 1/4 of a mile and Jackson had a 1/2.  Jackson was devastated that he didn't win but it lead to some great conversation.  He definitely has a competitive spirit!  Brendan didn't really have a clue of what to do but had a good time.  Hopefully this will become a new tradition.

Curious George

Jackson has developed a huge Curious George obsession.  He's always loved the show but after he was in the monkey room for kindergarten, he is absolutely crazy over monkeys and especially his Curious George stuffed animal.  I had to get some pics of him with George to help us remember this stage (and of course Jackson LOVES taking pictures of George).  Incidentally, we're now often referring to the baby as George.  First because Jackson loves George and second because of my interest in Prince George.  But no, we do not know if it's a boy or girl ... we'll find out in February :) 

Evidently George also likes to climb trees

Jackson and his buddy George

And of course, we can't have just one ... Brendan needed a George too (by the way, notice Jackson's monkey pajamas?)

Love how this picture captures Lydia with her scrunched up nose.  She just started doing this a lot more and I love it!  This girl has such personality!

Crazy Brendan ... had to have a picture taken upside down :) 

Little Hawks Preschool

Today was Brendan's first day of preschool.  He was so excited!   How can my boy already be that old? Luke was able to take the day off from work to go with him (they had invited parents for the first day).  Of course Brendan LOVED the idea of dad coming to school with him.  We talked about it for weeks.  Apparently, Brendan didn't really say a thing while he was there but he took it all in (similar to his dad!).  I have to admit though, I was thrilled to hear that he was so well behaved and that he enjoyed it.  Looking forward to his year at the Outdoor Discovery Center.  Spending all that time outside and exploring nature is right up his alley. 

Lydia insisted on being part of the picture which is very reminiscent of Brendan wanting to be in Jackson's pictures when he started school! 

Free Play ... and of course my boy is digging.  He LOVES to dig around our house!

Snack time ... typical Brendan look when he's in a new situation.

Hanging up his backpack. 

Tired out

The first day means tired kids!

Camping on the Beach

One of the things that I take for granted around here is Lake Michigan.  It's such a beautiful lake and we just don't get out there enough!

On Saturday we headed out to one of our friend's parent's house on Lake Michigan.  We had talked about doing this before but it all started coming together last weekend.  So after filling all our vehicles until they were stuffed (boy there was a TON of stuff to take for one night!) we took off.  Wow!  Just the first view of the lake was enough to get the kids ready for this adventure. 

After getting all set up, we needed to cool off in the lake.  What a pleasant surprise we had when we discovered that the lake wasn't too cold.  Even us adults ventured in.  Then it was boating time.  Megan's parents came down with their boat and took some of the group tubing while the others were able to ride in the boat.  We were blessed with a perfect day on the water as there were hardly any waves! 

When dinner time rolled around we started a fire and did some got dogs, pizza sandwiches and ham and cheese sandwiches.  The kids were super hungry after a day playing on the beach and devoured tons of food!  As us adults then sat around talking and enjoying the ability to just talk, the kids played in the sand again and did some more swimming.  Jackson actually stayed in the water until it was dark!  He is a fish! 

"Dark time" rolled around and we enjoyed our fire that Luke continued to make bigger and bigger and bigger.  After the kids went to bed we sat and talked more and then it came time to actually attempt sleeping out there.  Our air mattress (which has served us well for 10 years) must have a hole because halfway during the night Luke and I found ourselves sleeping on the hard sand.  Oh well ... we can handle that for one night :)  Thankfully all the kids slept well and we survived. 

After breakfast in South Haven the next morning it was time to pack up again and head home.  We were all EXHAUSTED but honestly, both Luke and I said it was one of the best weekends of summer.  Here's hoping for a new tradition!

Tent City

Our "home" for the night

Grace and Lydia loved being buried in the sand ... and yes my girl is not wearing a swimsuit ... the girl is comfortable in her own body :) 

All the kids burying each other. 

The fire.  Do you notice the huge branch sticking out ... that was one of many that went in the fire.  Let's just say we cleaned up the driftwood on the beach :) 

Sunset on Lake Michigan

One tired boy ...