Swimming

This morning we went over to the Mattson's for some swimming with friends.

Erik and I got to spend some time together. We went for a walk along the lake...it was so cold! We had a great time just being together.

Youth Pastor's Retreat

Caleb jumping at GBC.

We went up to Covenant Harbor for a Central Conference Youth Pastor's Retreat (and their families) this week. We had a really nice day on Monday, we went for a speed boat ride. This was Jackson's first time on a boat. I expected him to be more upset about the life jacket, but he didn't mind.

Fireworks with the fam

Tonight we went to see fireworks at Navy Pier with my family. It was so fun to see everyone, I feel like it has been a while since we've all been together. These were Jackson's first fireworks...he loved them. Caleb kept telling me he wanted to go home. I am not giving up yet. I really enjoy fireworks and hope that Caleb can also.

"Elsa Day"

Our friends Ali and Jon are moving next weekend so we offered to watch their daughter Elsa to allow them to get some packing done...I talked about this on Monday and every morning since, Caleb woke up and said "Is today Elsa day?" Finally, today was "Elsa Day". We took her to the Zoo. It was a cold morning and warmed up just as we were getting to the car to go home. The kids didn't seem to mind, we all enjoyed "Elsa day".

Everyone checking out the Lions.

We had a picnic lunch and then Erik chased the kids around. Here he is jumping over Caleb with the garbage bag exploding all over the ground!

Couch Potatoes

A little DVD while mom tries to get dinner on the table.

Water Table

Today we took out the water table and Jackson was occupied for the entire day, which was nice since he usually just gets into all the mud.

Tonight we had some friends over for a BBQ. It was so great to see all the kids having fun together.

Caleb and the girls.

Nathan was making funny noises to get the kids to smile and look at the camera. I guess Sanne was the only one who thought he was funny, the other kids are like "what is that guy doing?"

let's go to the beach

This afternoon Erik was able to come home a little early since he had to go back to church for meetings tonight. We took advantage of the weather and time with dad and headed to the beach.

I know he looks upset in this picture, but he was really so excited! I love this picture, because he looks so grown up to me and you can see his little footprints behind him.

Seriously...this kid doesn't stop smiling!

Flying our new kite for the first time.

Jackson had sand all over his face and in his mouth, but he didn't care.

By the time we left, Caleb was covered in sand. This kid absolutely loves the sand.

Happy Mother's Day

My boys got me a pair of Keen sandals for Mother's Day...the perfect gift! Here are my shoes next to Caleb's (yet another hand-me-down!)

Batter Up!

We have noticed that Caleb has a pretty good swing when he plays "swords" or when he golfs, so today Erik decided to see if he could play baseball. I got a bunch of videos and I'm sorry that I am sharing so many, but I just had to share all of these! He was having so much fun...and was really good! We started out in the house and quickly realized baseball is an outside game.

Nice stance!

This last video is of Caleb riding down the "roller coaster". I love it when he does it one handed! (Thanks to some friends from church for this hand-me-down)

New Tooth

I've been trying to get a picture of Jackson's tooth...this is the best I can do. You'll have to zoom in to actually see it. No more toothless smile for Jackson.

Happy Birthday Erik!

For Erik's birthday we had a hot tub party at our friends house. It was a great way to celebrate another year. Caleb and Gwen had so much fun, Caleb has been asking to go back every day!

Haircut

Before

(This picture was actually taken at the Dermatologist on Friday, Caleb has eczema. We were glad to finally get is diagnosed. The doctor was so professional and totally had a plan for us. We've started with the lotions and have already seen progress.)

After

I know he looks a little crazy in this picture, but I just love how you can see his whole face now!

Celebrating 'May Day'

Today was "May Day", something I had never really heard of...I guess you give flowers to people on "May Day". Linnea thought it would be fun to have the kids pass out flowers at Covenant Village. It was so much fun! Caleb and Gwen really seemed to enjoy passing out the flowers and the residents were grinning from ear to ear.







Jackson was there too! He didn't pass out any flowers but he showed off his beautiful smile.