Snow, Snow, Snow

The past few weeks have been the craziest weather. Yesterday the snow just kept coming. The boys went outside last night after supper - there was some serious snow. Levi got SO frustrated because none of his toys would work because the snow was to deep. He wanted to ride his 4-wheeler - wouldn't move, he wanted to ride his tractor - wouldn't move... by the end he was so mad!!He was amazed at the snow and the amount that was continually coming down. He just kept looking into the sky. We had about 8 inches by our house. Eric and I had to go out about 9:00 and shovel the driveway because the plow truck couldn't get up the hill to our house. The funny things was - was that we only own one snow shovel (that is what the plow truck is for!) so Eric was using the one shovel and I was using - you guessed it - the kids shovel... can I say sore back today?...

Justin's First "Friend" Birthday Party

On Monday, Justin celebrated his birthday with a few of his friends - he wanted an airplane theme. It was a week after his birthday and every day he wondered if tomorrow was his party... I wouldn't recommend torturing your child with a party a week after his birthday - but with the weather and all it wouldn't have worked the week before any way!

The party started at noon with some lunch!

Then we played some games - Pin the Pilot on the PlaneMusical planes - of course to the Top Gun theme Then we slowed down for a bit while they colored their own wooden airplanes.

Then we built and raced airplanes.Of course you can't have a party without the cake!And after cake ... the presents!After the party while I was cleaning up I walked around the corner to find no children... they were all in play the closet under the steps - all 8 of them!!

The party went well and hopefully everyone had fun... I know Justin did!

My Musicians!

The other day the boys spent "recess" playing guitars. Enjoy their rendition of International Harvester.

As I am recording Justin singing - I couldn't believe it when he threw in a wink for me! It still makes me laugh out loud when I watch it!

Levi is so glad that Justin got a new guitar because now he has one too!

Rachel - we'll have to come visit the farm one of these days - all Justin talks about is that some day he wants to be a farmer!

My Baby is 6!

On Monday Justin celebrated his 6th birthday!

We had lunch with Grandpa & Grandma R. at Wendy's in Ionia - Daddy & Grandpa were working at the airport so we picked up Grandma and went to meet them!

Justin got a Leapster & a build it yourself Airplane.

For supper we met Grandpa & Granda M. at Craig's Cruiser's - they had never been there before so it was an experience for them! The biggest bummer was that the restaraunt is not open on Monday's! Can you believe that!! We were pretty disappointed!

Grandpa & Levi racing against Justin & Daddy.
Levi loves 4-wheelers so he spent most of his time on those!
After Craigs Cruisers we went to UNOs. Justin & Grandma checking out his new Lego hovercraft.This is what Justin looks like when a bunch of waiters come clapping out of the kitchen and sing a song to him... I don't think I have ever seen him more embarressed in my life! It was SO funny!Back at home it was finally time to open his presents from Mom, Dad & Levi! "Look Maddie! I got this game too!"
As you can see from the look on his face he received the gift that he has been begging for, for literally years... he has always wanted an Electric Guitar. He is pretty pumped with his gift - and now he is ready for Uncle Rob to teach him how to play it!

Justin is such a gem and I am so thankful for him! God has truly blessed our life with this precious boy! I love you Justin! Happy Birthday!

Kalamazoo Traditional Bow Hunters Expo

This past weekend Eric and I spent at the KTBH Expo. It was the first time we have ever had a booth at something like this and it went relatively well. Justin joined us Saturday afternoon - he really liked it when he was able to "man the booth" himself.
Justin spent most of his time however, doing what he does best - shooting his bow with two of his friends Cody & Tyler.
Justin helping to load the trailer back up to head for home!

Levi spent the weekend with Grandpa & Grandma R.

Swimming Starts Again

Swimming lessons have started again and this time Levi gets to join in. He loved it!

Look at my boys from the back - they are almost the same size around the middle!

Here is hoping we have a lot of fun this upcoming 8 weeks in the pool!

Beautiful Snow Day!

Yesterday was the most beautiful day! We awoke to lots of new snow and over 300 school closings. About 10:00 the snow stopped and the sun came out and it was fantastic! The boys couldn't wait to get outside! So off we went...Why is it that little boys don't walk in a straight line from point A to point B?
Levi thought is was so funny that he couldn't see his hands..."Where my hands go?"
"There it is!"
Justin was exhausted from shoveling the "driveway".
I turned around once and this is what I saw... hmmmm...
Levi was shoveling the snow into his tractor's loader...and then he would dump it out... in the same spot he just shoveled... didn't seem to bother him at all!The sky & snow made everything just beautiful... I just walked around taking tons of pictures because it was so pretty!This if for Maddie & Alex... Justin was shooting his slingshot in the snow yesterday... as I walked by I thought it was ironic that the slingshot was in the snow yet it says Afrika on it...whoever made it probably never imagined that it would be played with in the snow!!

9' = Red Cheeks

Saturday the boys went outside - all bundled up... I know they shouldn't have even been out there the high was 9' - but Eric went out to plow the driveway and of course he can't go alone! On their way out Justin decided not to ride in the plow truck but to shovel instead... Levi did ride in the plow truck and got his rosy cheeks walking from the barn to the house! It was definitely refreshing!!

Coyote!

We had a little excitement at our house last night! A couple weeks ago Justin & Eric set snares in the woods to see if they could get a coyote, fox, raccoon... they had never done anything like this before and weren't sure if it would work. About every other day they go for a hike in the woods to check the snares. They were starting to doubt that it would really work! Last night however, I had two very excited boys! The coyote is huge - about 40lbs!
It took Levi a few minutes to get close - but then he thought is was the greatest too!

Winter Trip to the Zoo

Today we met all of our cousins at the John Ball Zoo for a winter adventure!Kathy, Seth, Alaina, Karen, Jonathan, Caleb, Justin, Tessa, Levi & Mary (Josh is helping me take the picture!)
The new lion is really scary looking!
Mr. Hollywood!
I thought the kids all looked so cute all bundled up!
The mountain lions were the favorite - they walked right in front of the kids!
Whose hand is bigger a champanzee or mine?
To top off the zoo we hit McDonalds for lunch!

Great fun was had by all!