Indian Summer

Who says late September means school, cold weather, and playing inside?

Although we are busy, we are trying to enjoy every last bit of summer that we can!

Because, well... it technically still is summer!

Splish splash was the only noise I heard this afternoon 

And we enjoyed the sun shining on our faces

Lucas took a late nap and missed out on the fun today, but hopefully he'll be able to join us tomorrow!

I'm so thankful to have enjoyed such a refreshing afternoon

With this sweet little boy!

Slaap kindje Slaap (Sweet Dreams!)

When our kids were born we made a bedroom routine from day one. Our kids had their own rooms for a reason, and they were going to sleep in their own beds at the same time every night. Making bedtime a routine every night since birth has made it much easier on us now. After we eat dinner our kids know what needs to be done, and most of the time Max gets started before I even ask him!

First our kids soak off all the caked mud off of themselves and wash each other. Max has become an excellent hair-washer these days!

Bath time is also a great opportunity to have some more fun before quiet time!

After we get p.j.'s on, the boys get ready for story time.

No matter what I do, I can't seem to get these pictures into a "landscape" view

So please enjoy some sideways pictures of our very sweet,

And very goofy boys!

Just as I was boasting about how amazingly perfect our kids our when they go to bed... I forgot to mention that they sometimes go to sleep on the floor while reading books :)

Lief, he? Our sweet "baby" boy

Sweet dreams everyone!

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

I was 15 and sitting in my biology class. Finally the bell rang and I started walking across an unusually quiet campus to my next class. As I walked in the room I was shocked at the sight on the TV screen. A tower had been hit. "What a terrible accident," I thought... No more than 10 minutes later I watched another airplane fly into the second tower. I will never forget my history teacher saying, "Class, it looks like someone just declared war on America...."

9/11: The day that changed this country forever. I have a lot of opinions and emotions about what happened that day, but for now I would just like to take some space up on the internet to remember. Remember the courageous people that walked up the stairs, not down, in the WTC to open doors and help people escape. Remember the remarkable firemen, police officers, and public officials that made so many sacrifices. Remember the innocent lives that were unfairly taken. And remember the survivors and the loved ones left behind. This country, as well as many others can either focus on what a terrible tragedy this day was, get out their guns and start to fight, or model the humanity that was overwhelmingly shown that day. 

Often in the daily bustle of life it's easy to get caught up in ourselves. But today, try putting your iPhone down and talking to someone. Offer to help someone in need, or just be thankful for all of the positive things and people in your life.

After all, we never know what tomorrow might bring....

Soccer part II

As if life hasn't been crazy enough lately, Max started soccer again this evening. Given our current situation and our busy schedules, I wasn't going to sign him up this Fall, but who can say "no" to a face like this?!

Besides, it's something that he really enjoys and it's a great way for him to get all of his extra energy out!

I think he will play for the Dutch National Team in 2025, what do you think?!

He had great fun goofing off

Can you believe this picture is from March?!

He has the same shorts and socks on in this picture to give you an idea of how much he's grown!

After we were done taking the "serious" pictures, we had fun goofing off with the camera!

I <3 this little boy!

I wasn't kidding when I said we were goofing off..!

And I hope I don't regret posting these pictures tomorrow ;)

Cheese!

Finally it was time to head out to the field and play some ball!

This little dude was rockin' the field!

Getting a little warmed up before practice

Hanging out with his teammates :)

And I can't forget to throw in some pics of the fabulous soccer brother!

Lucas was so good during practice! Hopefully he'll be like this everyday! (yeah right!)

And if he starts to get fussy, then animal crackers are always a great pacifier!

Regardless of what happened a few months ago, the issues we are dealing with today, or what may happen tomorrow... One thing is for sure: I am so thankful for the three beautiful boys I have in my life!

PS- The tickets are booked for Rob to come home for the holidays! Let the countdown begin!! <3

Holland Part I

Better late than never, right? 

On August 2nd we (tearfully) made our way to Holland to get Rob settled into his temporary apartment.

Even though we sat on the runway for quite a while in Dothan, AL the kids were amazing during both flights! And I was definitely enjoying having Rob's help on the plane!

After a day of rest in Breda we headed to the Efteling to meet up with all of Max and Lucas's cousins

They hadn't seen each other in a year, and were so happy to be reunited!

If you've been following my blog for a while, then you are familiar with the singing mushrooms! Max still loves them!

The last time Max and I were on this he was only 2 and Lucas was in my belly!

Double trouble :)

The 4 and 5 year old reading the map, so cute!

Carnaval Festival!

Lucas and Aunt Esther became good friends during our trip

All of the boys, ages 3-5

Despite everything that is going on, it was so nice to see how much fun the boys were having!

Little Lucas who somehow turned into a big boy overnight!

With is new best friend again :)

Noud and Max checking out Hansel and Gretel

I was trying to get a cute picture of Lucas and Papa, but Lucas thought it would be more fun to jump!

Have I ever mentioned how amazing my husband is?

And how goofy our four year old is?!

There is a large park near Rob's apartment. We could hardly pry them away from it when it was time to go!

Ahh... a beautiful moment. My children playing together and not irritating each other!

Lucas loved the big slide, and I think Papa did too ;)

No, the matching shirts were not planned!

There were chickens and roosters roaming freely around the park, the kids loved it!

Obviously they have been there for a while because this one didn't mind at all when Max was petting him!

Papa helping little dude down the slide 

Whee!

There were chickens, roosters, and bunnies everywhere!

I think he went down this slide a total of 3209753845 times!

Now it was Max's turn to help

That was very successful as you can see!

At the end of the day it was time to go home, and I am so thankful for the wonderful memories we made that day!

Stay tuned for Holland Part II!