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!

4 Years and Counting!

Four years ago today I married my best friend.

When we met 6 years ago, almost everyone thought we wouldn't last 6 months.

Yet here we are today, stronger than ever.

Although August 31st 2007 was a fairy tale day,

We don't have a fairy tale marriage.

We've struggled through financial stress, deployments, and personal issues,

But we've always done it together,

And have come out stronger in the end.

We are always there for each other to lend a helping hand when needed

And we love to share a good laugh together.

When I married Rob I agreed to be there for better or for worse

And even though this might be one of the "worse" times, I am forever thankful for what we do have.

So I'd like to raise a glass, and toast to my best friend.

For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, I will forever love you. I miss you every second that you are gone, and I can't wait to to be in your arms again.Thank you for your love and support throughout the years, you are absolutely wonderful.

Happy 4th anniversary schatje! 

*photo credit is given to Kathy Bijdevaate-Douglas

First Day of School!

The kids started school last Tuesday, and so far they've gotten off to a great start! I tried to take cute pictures before they went to school, but I'm not going to lie... I was running late and they were not willing to cooperate! 

Lucas was a bit unsure the first morning

And Max was being his cheesy self as always!

It's impossible to get a "normal" picture of them together!

'

See? I wasn't kidding!

Max's sign picture 2011

and in 2010...

Max's teacher is Ms. Sha, she is fabulous!

Lucas has Ms. Tamra and she has done a great job getting Lucas to love school! Most mornings he runs down the hall and doesn't look back!

I also started school last week, and I've quickly found out that it is NOT going to be an easy semester! Between Statistics, a senior-level psychology class, and the other 5 classes I have I'm sure I will be busy, but it will all be worth it when I walk across the stage in a few months! 

Speaking of which, there is homework to be done! I hope you all have a great weekend!!