Tomatoes

The boys were able to pick lots and lots of Tomatoes from our garden this year. They helped Kevin make a huge batch of Salsa last weekend and this past weekend they helped make Diced Tomatoes.

We learned this trick of dropping the Tomato in boiling water for 45 seconds and then putting it in ice water. Then the peel just comes right off! Our boys love to be in the kitchen helping and they really enjoyed this!

We were able to get 5 cups of Diced Tomatoes...perfect for a few Lasagnas.

So once the boys went to bed, Kev and I made the Lasagnas. We kept one out to eat for supper this week, but froze the rest. We are excited to eat these Lasagnas with our garden Tomatoes!

Soccer time...

Caleb started his 4th year of AYSO Soccer! Kevin is coaching his team again this year. They had their first game this past Saturday and Caleb scored a great goal! Caleb's team the "Sharks" won 3-2. We are looking forward to a great fall season of Soccer and cheering Caleb and his team on!

Ludington

First day...

Just like that summer is done and they are off to 1st and 3rd grade!

Can't even believe it, but so excited for them!

It's so fun to see how grown up Caleb is getting. He is super excited for 3rd grade. Last night we were at the school's open house and he confidently talks to his teacher, no hiding behind mom and dad. He is becoming such a young little man , ready to take anything on! Caleb is a leader and just loves to learn...constantly reading and trying to gain knowledge in everything! He such a good helper and looks out for others. We are so proud of him.

And what a big year for Ethan...every day, all day. Sure going to miss having him home with Levi and me a couple days a week. Ethan is full of excitement, but lots of nervousness too for 1st grade. Yesterday he was constantly reminding both Levi and me how he was going to school everyday this year...I think he was just reminding himself of that. Ethan is so loyal and such a protector....always has his brothers back. He is such a good listener, like a little sponge just soaking up all the info. Ethan is a hard worker, always pushing himself to the next level. He is a great reader...started reading chapter books this summer! We are so proud of him.

Our prayer this school year is that both boys continue to grow in their love for Jesus and to use their talents to further His kingdom!!

We Love you Caleb and Ethan!!

Last week of summer...

Caleb and Ethan start school tomorrow, yes tomorrow! Both of them weren't up before 8:30am this morning...tomorrow school will start just before 8am. Should be interesting. So this past week was their "last week of summer" and it was a fun filled week! It started off with some skiing and knee boarding...

Of course we had to go to the fair a night too! The boys had lots of fun there with Grandparents, Aunts, and Uncles...

All my siblings were in town! So fun to have the whole family together...

My sister Kate got married to Josh. Kevin, the boys, and I were all in the wedding...

And to end the week, we had a Birthday party for my Grandpa who turned 97...

Cottage 2011

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Levi

Levi: "Mom, Mom I found a wing"

Me: "What?"

Caleb: "He means a feather"

Happy Birthday Dad!!

We Love you!
Caleb, Ethan, & Levi

Summer

Yikes...don't even know where to begin! The summer (as usual) is going super fast and we have been on-the-go, but having lots and lots of fun! From Swimming Lessons, Fishing, Camping, Boating, Baseball, Birthday parties, Bike rides, playing with Friends, Soccer Camp, the Beach, getting ready for my sister's Wedding, Tiling our Laundry Room floor, and the list goes on!!

So for now, I will share some of my favorite pictures from a night out in Holland...

Hockey time...

Me three..

One of my favorite things I hear from the boys a lot lately is when Caleb will say he wants to do something like...

"I want to go for a bike ride"...and then Ethan will say "me too"...followed by Levi saying "me three"

Not sure yet if Levi is saying "me three" because he knows three is next or because he is three!? Either way I find it adorable!


Another favorite is when Levi finds Mushrooms growing in the yard and he says "look at all these MUFFINS!"

Happy 6th Birthday Ethan!!

We are so happy to be celebrating YOU today! You bring so much JOY and LOVE to our home. We are SO thankful for you Ethan, the sweet boy that you are. Keep living for Jesus...He has such big plans for you! We love you buddy!

We have a 3rd Grader!!

Caleb on his first day of 2nd Grade!!

And here he is today on his last day of 2nd Grade...

Check out his smile, he has lost a lot of baby teeth this year!

Love you Caleb!! We are so proud of you!!

YAY!!

Last night was a BIG night...Caleb was able to SKI around (his Papa and Grandma's) entire lake!!!! He was SO excited! Afterwards he said "What's next, Wake Boarding?" What a kid. He was so determined to do it this summer and now it isn't even summer break yet and he has it down. I think the Wetsuit he got for his Birthday helped too ;) After Caleb was done Ethan was up for another try...and for the first time he was able to get up!! We had some pretty happy and excited boys!! Special thanks to Papa for driving the boat!!

The only sadness of the night was I didn't have my camera...ugh :( I take it EVERY time and of course last night I didn't have it. But we were there over the weekend and here are some photos from then.

Caleb was getting up last weekend, but didn't stay up too long

Ethan Slalom skiing with Kevin

Levi swimming

Cousins and Uncle Brian Tubing!