An Upgrade

Elinore has been learning to sit up better, so we've upgraded her to the highchair. She looks so little in it. The tray is huge! Her balance still isn't great, so she tends to wobble around quite a bit, but she loves it! We've recently added pears to her repetoire with success; I'm thinking carrots will be the next addition. Yum.

Laura moved in with us yesterday. I feel bad that she's stuck on the futon for a week or so, but we're working hard to get the bedroom done. It shouldn't be long, and she doesn't seem to mind. It will be nice for me to have some company around once in a while, and a companion for trips to the beach (although I think Laura has plans to go much more often than I do). The summer is looking promising!! 

Still Here

Although I love the picture of "Worker Guy." I decided to post something before I forget how--and before people stop checking the blog because they figure there won't be anything new. All of us must either be too busy or feel that nothing important is happening (or a combination of both). Since I'm getting ready for the garage sale tomorrow, this will be short. Dad is keeping busy with meetings, lawn work, and watching the Pistons. He said he would post something about the team from Turkey, but don't hold your breath. More people are getting interested in helping with the adult literacy program, people from other churches as well.

I have some wonderful pictures "trapped" in my camera that I will try to post soon. (Have you seen the TV ad about the mother whose kids have been in her camera for months? :) We hope you all have a great weekend, with or without a holiday on Monday.

Worker Guy

After the storms last week, we had a yard full of sticks to pick up. Most were Lydia sized, but this one was left to the "worker guys." It was about 10 feet long with appendages protruding everywhere. Sam got right to work. We gave him a little pruners and Brian later helped with a real saw. Here he is working at it with a hammer. The demolition has provided hours of work/entertainment this week.














PS....Overheard: "Papa, if you go like this," (picture 3 1/2 year old swiping each sleave from wrist to elbow across each nostril) "it goes back in!" Hmmmm...then what's that on your sleave?? 

Go Pistons

We spent Friday night at Jeremy and Lindsay's wedding in Grand Rapids (as most of you know). As Jeremy is a big Pistons fan, these jerseys were his gifts to the guys. Derek, Kevin, and Dave were groomsmen. We all had a wonderful time and really enjoyed Lindsay's unique sense of fun and style. We especially loved the live jazz orchestra that played throughout the reception. Maybe I can get Kevin to add more later.

Here goes another week of rain. 

Kevin Helps

This isn't the best picture, but I thought it was funny. Kevin likes to help feed Elinore when he's around and has some time. I think he feels like if he opens his mouth then she'll open hers. Doesn't always work, but it is hilarious to watch!
Our hallway is almost finished. By the end of the week I should be able to post a finished picture. Elinore's room will be quick to follow!! One room at a time our house becomes liveable. 

Marshmallow Kids

I had put
off filling
this bean
bag shell
for
years...








literally I think we moved the thing to and from California. Atleast it was easier to move empty. Anyway, the pregnancy hormones are really kicking in, because I decided to get it done. Went to Meijers and bought the beans. Thought it would be a fun thing to do with the kids. No, they did not make the mess, these things were impossible to keep contained. They were elecrtically charged and stuck to everything! I had to decided to laugh and make the most of it. As you can see, it provided over and hour of entertainment for the kids. Then a
half an hour of clean-up time for me...crawling around with the shopvac was the only thing that worked. It looked like they had miniture marshmallows all over them! And so did the entire first floor. I could track anywhere a little body had been by the trail of falling "beans."

The Entertainer

I don't think Lydia was singing "Happy Birthday" here, but this picture shows her love of people, a party....life in general. She is a character, in the best sense of the word.  

Finally....A Front Porch

Since we want Eric and Ang to recognize our house when they arrive, I thought I'd post a picture with the front porch finished and some of the new landscaping from last year. The porch is really coming in handy this week with our guests from Turkey. It has rained every day since they arrived. They love all the tulips, and we keep hoping we'll get some sunshine before Friday so we can show them the beach, lighthouse, etc. We are thoroughly enjoying their visit, and they are eager to learn all they can about Hope College, our schools, and all of our programs for those with special needs.