Sunny Days

We have a little chipmunk who lives under our shed.  He comes out to our deck (you can see him on the mat) and the boys love to watch him eat.  When he puts almonds in his cheeks they stick out funny.  Evan has named him Chickie.

Liam and Darren have both recieved haircuts with the clipper - for the first time.  Bye bye, curls!  Unfortunately I didn't take an "after" picture...will have to do that soon.

 We spent a day with friends hiking along Lake Ontario.  Throwing rocks in the water is the best part!

Waiting for snack...

On Victoria Day we headed out to Cobourg beach.  It was beautiful there, and the boys didn't mind the icy cold water.

They spent a few minutes thawing out in the sunshine while wrapped in towels...

Darren & Evan have started on soccer teams for the first time!  They are both very excited, and have their first games coming up this week.  They wanted us to take this picture for Oma & Opa and Grandma & Grandpa.

 Isaac had to get in the picture too....

The Toronto Zoo

We spent the day on Saturday at the Toronto Zoo.  We have season passes this year (thanks, Grandma & Grandpa - birthday gifts).  It's nice to not have the pressure to stay all day or to do as much as possible at one time - it's only less than 30 minutes from our house.

With the  pass, we get free rides on the Zoo-mobile, which was easily the highlight of all the boys' day! Isaac thought it was a train, and did a nice loud "CHOO CHOO" throughout the trip.

Darren posed by the lynxes.

Evan & Liam posed by this bear.

Liam's favourite animal of the day was the "Grizz-i-ly Bear."  He just lay there in the sun, but Liam liked him best.

We also really liked the polar bears.  This one is eating a carrot with two hands.

 We didn't get a picture, but we saw the little baby polar bear cub - what a cutie!

Isaac loved the giraffes...  but his favourite was the giant aquarium of fish.  He spent about 10 minutes pointing at the glass, saying, "MIH!  MIH!! MIHH"  (fish!).

We finished off our zoo day with a great pre-Mother's Day dinner out.  What a great day!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Isaac!

Our "little" Isaac is now two years old!  He and Liam have been spending a lot more time together.

 He is still such a clumsy little guy - usually a bruise or two on the face, and a split lip or black eye. Such a little tough guy.

 Every time we bring a dessert to the table (which isn't often) Isaac starts into his own version of "Happy Birthday" - for him, it's  "Hap-AY to YOU!" So today was Hap-AY for YOU, Isaac!

He got a train set, which he loved.  It was a great exercise in sharing all day with 4 brothers and 1 motorized train.

 He got a lawn mower, but was a little frustrated in the thicker grass.  Darren was there to help, fortunately!

When deciding what kind of cake to make, his brothers said it has to be a McQueen cake.  Ever since Isaac was about 18 months old, he has called McQueen "No no."  There was a line in the movie where he said, "No - no tires!!"  Since then, it's ALWAYS been No-no. 

 

• Isaac still calls most animals by their sounds (Neigh-neigh, Baa-baa, Oo-ooh aah-ah)
• He walks into a room, "Hi, Mom!"  "Hi, Isaac."  "GOOD!"  We don't even have to ask how he is.
• He loves to sing songs - "Ho-hosannah" and "Fa-la-la-la-la."
• He still answers our questions like "Who likes pizza?"   with a loud, energetic "MEEEE!"  or sometimes a growly "Not-me...."

Spring Fun

Liam still enjoys doing "school."  Even before getting dressed in the morning!

Isaac had a case of bedhead and grumpiness...sometimes it helps to dump out a box of pictures...

And sometimes it helps to have a bottle while wearing sunglasses.  That would cheer anyone up!

Uncle Adam came for a little visit and enjoyed a morning at the John Deere place with us!

Daddy & Darren going for a Gator ride.  Darren spent the entire ride casually eating his popcorn.

Always a fun time - seeing the Fire Department and Sparky! 

Blond hair, blue eyes & big smiles!

Darren insisted I take a picture of him wearing his "hat."

Things are going well here.  School work gets done quickly so we can spend more time outdoors.  Isaac just got the results from his very in-depth assessment, and was assessed at "high average" to "superior" in most categories.  No concerns!  Eric's work is going well, but very busy these days.  I just spent 2 days at a homeschooling conference and got lots of resources and ideas.  At this point, the plan is to continue homeschooling at least until the end of next year.

Easter Weekend

We went to Clinton this Easter, and were able to spend time with most of the Renkema family, except the Trautrimases.  We even met the newest member, Parker, the puppy.  The weather was great, and the kids had lots of fun!

On Easter Sunday, we went to Exeter and saw most  of the VanBreda family.  We went for a hike, had an Easter egg hunt, and had lots of fun!

Isaac & Silas - no longer the babies!

The whole group - except for Auntie Jenn & Uncle Brian's little girl on the way!

Going for a walk

Darren & Nadine found a piece of bark and sent their "boat" floating down the river.

Reuben - the oldest (and Eli in the background)

Throwing Hendrik in the water?!

Happy 5th Birthday, Darren!

Happy 5th birthday to our Darren!    He's always been a silly kid - even since he was little!  He's had the exact same laugh since then too - it's impossible not to join in!

He loves his trucks and tractors still...

And he will do anything to make someone happy.  He is so sensitive to someone who is sad or hurt.  What a wonderful trait that is.  He asks so many insightful questions, and takes everything very close to his heart.

He works hard at his schoolwork every day and is excited to be learning new things.

He and Evan can spend hours outside together.  Of course, it helps when there are big trucks around to watch!!

Happy Birthday, Darren!  We love you so much!