Better late than never

Sorry for being such a bad blogger lately. I have had lots of things to post but I just haven't gotten around to it. I have been busy running with a great group of girls, getting ready for our MOMS club annual sale, and spending any free time I have sewing. Unfortunately I haven't had a lot of free time lately because Perry has decided that he longer likes to take long naps and also that I am his personal walking assistant so that he can get around the house. The only thing he wants to do lately is walk holding somebodies hand. He seems so frustrated that he can't get around on his own. I am definitely ready for him to be over this stage and for all of the yelling to stop. I was glad that this past weekend was a holiday weekend with an extra day so that I had some help.

Chris was in Holland last Thursday for a meeting, so the kids and I met him out there. After a very stressful trip to the gap outlet with the 3 kiddos, we went to Boatworks for dinner. It was so nice to sit on the patio and eat for the first time this year. Bring on summer, I can't wait for more sunny days.
We spent Sunday and Monday out in Spring Lake. We had a great time boating on Sunday and then just hanging out and grilling on Monday.

Emmy modeling one of the dresses that I made for her. I just realized that Perry isn't in any of these pictures. He was there too! He tried his first slice of watermelon and enjoyed spending lots of time outside.

It's official...

Kaden is now riding on two wheels. Kaden has needed a new tube for his bike for awhile and Sunday we finally got around to getting him one. Once Chris fixed his wheel, Kaden told him to take off his training wheels. Kaden rode with Chris hanging on to him for a little while that night but it was pretty late so he didn't get to practice for too long. The next morning he woke up and that was all him wanted to do. He had it down in no time. I guess I didn't realize how quickly kids learn to ride their bikes. Today he is completely independent on his bike. He starts riding all by himself and is even skidding out and leaving tire tracks on the sidewalk in typical boy fashion.

He couldn't stop smiling the entire time he was riding. He was so proud!
I had to throw this picture in. Perry just loves his new firetruck. He spends a lot of time hanging out in it and cheering his brother on.

Chris was really multi-tasking. Teaching Kaden how to ride his bike, keeping Perry entertained, and trying to lay sod.

Check out the video of him learning yesterday.

Another great mother's day!

I had a great mother's day on Sunday! I was able to sleep in a little bit and after waking up the kids surprised me with my gifts. They painted a flowerpot for me and filled it with my favorite flowers (gerbera daisies) and also got me some sewing supplies that I had been asking for. I ended up making Emmy three dresses later that day. It was so nice to just be able to sew and not be interrupted constantly.

This is an attempt at trying to take pictures at Cascade. Emmy is being dramatic, as always.

All of the cousins having fun together.

The two babies of the family!

Kaden and I at his school for a mother's day celebration.

Finally, a good family photo! The key is to take the picture at the beginning before everyone is dirty and cranky!

All dressed up and fancy!

I had the privilege of accompanying Emmy to a Fancy Nancy party this Saturday at the library. If you are not familiar with Fancy Nancy, they are Emerson's favorite children's book. The books are about a little girl that is always trying to be fancy, whether it is with the way she dresses or the words she uses. Emmy and I dressed up very fancy to attend the party.

Emerson drinking a fancy drink
Practicing her fancy walking


Emerson with her playgroup buddies Campbell and Reese

They look very "posh" as Fancy Nancy would say.

We had a great time at the party and it was fun spending some one on one time with Emerson. I am thinking that we might have to plan a Fancy Nancy birthday party for Emmy's 4th birthday.

A humble honor

I received an awesome reward today. Mother of the year!! Check it out for yourself here.