A Visit From Papa Jerry & Grandma Tootie

This past week was exciting for us because Papa Jerry and Grandma Tootie visited from South Dakota! Papa Jerry even got on a plane for the first time ever, and I think he liked it. We had fun going to the beach, visiting, sight seeing, and just playing like crazy in the back yard. Of course, it was hard to see them go today, but I guess they couldn't stay forever. The crew.
This is just too precious. Today I took mom and dad to the Real Food Cafe a local staple in Alger Heights. We had a great breakfast, and Everett had the chance to take a snooze on grandma.

Grandma and Maverick. Maverick has gotten to the point that if you take out a camera he just starts saying, "Cheese." However, he rarely looks at the camera. He just keeps doing what he's doing while saying it. It's actually pretty funny.

Maverick and Papa had a great time playing out in the yard. They played in the sand, played with the trike, and even did some dancing! The day I worked, they swept up all of the leaves on our cement pad with my brand new push broom. Thanks Dad!

On Monday we headed to Meijer Gardens to see the sculptures and Chahuly exhibit. It was a beautiful morning. Everett was in his stroller for 3 hours! He just took it all in and then took a snooze. He's such a good baby. Maverick's favorite spot is the waterfall with the Koi fish. We even got the chance to feed them. Lots of fun!

Just watching the fish.

On Saturday we headed to Holland to see Carola, and we went to see Lake Michigan. The weather had been cooler in the day so we didn't bring suits. Well, it decided to warm up. Poor Maverick looked like an orphan. He had been playing in the mud and grass at Oma Carola's and was absolutely filthy when we went to the beach. To top it off, he didn't have his swim trunks. Oh well. Mom and dad were very impressed with the sandy beach and Maverick got to clean up in the water!

My orphan in his diaper.

Grandma and happy Everett.

Almost always a happy boy.

Leave it to grandpa to find the mud. He wasn't in Michigan 24 hours before he and Maverick made a huge mess. Of course they had a blast!

So, the funny story of the week. We went out for supper at the Beltline Bar to have burritos. For dessert we decided to get fried ice cream because it sounded so good. Maverick had been fantastic the entire meal. He ate a condiment cup of onions (not joking), some sour cream, a ton of chips and salsa, and most of his food. I was so proud. Well, the ice cream arrived. Surrounding the ice cream were these cinnamon sticks. Maverick was being sweet and offered me a bite of whip cream. I assumed he had put the whip cream on a cinnamon stick; however, it was all on his finger. I bit down like I was eating a cinnamon stick and bit down right on his finger! He just started to scream. I felt so bad. Of course, everyone in the restaurant was staring at us. But, what can you do? Now, Maverick goes around, "Mommy bit my finger," and has to show you the exact location.

That's What Friends Are For!

This past weekend I had the biggest and best surprise I think I've ever had. Jesse and Jennifer schemed together to plan Jennifer's surprise trip to Michigan! It was Saturday morning and I was getting ready to take the boys to Holland to spend the night with Oma. Jesse had been on call the night before. I was planning to leave about 11 AM. I got a text from Jesse about 10 that he wanted me to wait until he was home to leave because he wanted to see the boys. Of course I thought this was a bad idea because then Maverick would want to stay with him. He then texted and said, "I have something for you guys." I had no idea what it might be. Well, I waited for him to get home. When he pulled into the drive, I was going to meet him at the door because I was mad he was parking behind the van which I was taking to Holland. As I looked in the car, I saw a girl with him. At first I had no idea who it was. Then, she got out of the car and it was Jennifer!! I just started to bawl. The best surprise ever! We took Jennifer out to the beach to experience Lake Michigan. We had a really good time playing in the 78 degree red-flag waves.
The 3 of us!

We took Jennifer on our walking tour and played at the park for about an hour. Maverick had a great time playing with her.

Everett, Jennifer, and Maverick in the fun car!

Everett is starting to sit in his height chair. Still, he will eat anything we present which is so nice.

Brothers at the park!

Jesse and I at the beach. We also took Jennifer to a Whitecaps baseball game on Saturday night. Thank you SO much Jennifer for making the trip. You totally made my weekend. Now, I get to look forward to my parents visit already tomorrow!!

On Saturday we ventured to the zoo. Because we have a membership to the Children's Museum, we can get into the zoo for free the whole month of August. Hoping to go again when my parents visit next week! Very excited to have them here. Everett absolutely LOVES his big brother. Whenever Maverick is around, he is all smiles.
Jesse and Maverick in the birdcage. There were probably 100-200 little birds flying around in there. You could buy a stick with food on it for $1 to get the bird to sit on, but we opted out.
Maverick likes his penguins. We got him to pose next to them doing his "Best Penguin."

Jesse and Maverick enjoying the zoo. The weather was absolutely gorgeous! The zoo is the perfect size for Maverick. We can get through the whole thing in about 2 1/2 hours.

Maverick feeding the baby goats. His feeding consisted of him putting hay on their heads. Whatever works. I guess their mouths are on their heads!

A couple of weeks ago, we had our first date out with Everett alone. Maverick spent the night at Oma Carola's and we decided to eat at the Texas Road House. Everett was a perfect date. He even enjoyed the rolls with the cinnamon butter on them. Too cute!

Everett's a big boy sitting in his height chair. Of course, he ate all of his food.

Oma and Maverick enjoying their sweet corn. Mav loves his sweet corn and loves the handles we use to eat it.

Biggby Coffee-one of my favorite things about Michigan. After 12 purchases, you get the 13th free. The best part is you can get WHATEVER you want. So here we are with our grande Sugar Bear latte valued at over $6, but it cost us nothing except 12 prior purchases. Jesse wanted to get like triple shots, but I didn't feel like going through the roof that day on a caffeine high!

Maverick after bath. He insists on being wrapped up like a mummy, and it's just so darn cute!

My Little Frog!

Well, over the weekend, Everett decided to sit up all on his own! He probably figured after 3 nights of self-soothing to get himself to sleep through the night, he might as well act like an even bigger boy! He is very strong. At his 6-month appt last week he weighed 17# 2oz (50%) and was 28 1/2 " (95%). He is a very healthy young man and still as good as can be! The happiness continues with this kid.
We made a visit to Portage Lake to see Sue's parents. Of course, Maverick had to drive the golf cart and he had a blast. Jesse, Greg, and I all went tubing behind the pontoon. I hadn't heard Jesse laugh like that in ages. It was a great time...until I almost lost my bottoms in the middle of the lake. But, all was recovered!

Maverick reading to Everett whether he wants to listen or not. Brothers.

Lexi and Maverick playing in the pool. This pool was the best $10 investment ever. Go Meijer!

Maverick looking a little "special" with his goggles on.

Precious Everett sleeping at the beach.

Maverick taking it all in.

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a spontaneous trip to Alabama to help move Ahna into her new place. While there, we got to enjoy the Gulf Shores. We were able to see a bit of the oil disaster, but I'm sure nothing like it is in some places. Greg and I made it back to MI in record time 15 1/2 hours. The GPS said his max speed was 87 MPH; I must have been sleeping during this time!

On a final note, my prayers have been answered. I recently started a new part time job at a small college called Grace Bible College. I will be their new accounting specialist. I will get to do all of the business things I love to do. So far, I have great coworkers and a great working environment. I will be working 15-20 hours/week. I've also found a great in-home daycare for the boys. Things are slowly starting to fall into place.

Jesse continues to stay busy with work. He's averaging 65-70 hours per week, but he is thoroughly enjoying it. And, he's learning a lot. Luckily, all of our family is close, so I am able to find time to spend with them so we don't have to be along.

Transitions

I didn't think a week could top graduation week, but this one has. Jesse's brother Seth and his wife Kari moved to Missouri today as Kari is starting medical school there. Jesse officially starts his residency tomorrow, and Ahna, Jesse's sister, moves to Alabama on Sunday to be near her boyfriend and start nursing school. Emotionally, it has been a roller coaster, but we are all getting through it. Since June slipped away, and I still didn't finish blogging from May, I'm just going to pick up here. Maybe I'll revisit those events at a later time. But, for now, I wanted to get recent pictures of the boys up!! Here's Maverick enjoying his sandbox! He loves playing in there. I don't even know how he fits in there with all those toys. We are really enjoying our fenced-in yard.
Seth, Kari, Maverick, and Jesse enjoying the fish.
We went to a Michigan Whitecaps game a few weeks back. Thrifty Thursday= $2 beer, $2 pop, and $1 hotdogs! Who could ask for anything more?

Soaking up the rays at the game.

Maverick feeding Everett his bottle. No one makes Everett smile or laugh like Maverick; it is too precious!

Although, Everett is pretty easy to please. And, he loves his exersaucer!

Maverick concentrating with his backhoe. He loves that thing.

Cheese!!

And, the most content baby on the block. Everett is just so dang happy, and it makes us so happy!

May Part I: Graduation!

May, what a busy month! I am going to work in parts to give everything proper coverage. We had graduation, baptism, and our move all scheduled within 3 days. It was crazy and fun all at the same time. As you know, Jesse and I are all-or-nothin kind of people so why wouldn't we schedule it all for one weekend?

First off, Congratulations to Jesse Van Heukelom, MD!! We are all so proud of you!Jesse had his picture taken in front of this very sign when he started med school 4 years ago. We can't believe how fast (and how slow at times) the time went. His head really should be much larger with all of the knowledge he's crammed in the past 4 years. Vermillion was a great place for us, but we are ready to go and explore new places!

The weekend started on Friday evening with the hooding ceremony in Sioux Falls. Most of our family was able to make it and the whole tribe came in from Michigan. Each student was recognized and a summary of their accomplishments and activities was read while being hooded. I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the accommodations, though. Apparently, the med school staff forgot to reserve the regular venue in advance, and we were left to enjoy this prestigious event in a blaw meeting room in the Holiday Inn. However, the cheese and desserts that followed were pretty tasty!

Here's Jesse with part of his Yankton crew. He will miss his carpool terribly!

Dr. Jesse and Kathy Van Heukelom.
My Grandma K always said I should marry a doctor or a lawyer, so I did. Thanks for the great advice! Love this guy!As most know, Jesse's favorite part of a party is the cake. When we were at HyVee deciding on the cake, Jesse said, "What should it say?" Jokingly, I replied, "Don't Kill 'Em Jesse." We both laughed and thought it was perfect. I think the baker thought we were crazy. Jesse and his favorite Grandma Ruth! After her trip to SD, she flew straight to Anchorage, Alaska for another grand-daughters graduation.

Oh, how I will miss my bff Jennifer.

Jesse in the hood!