4 Years Ago

Four years ago this morning our lives were drastically changed....for a time. Little Melanie Grace entered this world unexpectedly; 14 weeks early.  I was in total shock, along with our family and friends. Those first hours and days are still a blur to me.  Every once in awhile something will trigger a memory from those early days in the hospital.  For example; Red j-jello in a tiny cup (all I could eat while anxiously laying in bed praying the contractions would stop), a hospital room bathroom (where in shear terror I cried out to God that our baby would be okay and humbly realized that there was nothing I could do-EVERYTHING was in the hands of our Almighty God), a long-sloped hallway (the LONG ride to and from our baby girl in the NICU which left many minutes for prayer). An aluminum 9x9 dish (the many, many, many dishes of food our friends and family made for us to ease the necessities of our lives). The noise air makes as it blows bubbles into water brings me back to nursery 1 in the NICU; that is the noise the CPAP machine makes that allows for so many babies to breath when they cannot breath on their own. These are just a small few of the things that send me back to that trying time 4 years ago.

After re-reading some posts from that time in our lives I can truly say with all of my heart that our great and wonderful God carried us through, just like he is carrying us through every day no matter the trial or the joy.  That day 4 years ago is no different then today.  Our God gave us Melanie a bit early on that day. He also gave us a wonderful hospital with amazing doctors and nurses.  He gave me a courageous and godly husband that lead us through one of our most difficult times. He gave us the blessings of friends and family that would help, encourage, and most importantly pray for us. He gave us the physical and mental strength, although some days I felt I could have used a little more, to make it through each day. He sustained our baby girl and grew her into the beautiful, energetic, and funny little peanut she is today.

Just like I saw the presence of God during that time. I can see the presence of God here today, and in yesterday, and in Monday.  I think it is easier to lean on God during the hard times because we know he is the only one in control and the only one that can change things so I begged and pleaded for the will of God to match mine.  During the everyday hustle and bustle of life, I tend to think I can control things more. That is such wrong thinking.  Every day, every minute, every event is in the will of God and I need to remember that.  I need to be thankful for all of those events, minutes, and days; and not always looking to the future,but finding joy and peace in each and every moment I've been given.    

Reviewing the blog of our life 4 years ago was a really good eye-opener for me.  I need to depend on God today just like I did during those days.  Thankful for the good days AND thankful for the hard days; knowing that each day is a blessing from Him.        

A New Love...

A new love. . . horseback riding.  The girls had their first horse riding lesson Thursday.  They had a blast.  Which we figured they would for several reasons.  1. They open the van windows and scream "Hi, Faith" every time we pass the pasture.  2.  On the way home from ANYWHERE they will ask to drive past the pasture so they can say hi to Faith.  3. They scour the library for any and all books with a horse on the cover.  4.  They play horse at home.



Making friends with Faith with some apples.

Sooo focused



Taking care of Faith after lessons.

The girls had a BLAST. Miya understood quite quickly how to use the reins to turn her. Jayden did okay but could use a little more practice. 
















Hmmm, I have a feeling we may need to contact Miss Mimh for some more lessons and see where this takes us. 



In LOVEEEEEEE!

A HOT 4th of July

We had a very mild 4th of July here trying to stay cool and beat the 100+degree heat.  A group from church came over for supper.  We all tried to stay cool in the shade, not really sure that worked.  Thankfully the kids were pretty resilant and didn't complain too much.  Aside from the heat, it was nice visiting with everybody.  I know in February we will all be wishing we were sitting in the driveway in 100 degree weather complaining about where we have sweat dripping from.  We headed over to Lyle Broekhuis for ANOTHER wonderful firework show.  Instead of sparklers and lanterns (since it's so dry) they handed out lighting sticks to the kids.  The girls loved them.  Melanie is still playing with hers and cried when she couldn't take it to bed tonight.  The highlight of the night. . . we made it in time for a hayride. Every year prior we rush to the line and are informed that was the last ride.  This year we made it. Everyone got on AND the kids spotted a deer in the field.  Perfect.

A Quick Supper

After learning Mom and Dad Westra were going to be on a motorcycle trip for a week I got a little excited thinking they may be making a surprise trip to Michigan.  I found out they were going to be sightseeing in Iowa.  After finding out they were on the eastern side of Iowa Jeff said it was okay for the girls and I to go meet them for a night (he was tied up with a seed meeting for work).  So the girls and I quickly packed for a night away, and more importantly a 6 hour road trip.  The girls did great riding in the van and we only had to make routine food/gas stops.

We met Mom and Dad in the Amana Colonies. I was fully expecting to see a smaller version of Shippsawana.  Not the case.  It is a very interesting little area that I would like to go back to vist when the girls are a bit older. 

Not too bad.  I think everyone's smiling AND looking at the camera.

 The largest walnut rocking chair in Iowa!

 The girls wearing sun bonnets just like Laura and Mary from Little House.

Fingers in a Chinese Finger Trap! Ha!

The girls (and myself)  had a great time visiting with Grandma and Grandpa and are very thankful that we were able to make some more memories with them, even though we would have loved to have visited longer. 

Tent Night~ALONE

Miya got a tent for her birthday this year. Dad set it up last night despite the rain clouds. After eating a late supper outside after a very BUSY day and busy week; meaning the girls are already behind on sleep, dad made their day by saying they could sleep in their tent. ALONE! ! Mom wasn't quite ready for that. I had kept earlier requests at bay, however tonight I lost the battle. After shrieking and jumping around like only little girls can do they ran upstairs to pack up their room; to move it to their tent of course! It was decided that they could each take 3 babies, 3 books, blankie/shaky, and the most important thing, a flashlight. After getting the tent 'situated', prayers said, and good nights to mom and dad, dad said they could go to sleep whenever they wanted. The mommy in me objected and said 9:30. Once it escaped my mouth I knew I made a mistake for a couple reasons. 1. Dad say they could stay up~I can not overrule dad in front of the girls. That required an apology. 2. I said 9:30 with hopes they would be sleeping by 10:30. At that point I realized I was teaching my children to disobey by not holding them accountable to my words. You see, I have allowed a bad bed-time habit to form. When tucking them in I say "no talking tonight, it's late and you need to go right to sleep", full well knowing they will talk for 30min at the least. By allowing them to talk when I said no talking, I am allowing them to think they don't have to obey mom with this little thing of going to sleep. Yes, it is little and I truly don't mind them talking for a bit. I actually LOVE listening to them chatter about the silliest things. So why do I say 'no talking'? I don't know. But I need to stop, because I am setting a terrible example. They have to obey, just as I'm expected to obey my heavenly father. If I allow a little slip with myself, I know how quickly that slip will lead to another 'little slip', and another, and another until I'm deep in my sin. It's a slow fade. So it's time for me to change my words at bedtime. You can talk for 15 min and then it's time for sleep may be a place to start don't you think? ? Back to the tent. Jeff and I checked on them a few times. Miya kept a close watch on the shadows outside of the tent and knew when Jeff was around. Once darkness fell the flashlights turned on which was a whole new thing for them to play. I think they fell asleep between 10:30 and 11:00 which is pretty normal for them lately. Jeff and I both figured the girls would be inside just after dark. NOPE they slept outside all night and didn't wake up till 8:00am. They had tons of fun and slept great. I asked how late they stayed up, "weally, weally late momma" was Jayden's response. Miya answered with "till the lightening bugs came out". Cashed Out! !

Miss Miya, You are now six. I cannot beleive six years have come and gone with you around. I look for ways to slow down time with you;I realize I can't and try to soak up the memories as much as I possibly can. This past year has passed by way too quickly. You have learned so much and grown up in so many ways. You are a reading machine now and are often found doing one of two things, playing barbies/babies with Jayden, or reading. I think those are your two most favorite things to do right now. You have an amazing memory. Over the past year you and Jayden have been able to learn and remember several bible passages and songs (Melanie tries). For some reason you struggle remembering things like picking up your toys or brushing your teeth :) I think that's probably selective listening. You are a pretty quick learner. The first time something new is introduced you get shy and/or frustrated; but by the next day you are learning it and mastering it. I love watching you learn so many new things. Now that you can read, we gave you your first Bible. Today, you picked up your bible after breakfast to read and then again later in the day. You even chose to bring just your bible for rest time today. It is such a blessing to see your love for God and how much you want to learn about Him. You often ask if we can keep reading bible stories after our story time is done. I pray that you will always be in God's word and will continue to be hungry to learn about him each and every day. Here are a few of your favorites (very random): You are our goofy kid. You are always joking around trying to be funny. I'm not sure where you get it; but you love to make people laugh. Your favorite color is blue. Your favorite breakfast is cereal if Dad can't make pancakes and bacon (you LOVE bacon and can smell it a mile away). For your birthday lunch you chose gogurt, cheese stick, juice box, and nuggets. For birthday dinner you wanted grilled cheese (I think you wanted to copy Jayden). Your favorite thing to watch is Wild Krats. You love playing memory with the family and usually win. Which brings up a very valid point. You my dear are soooooo competive. You want to be first for everything and want to win in all things. It's a good thing Jayden doesn't have a competitive bone in her body or we'd have much more fighting. You LOVE your sisters dearly and spend HOURs playing babies and house. You and Jayden try to lock Melanie out, but she usually finds a way in. You do not like to get groceries or to pick up toys. You also don't like to be second for anything....something we are working on. This past year we had some cows in the pasture. You would go out every morning in your pajamas to feed them....with out complaining. You LOVEd taking care of them and can't wait for the pasture to be full again. Recently you told me you are going to be a mom when you get bigger and your going to live in a cottage. You also said that you will hold the cottage next to yours for Jayden to live in. If anybody moves in you'll tell them they can't live there because that house is for Jayden. The two of you spend an hour (at least) each night talking before falling asleep. I pray you will always be this close to one another! We love you like crazy and pray the Lord will bless you with many more birthdays.

Thankfullness - Day 8

Today I am thankful for the smiles I could see and the giggles I could hear.

Thankfulness - Day 6

Today I am thankful for my washing machine and my Pumpkin Pie Yankee candle. They have both helped to keep me sane today. What did the ladies do before the invention of the washing machine? ? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't throw away perfectly good (although very soiled) clothing. . . like I would have TODAY with out my washing machine!! Maybe I'll be able to give the washing machine and the candle a break tomorrow. Hopefully! !

Thankfullness - Day 5

I am thankful for rainy days so I can cuddle up with a cup of hot chocolate, a good book, and my favorite 5 year old.

Thankfulness- Day 4

Today I am thankful that as a family we can go to a church and worship our God without persecution. I am thankful for the true preaching from scriptures. Today we were blessed to witness the public confession of three young people in our church. I pray that our girls too, will one day make this confession, and that they will be able to have communion with the saints and worship in a church under the true preaching of Christ.

Thankfullness-Day 3

The quote says "iron sharpens iron". Last night I was blessed to have my iron sharpened by some amazing women of strength. Ladies leadership was the best yet. It is so great to get together with groups of women on a Friday night that want to improve themselves. We heard talks from 5 amazing ladies on how to improve and grow in our faith, our friendships, our marriages, and ourselves. It is so encouraging to know that all of us that were there last night are working towards the same goals and we can confide in each other on our toughest days, and celebrate with each other on our best days. I am so thankful for these leading ladies that have the desire to not only keep improving themselves, but to have the heart to share with us how we can do the same.

Thankfullness Day 2

We have been blessed with a BEAUTIFUL fall here in Michigan. We have had many, many sunny days and warmer temperatures. There has been some rain and chilly temps too of course. But for the most part it has been beautiful out. I love the change in seasons and would have a really hard time leaving Michigan for that reason. I love watching the leaves turn from their yellowy green to a bright orange and then to scarlet red. I love to walk outside and feel the crispness in the air. To smell the dying leaves all around. The noises too, begin to change. Instead of the high pitched tweets from the birds that awake us in the morning we begin to hear the honks of the geese and the shots from guns that slice the morning air.

I am always reminded of God's creation even more it seems during the fall (and spring). It's amazing to think that God thought out EVERYTHING before the beginning of time. He planned how the leaves would change, how the birds would fly, when the animals would hibernate and so much more. So many things I think of as "that's just how it is" have all been carefully planned according to God's sovereign plans. I am truly thankful we did not have to make these plans.

(pictures to come....)

Jeff

I have finally found a few minutes to type out a post I've been wanting to type. Throughout the month of November I'm going to try to post everyday something I/we are thankful for. Earlier this summer I read a book about finding joy in everything. One of the things required of us to have true joy is to be thankful IN all things. There have been many a days since then that I have had to 'search' for something to give thanks for and I have often been humbled by the attitude of my heart on those days. It is on those 'humbled' days that I have also found myself the most joyful after getting my heart right before God. I thought it would be a good lesson for the girls (and myself) to take the time everyday to think about all that God has blessed us with and to give thanks for that. We will be writing them down and putting them in a jar to review at the end of the month.

So for today. . . I am blessed beyond measure with the husband God has provided for and placed in my life. Jeff celebrated his 33rd birthday Tuesday. As we were getting things ready for his birthday I had some time to reflect on how we got from our first date to his 33rd birthday (by the way..... he robbed the cradle :) ) Jeff has one of the biggest, most caring hearts of anybody I know. Does that mean that he loves everybody he meets? Nope. But for the people that have been gotten to know him, he will truly do anything to help them. Most of you know Jeff and I have a business outside of his job at Wilbur Ellis. In that business I get to see how big Jeff's heart is. He meets sooo many new people and is immediately able to build a relationship with them. And once they get to know each other, Jeff will pour his time into them to help them work through difficulties they are having in their lives and accomplish goals they have set. He is so good at encouraging others. I think it's because he is such a 'good finder'. He is the one that is looking for the good in others and focusing on that instead of their flaws. I'm so thankful for this since my flaws are many!! We have a stack of cards at home that attest to all the people that Jeff has helped in one way or another. I love watching him when he's encouraging other's. He has a very patient way of teaching that I do not always understand. It is very evident his passion is in helping others.

Jeff is also the best dad in the world!! I know that society these days makes jokes of the dads that sit around and watch tv all night, or go out with the guys every week, or play in 3 different leagues a week, or sit back and allow their wives to do all the discipline with the kids. The jokes they crack make it seem that these activities are okay and 'normal' to do. Thankfully God has given Jeff the desire to not just father his children, but to be a dad to them too!! Jeff loves playing with the girls. And while they are playing they are learning soooo much. Jeff is really good at teaching them little lessons, but I think the most valuable thing he is teaching them he doesn't even know. He's teaching them what to look for in a husband. As they grow older they will see the way he treats his wife and look for that in their mates. They will also have a wealth of memories of all the things their dad played with them and look for a mate that will treat their children the same. One of my favorite things to do is sit back and watch the memories Jeff is making with his girls and thank God for making him such an amazing dad.

Jeff is also an amazing husband. Oh we've had our ups and downs over the past almost, 8 years. Some very, very trying times. Looking back, I can see that God used those struggles to strengthen us and our marriage (another reason to be thankful IN all things). While I enjoyed the 'newness' (not the word I'm looking for)of our first years of marriage I would not like to go back there. I know we have grown so much since then and love Jeff more today then 8 years ago even though there may be more baggage now.

Everyday I thank God for placing Jeff in my life and that I won't take him for granted, but that I can be the best wife that I can for him.

(picture to come......)

Year two...and counting

Dad here again. First time in whats felt like a year or so since Ive done this. Nicki asked that I write one for Melanie's birthday, so after a little bit of wincing and negotiation, I thought it might not be such a bad idea.

I went up to Melanie's bed, gave her a kiss goodnight, and.....well, that was it! I came downstairs. I didn't have to go to the parking garage to find where I lost my car, and didn't have to drive home and wonder the whole way home about the health of our baby girl. Didn't have to remove the 'healthy' sticker from my shirt or the orange wristband that labeled me as a dad, and didn't need to worry where to put that white rectangle parking pass so I would remember to take all 30 of them out when I cleaned the car out.

I reflected for a few minutes there about how this little fart (we call her Miss Mellers, or trouble, or various other adjectives that refer to her very strong willed personality) two short years ago surprised us with her special, very nerve racking birth. As I kissed her, for a moment, I reflected on the monitors, the breathing machines, the surgeries, the rooms, the uncertainty, the tears, the smiles, the alarms, the phone calls, the doctors and nurses, the "box" she lived in, the families we got to know, and the unbelievable strength that God brought to us during that time.

As I reflect now, I think about the families who's children didn't survive. There are families that left that hospital completely different than we did, and now, as I reflect, I think about how much having this little fighter in our house is such a true blessing. As parents, we go through the typical rolling of the eyes, the frustration of children not listening, the fighting with siblings, the talking back, and the interruptions during all of our conversations. And for now, all those selfish thoughts went away as I reflect. Some of those parents would beg for the opportunity to 'deal with' the typical parenting complaints that we have, and I never gave it a thought since leaving that hospital til now. Not much explanation, just flat out selfishness on my part. I'd like to say that since I just thought of it, I'll do better. But, just as a small child says 'I'll be good, I'll remember", Jeff and my sinful nature will forget this as early as tomorrow...or maybe even tonight if one of them wakes up crying.

I think about all the memories that this young two year old has given us, and praise God for allowing us to go through those long 76 days in that hospital. I pray it is something that we never forget. I also pray that we take none of our children for granted. Yes Miss Melanie is two, and yes, very much still a fighter. We laugh a lot just looking at her personality and how it didn't change even in the slightest since she has been born. Maybe, she'll be our little fighter forever, and she'll remind us through that strong will, that God has richly blessed us with the birth of that 3rd daughter.

And looking at her now, God in His sovereign will, has chosen to have no lasting effects on Melanie, other than maybe her inability to cry or laugh really hard (We wonder if that is because of the tubes she had down in her throat for so long). This, however, doesn't bother us too bad, especially when she cries. I find myself chuckling at times when she gets really mad and her cries aren't any louder than her talk.

But now, all I can think is this:
Melanie....you are two, and someday, maybe you'll know what stress you put on your parents when you decided to come out 14 weeks premature. Someday you'll understand how amazing the lung surgery that the doctors 'tried' was. Someday, you'll understand how that heart surgery was so scary for mom and dad. Someday, you'll know how so many people checked this very website, often several times a day, to get an update on a baby they had never met. And someday, maybe, you'll sit in awe in front of a computer, just like your daddy is, and marvel at how powerful a God we serve. It was only through His grace that you are with us today. And daddy, will try to not take for granted all the blessings that you and your sisters have brought to your mom and my life. I pray that God will continue to keep you in the palm of His hand from now to eternity, just as He did those first handful of scary days of your life. Mom and Dad pray that you too, don't take your life for granted, just as we shouldn't do so with our own. God places each and every one of us on this earth to praise Him in what we say and do, in whatever calling He gives to us. You are a beautiful child and HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!

Love Dad

Illuminations: Activities

Illuminations: Activities

Perfect Fall Day

We have had some BEAUTIFUL fall weather these past couple weeks. I have a feeling it has come to an end, but we sure enjoyed it while we could. Wednesday was our last day of temps in the 70's with full sun. The Westra household soaked up every minute possible (outside of doing school for a bit in the morning) ;) It was a perfect day for playing in the leaves. I've never raked leaves as dry as these. It was tons of fun which was a good thing cause we raked a TON of leaves, and then re-raked them, raked them again, and then again. The kids could hardly wait till they were piled up to jump into again. There were LOTS of crumbled leaves left on the ground once we took away the piles. Proof of the fun we had during the day. Jeff surprised me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers....purple ones at that. They are gorgeous!! When he got home from work we hauled the leaves to the pasture. The girls thought this was great since they got to ride in the wheel barrow. Melanie however didn't like riding, she LOVED picking the leaves up (usually one-by-one) and putting them into the wheel barrow or trash can. Picking up is one of her favorite things to do. I now know if she's being trouble in the house just send her outside with a pile of leaves and a bucket and she'll be occupied for hours. Too bad all the leaves blew away this weekend. Once the leaves were off the lawn we went out for a quick supper and then to the park to enjoy the last minutes of daylight (and the first 15min of darkness). The kids had a blast playing rough with Dad, mom had a blast watching everyone laugh and not having to cook, and I'm pretty sure Dad had fun playing with his girly's!! So many precious memories.

Our picture computer cannot connect to the internet so I had to post the pictures through a video. I added a song so you may want to scroll to the bottom of the blog and pause the music or just mute your computer to watch without any sound.

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

A Most Precious Visit

Grandpa and Grandma Hoksbergen were able to come to Michigan and visit for a weekend before continuing on their way for a color tour out east. We had SOOOO much fun with them while they were here and only wish they could have stayed longer. We all went out for supper and ice cream Friday night and then back to the hotel to swim.
Miya and Jayden then got to stay overnight in Great G n G's hotel. This was such a special treat for them. A night in a hotel (one of their favorite things to do) and time alone with Great Grandma and Grandpa. I guess they woke up and had two breakfasts with swimming in between. I'm sure that was Grandpa and Grandmas' idea:0)
Jeff and I patiently waited at home with Melanie for them to come back so we could go fruit picking.....we'll they didn't come home till around 2. They ended up visiting an aunt in a nursing home and then spoiling the girls with Burger King. After a quick nap it was off to one of Jeff's customers to pick some raspberries and blackberries. It was good time picking and in between the spouts of rain we enjoyed some blueberry doughnuts and coffee to warm up. It turned out to be a beautiful evening once the rain stopped.





Then it was off to Crane's to pick a few apples. Being the first weekend to pick Honey Crisp, it was BUSY. So we quickly loaded up and ventured to Fenn Valley for a little wine tasting. Since we were in the fruit picking mode, I thought maybe we could pick some grapes. NOT the right kind of grapes to pick for eating....just for wine making. The wine sure tasted good though!! After an afternoon of fruit picking it was time for supper. And what to do you do after supper on a beautiful Saturday evening? ? You head to the beach of course!! We trekked out to oval beach to look at the view, and then the girls wanted to get out and run on the beach. Why not add some sand to the mud that's already in the clothes and van? It was a beautiful night on the beach (just a little chilly).


Once Melanie warmed up to Great Grandpa and Grandma, she had to be by "Papa's" side the rest of the weekend. She had to hold his hand while walking, sit by him at meals, and he was the only one who could carry her if the need be. She enjoyed playing with Great Grandma too, but Grandpa could never be far else she'd cry for him.
Sunday was much more relaxing. Melanie thought she had to sit by 'papa' during church. She actually did very well and sat on his lap throughout he whole service, she even took a little nap cuddled up in Great Grandpa's arms. After evening church we headed to the hotel for a little snack and to say goodbye. My secret pal left a basket of fall goodies that were just perfect for that night (thank you to my wonderful secret pal). It was much more delicious then the crackers and soup I had packed along. After visiting for awhile it was time to say goodbye. It's always sad to say goodbye, but we are so thankful they are able to come visit and treasure the memories they are making with us and the girls. We love you both! wish this picutre wasn't so dark :(

Glasses

The last couple of weeks we have had many, many, MANY appointments. Dr.s, therapists, opthamologists, and dentists, OH MY!! Miya had her first cavities filled and her first root canal (or whatever it's called on baby teeth, poly-something). She also got her first pair of glasses!! She LOVES them and so far is taking very good care of them. She asks to clean them all the time. Her first night, she put them in their case and then tucked them away with the cleaner and rag into the bag from the eye dr. The bag then went neatly on the counter in the bathroom. This morning I hardly got a "hello" from her before she ran to the bathroom to put her glasses on!! So thankful she enjoys wearing them. Hopefully her attitude towards her glasses will stay this way. She gets to wear her glasses all day - every day and since they really don't make her vision better I thought she might not want to wear them. So far so good! I think it helps that one of her friends from church gets to wear glasses too.

Allegan Fair

Last week was the Allegan Fair. Usually the girls and I are able to check out the Ottawa Fair and Hudsonville Fair early in the year. This year we were unable to go to either so the Allegan fair was our first fair this year. The girls behaved very well this year. . . I think. Those that saw us up and down, up and down at the show on Saturday may not have thought the same :0) They are definitely getting easier to entertain as they get older. Miya and Jayden were content playing behind the stands. When they got sick of that we would take them for a walk to the petting barn. Melanie was still a little difficult this year. Just like the other two, at her age, she likes to climb up and down the stairs. We'll like we've mentioned before, her balance isn't the best yet and she took a number of spills. We even got a "phhhhheeewwww" from the crowd as they all turned to look where that huge clunking/falling noise came from. . . . a couple of times. No blood, so all was good. We had lots of fun walking around petting the different animals. Melanie has gotten quite a bit better saying her animal noises. Maybe next year Miya will be able to walk a pig in the pee-wee show. Gonna take some practice come next summer. We'll have to see what next year brings.

Summer Vacation

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Just realized I'm REALLY behind in blogging. The last full week of August we were able to take a vacation with our family. It was SOOO relaxing and sooo much fun to hang out with just the 5 us every day. We vacationed at Barlow Lake, one of our favorites. We had visitors through out the week. But most days went like this. Jeff would wake up between 6 and 6:30 (CRAZY), make coffee and head out for a couple hours of fishing. He would get back between 8 and 9 and make us girls a BIG breakfast (the second breakfast for the girls since they couldn't wait that long to eat). Then Jeff would play rough with the girls for awhile. We'd go for walks/bike rides, go fishing, play games, or just hang out. Then it would be lunch time with more playing after. Then family 'rest' time. To Jayden and Melanie this means a NAP!! For Miya this means a lone time in a bed with lots and lots of books to look at (about 45min worth). For mom this meant a book, a lawn chair, and maybe a 15 min nap. For dad this meant another couple hours of fishing on the boat. After rest time we'd have snacks (lots of them) and play some more before deciding if we were going to grill or go out for supper. As a family we do not eat-out very often. Our vacations in the past are the same, lots of cooking. This vacation, for some reason, involved lots of suppers out. I LOVED it. It was a true vacation from cooking. Best part was I never asked, Jeff would just decide mom got the night off and we were going out for supper. Probably another reason this vacation was so relaxing.

Miya and Jayden are definantly able to "do" more on vacation now that they are older. They enjoy swimming, fishing, playing games, and playing in the loft and on the stairs(goofballs). Melanie was a little more of stinker. She had to be watched like a HAWK!! She would walk right up to the edge of the dock and try to touch the water. Great that she likes the water, but not so great since her balance isn't so good yet. She also liked sticking her head through the spindles of the stairs and attempting to go down the stairs walking forward. This girl is TROUBLE!!

Anyways, we were blesed to be able to spend a whole week together as a family. We loved not having to 'go' anywhere or keep a schedule. We made lots of memories....just didn't get to record them all in pictures since our camera went for a swim. Next time Jeff asks me if taking the camera near the water is a good idea, I will probably listen to the hidden meaning and leave it on-shore!!

We had a big adjustment Monday morning when Dad had to go back to work. The girls kept asking to play with him. They also kept asking for snacks and a 'big' breakfast. I had to adjust to a smaller living space and tripping over toys in the kitchen again. We loved our vacation and hope to go back next year.