August 2018

Backpacking trip to Nordhouse Dunes

Boys spent most of their time in the lake

Boulder Ridge Animal Park

She had no fear, loved feeding the birds

Fun with Grandma

Who needs swimsuits for a splash pad?

She fell asleep coloring 

New hairstyle!

17th Anniversary 

Bearded Dragon- Harley

Happy 11th Birthday Isaac! 

Harley just sits there the whole time he reads

Thanks so much Aunt Steph for the slurpee obsession

Visiting Jee in Indiana

First day of school!

Forest Kindergarten, in their oakiwear suits 

First time playing soccer 

-Nate, Caleb and Isaac went backpacking with the Gabrielse up to Nordhouse Dunes. This may be Nate's favorite spot in Michigan.  The weather was great and the boys enjoyed Lake MI.
-While they were away, Stacy and the other 3 kids spent some time at the grandparent's house.  We went to Boulder Ridge for the first time and saw interesting animals.
-For our anniversary we went out to eat at Seventy Six, a new restaurant in Holland. We then caught some of the outdoor orchestra concert at Kollen Park and got dessert from Pereddies- our favorite dessert spot.
-Isaac turned 11 years old! He has been asking for a pet- a bearded dragon was his gift this year. He named her Harley and she is about 1 year old.  Apparently they can live about 10 years- hope he can take her to college! She is very calm, doesn't smell, make noise or shed- bonus. Isaac is athletic, smart, tender hearted, loves Jesus, and brings laughter wherever he goes. We love him very much.
-Kids began school on Aug 21.  Caleb-8th, Isaac-5th, Julia-4th, Stephen-kindergarten, Lexi- 4 yr old preschool. 
-Stephen is attending Forest Kindergarten at Holland Christian.  This is a new program at the school and they hope to add a grade every year.  Stephen's teacher, Mr. Harig, is an experienced, high energy, nature enthusiast. Stephen attends all day/every day.  The class is inside about 2 hours each day and the rest of the time they are outside. We are excited to see how the year goes, Stephen is excited too!
-Lexi attends school 3 full days/week.  She enjoys everything about school.  And Stacy now has 3 full days/week without any kids at home, what?
-Holland Recreation soccer began.  Isaac is on a 5th/6th grade team and Stephen is playing soccer for the first time.  Nate is coaching Stephen's team which makes Stephen very happy. (And Lexi wants to play soccer now!) 
-Julia is doing Holland Rec cheerleading this fall.  She cheers for the 5th/6th grade football games. So we have 2 soccer games and 1 football game to watch every Saturday morning this fall- divide and conquer.
-Caleb is playing on the school soccer team and his games are during the week, thankfully.