Merry Christmas from our home to yours!

May you all have a blessed Christmas! Our family is beyond thankful this year and feeling very blessed with all the Lord has done for us. It is our prayer that you feel the same. Enjoy time with your family and friends and I'm sure I'll have many pictures when the holidays are done!

Manger Days

Yesterday Avery got to dress up as a "character" from the nativity scene along with all her classmates and then they sang songs for the parents. Later, they got to act out the Christmas story. She was very excited to go to school as an angel and find alot of her friends as angels too! We are so proud of her. I had tears in my eyes as I watched and listened to her and her classmates singing Christmas songs.

Fire Station Field Trip

Avery had a field trip to the Grandville Fire Station and I was lucky enough to get to go with her. I always enjoy when I can spend some one on one time with the kids and we had a great time together. They learned about fire safety, got to see all the equipment, and even got to put out a "fire" with the big hose. It was a great morning.

Happy 4th Birthday Avery

It is hard to believe that Avery is already 4! The time has gone by so fast but each day with her is a blessing. We celebrated with 3 different parties- and she still wanted more! :) The girl loves a good party. Happy Birthday Avery, Mommy and Daddy love you so much!

Fall Fun

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler temps, the crisp air and all the beautiful colors. We did lots of fun things to enjoy the fall. We visited Post Family Farm with Grandma, carved pumpkins for Halloween, played in the leaves and just enjoyed time as a family.

Time for a Change

Since we have decided, or it has been decided for us, we will be staying in this house for awhile with no plans to move. Therefore, it was time to work with what God has blessed us with to create a little more space for our family. We recently made some changes to our basement to create a living/play area and we are thrilled with our "new" room!

Little Man

WOW...Cole, where have the last 18 months gone? You have filled our life with joy and laughter and you definitely keep us on our toes. You are a sweet boy filled with lots of energy and curiosity. You are very different from your sister and we love you so much for all the ways that YOU are YOU!

Time for School!

I honestly cannot believe that Avery started preschool this year. Where has the time gone?! She was excited about it and couldn't wait to go. She had only a few nerves which came from swimming lessons this summer but when we got there and she remembered it from orientation she was off! When we picked her up she told me all about the things they did and the new friends she made. I will admit it was emotional for me to send her off, seems like she was just a baby, but she is having so much fun and I am so happy for her. Avery Lynne- Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. We love you with all of our hearts and Jesus loves you even more. We pray that you will do well in school and have the confidence in who God has made you to be. We love you-Mommy and Daddy

Cottage Vacation

Av playing in the sand

Cole playing trucks

Avery & Maci in the hammock

Our digs for the week

Recently we went up to Long Lake for a little vacation. Since Kraig recently started a new job, he can't take any vacation time this summer so this was the perfect solution. It's close enough he could drive back and forth and his parents have a cottage there so I had help when he wasn't there. We rented the neighbors little cottage and had such a great time. Our friends were there too in the cottage right next door. It was nice to get away from home and just enjoy the beautiful summer weather, playing in the sand and water, enjoying boat rides, hanging out with friends and just relaxing!

Girl Time!

I took Avery with me to the nail salon before the wedding so we could both get pretty together. This is not something I would normally do and Kraig gave his permission so off we went. She had SO much fun. All the way home she kept saying "Thank you mommy, that was so fun!" Love her to pieces and I love when I get some one on one with her.

(Krysta & Brett)

Kraig's sister Krysta got married this past weekend. Avery was a bell ringer along with some of her cousins. We all had a great time and all the kids did so good! Congrats Krysta and Brett! We are so happy for you. I have so many fun pictures, these are just a few!

Starting Fresh

WOW...it's been one year since I have posted to my blog. It's been too long. For the past year, I have not had the time to update but the other day I was reading old posts and I am disapointed that I haven't done it so long because it is a great way to keep memories. So...I'm starting fresh (there is no way I can update for the past year,lol) and hope to keep it updated more often.

For now, we are enjoying summer and loving every minute of it. Kraig recently started a new job and he is enjoying a "normal" schedule and more time home with us. We are so thankful for the way the Lord has provided and continues to provide for our family. Hopefully, I will have some fun posts soon!

Handsome Boy

Cole is 3 months old already and he is such a sweet boy. He greets me every morning with a HUGE grin and gets so excited to see me. He loves watching his big sister play. He is growing every day, he is a big boy! He will smile at just about anybody. The only time he isn't happy is when he is in his car seat. Then he gets really mad! We love him so much and feel so blessed to have 2 amazing kids.

Binder Park Zoo

Kraig and I took Avery to Binder Park Zoo for a "special day" with just mommy and daddy. Funny thing was she really wanted Cole to go along. :) Her favorite part was the train ride. I think she would have done that all day if we let her. She is so special to us and Kraig and I enjoyed spending one on one time with her that day.

Cole's Baptism

On April 11, Cole was baptized at our church. Baptism is such a special occasion and as Cole's parents, Kraig and I were very happy to make commitments to raise Cole in God's way and to teach him to love the Lord. This is the first spiritual milestone in Cole's life and we look forward to celebrating many more with him.

Birdies

Last week at my parents house, Avery got to help Grandma feed the birdies. These pictures bring back memories of when I used to feed the birds with my Grandpa Dykstra at his house. I love watching my kids form bonds and make memories with the grandparents as I have so many wonderful ones with mine.

Cole & Papa

Cole is the first boy on the VanZandbergen side of the family, and will soon be joined by another boy cousin in September. I am so excited to watch Cole and his cousin form bonds with their Papa since he has waited SO long for boys!

Happy Easter

Avery & Caleb checking out their Easter baskets

Avery & Cole before church

Avery opening their shared Easter basket from Mommy & Daddy

Easter treats at Grandma & Papa's house

We had a wonderful Easter this year. We celebrated on Easter day with the Kuipers family. My mom and dad were in Georgia for spring break so we celebrated with them a couple days earlier. We are so thankful for our families. After my mom's scare in the hospital, we again are reminded how fragile life can be and are so thankful that we can celebrate together. I was extra thankful for God's gift of his sacrifice of his Son this year as well, knowing the because He lives, we can face tomorrow and that someday we will all celebrate in Heaven together.