Visit with Grand Rapids Friends

We stayed with our friends Priscilla and Dave and their two kids (Asher and Rowan) when we went to Grand Rapids over Thanksgiving. It was a lot of fun hanging out with them and seeing their new house, which they just moved into 6 weeks ago. You couldn't even tell that they had just moved in-there wasn't even a box in sight!! It was great to visit with them and to see a glimpse of their life in Grand Rapids. Priscilla is one of my closest friends from college, and being with her always reminds me of why I like her so much. We always have great conversations, lots of laughs, and fun "hang-out" time. Dave and Priscilla were such gracious hosts and it was a real blessing to be able to visit with them.

One night we introduced Dave and Priscilla to Steve and Bek. I was so jealous to learn that they only live a couple of blocks from one another. I wish I lived in the neighborhood! Steve and Bek are our friends from Chicago, who just moved to Grand Rapids a year and half ago. It was great fun to see all the home renovations they have achieved in such a short amount of time. You can see from the picture above that Bek, me, and Priscilla were enjoying some beers and each other's company.
Here is a picture of Asher (Priscilla and Dave's son). Asher kept me laughing with his witty comments. One morning when I woke up, Asher said to me, "You know you have really been here a long time." Leave it to kids to speak the truth.

Rowan was very intent on using his veggies as a spoon to scoop out lots of dip.

This is a picture of Jack, who is Steve and Bek's oldest son. He looked so adorable in his coat, I just had to snap a picture.

Lucy looks so cute in Bek's arms. It is always such fun to see our Grand Rapids friends, but it is so sad to leave because I know I won't see them for awhile.

Turkey Day

Last Monday we drove to Grand Rapids to be with Don's family for Thanksgiving. We continued our tradition of spending Thanksgiving with Don's brother, Doug, his wife, Susie, and their two boys, Asher (7 months) and Lucas (3 years). This year though Don's sister, Jody, her husband, Trevor, and their kids Jude, Simone, and Johann flew in from Lynden, Washington. Also, Don's parents flew in from Lynden. The only Vander Griends that were missing were Don's sister, Leslie and her family. We definitely missed them and thought of them often. Things were pretty hectic with 6 kids, but in a fun, communal kind of way. It was really wonderful to connect with everyone. Here is Lucy pictured with her Uncle Doug. She was at her smiley best in her uncle's lap. Thanks to Vera and Beth for the adorable jumper. Lucy with her cousins, Jude and Simone. It was great to be able to see Don's sisters' kids because we don't see them that often, since they live on the opposite coast. Everyone has grown up so much. It is sad to think about big they will be the next time we see them :(

Lucy and her Dad at church Thanksgiving morning. Thanks to my dear friends Megan and Kathy for her adorable Thanksgiving dress.

Jody and Trevor made a wonderful feast for the family (with help from mom and Susie). Don made the turkey, which has become the Thanksgiving ritual. Don is very particular about his turkey and approaches it quite scientifically (big surprise:) His specialty gravy and turkey brining made for a scrumptious feast.

Lucy with her cousins, Asher, Lucas, Jude, Simone, and Johann. You have no idea how difficult it was to coordinate this picture. It was virtually impossible to find a time when all the kids were awake and not eatting.

Visit to Minneapolis-Part 2

After my time with Jenna I spent the weekend at my aunt's house. Unfortunately she was out of town, but my mom, dad, sister, brother in law, Lucy and I were able to stay at her house. We had a lot of fun connecting with our family that we haven't seen in a while. Here is Lucy with her Great Grandpa Irv (my father's father). Grandpa Irv had his cousin knit this beautiful dress for little Lucy. It fits her perfectly. (Bronwyn if you are reading this please show this entry to Grandpa if you get a chance:)

On Saturday we went to my cousin Gina's house for a lovely dinner. It was great to see their home and to introduce Lucy to the Pederson side of the family. I was able to see my cousins and my aunt and uncle who I haven't seen in a LONG time. Here is Lucy with Gina's daughters (Tovah and Kendra) and with Bronwyn's son, Deion.

My cousin Bronwyn with her nieces, Tovah and Kendra. It was so much fun visiting with everyone. We have to do it more often.

Here are Grammy and Lucy. Lucy sure was a hit at the party. What a big girl in her party dress!

Here is me with my cousins on the Pederson side. The only cousin that was missing was my cousin, Lisa, who lives in San Diego. What a good looking crew!

Mommy's Time Out

I forgot to put these pictures on the last post from my visit with Jenna. Jenna and I enjoyed a lovely bottle of wine one evening. We were drawn to the bottle for obvious reasons...

Jillian and Lucy chillin' in their cute legwarmers and knit hats. My friends Lisa and Monica made the hats. It is great to have such talented friends. Click on the Scheetz's link under blogroll to see Jenna's post with more fun details (and a silly video) of our time together.

Visit to Minneapolis-Part 1

Last week Lucy and I went to Minneapolis, which is why I have been out of touch with blogging lately. The first part of the week we visited with my dear friend Jenna (stay tuned for pictures from the later part of the trip when we visited with my extended family). Jenna has two boys, Avery (age 7) and Miles (age 5) and she had a baby girl, Jillian, just 4 days after I had Lucy. It was fun to be preggers with her and even more fun to hang out with our little girls together.

We did lots of fun stuff together. We went out for coffee, out for lunch, and visited a cute area in St. Paul. Jenna made yummy meals and also helped me sew. We made BFF onesies for Lucy and Jillian because we are hopeful that they will grow up to be the best of friends!!

Below is a picture of Miles and Lucy. Miles was just crazy about Lucy and was very sweet and tender towards her. He liked to give her kisses and he read her stories and wrote her notes. Miles said he liked Lucy because she was "small" and "had dark skin." I think it is pretty funny that he views Lucy as having dark skin.

Four Months Old

Today we celebrate Lucy's 4-month birthday. Nothing special, just some more pictures. It's hard to believe that it's already been four months. It seems like it has gone so fast, yet I can't imagine life without her.

I think here she is giving us some pretty clear feedback on how Kim and I are doing as parents...

Thanks a lot, Lucy!

Big girl standing up!