Hiemstra Happenings

It's been lots of fun having my biggest girl home!  I'm not ready to bring her away yet but the time has come.  I'll be okay.  Maybe.  Large quantities of chocolate and peanut butter may be in order.
Here she is weeding John's dahlias.

Then she put compost on them.  They are growing really well now!

We went out to dinner with friends one night.

And my boy Sam went to a dance.

I'm so glad he actually is wearing the clothing I bought him for TOLO in January.  I was pretty sure they would never see the light of day again.

Yeah, I know they look like waiters but they're still cute.

I love it that he has such a great group of friends.

Katie went on a field trip for art club a couple of weeks ago.  One of her art teachers just sent me this cute picture she took.

I love those freckles!
Our first piece of mail from Dordt University!  I guess they still need money.

Our toads are back in full force and this makes Katie really happy.  Here she is with Boris, Chuck Norris, Patina and Teeny.

I took some pictures of my cute kids after church on Sunday.

 

Me and my Michigan-bound girl.

Sam shot a rabbit with his BB gun.  He was pretty proud of himself.

The girls and I went to see Aladdin last weekend.  We LOVED it!

Katie turns 11!

I got home from the Midwest just in time to help my baby girl celebrate her 11th birthday!  Lucky for me, her big sister remembered she needed school treats and brought in donuts (thanks Holly).  I went straight from the airport to pick the birthday girl up from school.  She requested soap bubbles on the trampoline and I couldn't say no.

She chose Chinese food for supper.

Opening presents.

She got a new swing and even though it was nearly bedtime, we had to try it out!

It was a big hit!

The birthday girl is good at sharing.

Happy Birthday Katie!!  We love you!

Chase graduates

Over Memorial Day I headed (once again) to the Midwest for a super quick trip to celebrate my favorite nephew's high school graduation.  My folks picked me up from the airport and then we met this guy for supper.  We sat at the restaurant so long that we worked up an appetite for some ice cream!

On Sunday we took Grandma to church and then headed to Pipestone for the graduation ceremony.

There he is all getting all graduated and all!

I might have cried just a little.

Chase with his mom and dad.

Chase with his mom and Kurt.

Chase and Grampa.

The next morning my mom, sister, and I got the Hiawatha Lodge all gussied up for the party.

His party was a smashing success.  A good time was had by all!

I had to take a picture of the brothers with matching facial hair!

It was a quick trip but I'm so glad I went!

Holly sent me this picture while I was gone.  The text said, "Look!  All 3 of us together smiling and loving each other!"

I guess they did just fine without me.