A little life lately

Just a quick glimpse into the happenings at the Hiemstras.

Katie's dahlias are coming up nicely.

The house is getting ready for new roof - part two.

The grass is all up in the backyard....unfortunately so are the weeds.

Me and my honey went to a lovely garden party and I think I am finally getting the hang of selfies.

The girls had much needed get-a-way to the beach.  We had a wonderful time catching up on life while drinking cider.  We even saw a whale spouting!  First time I've seen one in Birch Bay!

Love these ladies!

The kids had their last day of school.  I can't believe this guy will be a senior.  And yes, he drove his 4-wheeler to school.  

My new eighth grader!

All About Katie

My baby turned 13 last week.  I sometimes miss my little girl but mostly I am just really happy she is turning out to be such an amazing young woman.  Katie is FUN, kind, adventurous and loyal.  Some of her current "loves" include: baking, doing her nails, sleepovers with friends, The Avengers, pinteresting new hair styles, and being outside with her dog and toads.  Turning 13 is kind of a big deal so we spread out the birthday celebrations over a few days.

On Friday she got cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  She got the middle one (a very big deal in the Hiemstra house) and got to lick out the frosting container.

After school she had friends over.  They slept in the trampoline in the shop.

I'm not sure a lot of sleeping went on.  They still looked pretty tired the next morning!

She and her bestie then went to the Trampoline Park.  You know the pandemic might be ending when they allow children to bury themselves into plastic balls again.

And then to Red Robin (her favorite) for lunch.

She waited until Sam got home from camping on Sunday to open her presents.

This is her baby book that I started 13 years ago and FINALLY FINISHED!

Nail stuff from her big sister.

And a new bike from mom and Dad (Sam got her a bike bell and lock).

In other Katie-related news...

Her toads are back.  I think Carly gets a little jealous when she has to share Katie's attention.

She decided to play fastpitch for school.  This came as a bit of a surprise since she had never really picked up a bat or ball!  When she was stuck at home with COVID, we ordered a mitt and ball from Amazon and started playing catch.  When I picked her up after her first practice, she informed me I had gotten the wrong ball.  It's called fastpitch but they use a regular softball.  They can also steal bases and sometimes they can run to first base even when they strike out (still confused over this one).  She is really enjoying it and I am enjoying watching her play and improve.

She has been playing left field but complains that she doesn't get the ball enough.  She says next year she wants to play first base!

At her last game she caught a foul pop fly.  I am pretty sure she didn't realize the ball was in her mitt until everyone started cheering.  It was all very exciting!  We got Edaleen to celebrate!

Also, this is happening.  She finally lost her last baby tooth so the braces go on as soon as we get back from vacation.

All About Sam

My son Sam is the least photographed member of this family.  That's because he hates having his picture taken.  Usually I need to threaten him to cooperate.  I realize this is probably normal for a boy his age.  I'm okay with that.  But sometimes a mom just needs a picture of her boy.  Sometimes a mom needs to purchase the pictures.  That's what I did.  I purchased pictures of my boy.  

First up, soccer pictures.  

Next, JSB pictures.  JSB (Junior/Senior Banquet) is Lynden Christian's version of prom.  It was a beautiful night and he had a great time although he said he would have enjoyed it more if he was in jeans and a t-shirt.  Alas, I am pretty sure he will never again wear the nice suit I purchased for him. 

Not quite sure how Sam managed to find a girl just as laid back and easy going as he is.  Paige is so sweet and it has been a joy getting to know her!  

And these pictures I actually took.  

Sam and Nathan have been best buds since they were little guys.  So thankful for him and his family.

There has been a little controversary over whether or not Sam is taller than John.  I'm thinking Sam is only taller due to his spiked hair.  

Love these two guys lots.