Finally Friday

I made it.  This week kind of kicked my butt.  I don't know if it was the weather or my kids or the fact that (once again) I am trying to quit putting creamer in my coffee but it was rough. I also don't understand why my computer insists on centering this paragraph. Sigh.

Anyone else just a little frustrated that it just can't seem to get over 60 degrees?  The temperature might not be great but the beautiful blooming flowers, bushes and trees confirm that it really is Spring.  This pretty tree is at the end of our driveway.

John's serving bar project is coming along.  I love this picture of John and two of our neighbors figuring things out.

Neighbor Ryan helping John with the welding.

The base is all done.  Aunt Sally will be so happy that her grandkids no longer will be in danger of falling into the egress window pit.  Can you believe it was all made from metal scraps from the recycling center?  John brought it to get painted yesterday.

Here's the family on Easter.  We had a big ham dinner and had lots of leftovers since Uncle Gary is the only one who could join us.  

Holly sent this picture from the ship.  They make a big deal of Easter with a huge feast.  I am really loving the cross made of buns!

Is anyone else in Lynden super happy that they FINALLY  tore this house down on Main Street?

Yes, that is a chute coming down from our new dormer.  We are making a fun little room above our den because John needed another project.

No explanation needed.

I got Sam's graduation picture book all done.  When I think about dropping him off at Dordt in four months, I go from it-can't-come-fast-enough to crying uncontrollably.

Katie is still sewing.  The other day she was working on Barbie clothes.

And Sam has been working on this 2,000 piece mini-Lego Titanic.  

Did you know it was this gal's birthday yesterday?  Did you know that I pretty much love everything British?  I must not be the only one because I heard the new Queen Elizabeth Barbie doll is very hard to find.

And finally....I saw this on Facebook and it reminded me of Holly.  She CANNOT stay awake when watching a movie.

Spring Break

The kids had the first week of April off of school.  I was only a little jealous of people's plans for warm vacations in Hawaii, California, Arizona, etc.  I was ready for a week at home with nothing planned.

Katie got invited to spend five days on the Oregon coast with a friend's family.  She had a wonderful time and did not miss her mother one bit.

Check out the GIANT waves there.

Sam got to sleep in every morning, but he kept busy with working, soccer practice, hanging out with friends.  It was a relaxing week for him since he didn't need to worry about getting shot.

The seniors are playing assassin right now - they partner up and try to take out their target people (with Nerf guns) while trying to avoid getting taken out by whoever has them.  Get it?  Yeah, I don't totally either.  Him and his friends take the game very seriously though.

A friend's mom sent me these pictures of the boys (thanks Amy!)

Sam and his buddy Nathan lasted quite a bit but sorry to say he was eliminated just recently.  By a girl.  He was ashamed.

John started a project for me.  I want a serving counter for my back patio.  In typical John fashion, it has turned into a much bigger deal than I intended for it to be.  Although I do have to admit, it's going to be pretty cool when it's done.

I told him it needed to be finished by Sam's grad party so he has a deadline!

I did a lot of weeding over the break.

When Katie got home, we planted a little over 100 dahlia tubers.

Holly was not on Spring Break but here's some fun pictures she sent me recently.

Making cookies in the crew kitchen.

March Gladness

Just a little bit of March gladness from the Hiemstra House.

Mom and Dad Haan came for a quick visit.  They must really, really love us if they gave up a week of Arizona sunshine to come to rainy Washington.  We played A LOT of games.  

My poor Dad! I don't think he EVER warmed up!

However, the cold weather did not deter us from Edaleen ice cream.

I love these guys!

Speaking of love....these two went to a TOLO (girls ask the guys) dance.  Aren't they cute?

The whole group.

We got out Katie's dahlia stand one Saturday so she could clean it up.  We opened the lock box and found money inside from last summer!

I had a big fire one day.  I'm sure they neighbors didn't love all the smoke but it sure looks pretty when it comes through our big trees.

See what Carly's looking at?  I was watching these two stare each other down from inside the house.  They stood absolutely still and looked at each other for probably 10 seconds before the squirrel made a run for it up the tree.  

Sam started his last season of soccer.  I love watching #5 play!

Walking is so much more enjoyable in the Spring when everything is blooming and growing.

My African girl had a great March too!  These are her roomies (all nurses) aboard the ship.