Backyard Fun

(okay, I deleted this one, it should go down further, not happy with blogger lately, can't move pictures around like I used to be able to)
Sorry for the lack of blogging but I took a week off from the computer. A much needed break from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life at the Vugteveen home. A few weeks ago we had Mikayla over for a play date after VBS one afternoon during the heat wave. The girls enjoyed running through sprinklers, playing with the water table and with the pool. Then Daddy came home and made a water slide for them to play with. They sure loved the makeshift waterslide. When they were all done it was time to enjoy some mini-slow melt popsicles. Best invention for little ones. Too bad it was a little warm so they were melting a little quicker than normal. Overall a fun afternoon in the backyard.

Kylynn and Mikayla running through the sprinkler

The picture from above should be here

Popsicle Time

Tigers Game

A little artsy here, some shots from the day at Comerica Park
Jason and I in the suite

Waste Management had the suite for the day and we were invited. Jason along with his boss and the other route managers at the site were there along with spouses and significant others. We enjoyed the afternoon game in the air conditioning, seeing as how it was 91 degrees at game time. Perfect spot to watch the game on a hot day.

I had to have our picture taken by the famous tiger statue out front.

After the game we headed over to Greek Town for awhile with 3 other couples and another coworker. We went in to the casino but J and I just enjoyed some cold stone ice cream. Then we walked back to the hotel and next door there was a bar and grill so we spent the rest of the evening there. Tons of laughs and some great times. Can't wait for next years outing! Thanks to my parents for watching the 3 kiddos for the night. We really enjoyed our time away and it was much needed.

To be 21 again!

So this girl entered my life 7 years ago and has a very special place in my heart so I wouldn't have missed her big birthday celebration for the world. I had the privilege of being her small group leader through her 4 years of high school and now I'm her care provider for single adults. We have become awesome friends, despite the age gap. She likes to tease me and say I'm her mother, yeah right! Such a wonderful friend, great dog sitter and excellent babysitter. I truly enjoy each and every time I spend with her. She keeps me young and helps me with my shopping. Don't know where I'd be without the fashion advice. Hannah, so glad I could be there to celebrate your 21st! Love you girl! Me and the Birthday Girl
Me, Hannah, Marie, Jess, and Martha
(all girls I had in youth group)

Jason, Me, Hannah and Kevin

We had a great time but oh did we feel old! Thanks for keeping us young! Just one month and it will be my turn to celebrate again!

Garden Fun

Last week when we came home from Traverse City our raspberry bushes were ready to be picked. We got a small bowl full last week and I enjoyed them in my yogurt. This week we picked a ton and I mean a ton more. I'll be freezing some, making a raspberry pie and J mentioned raspberry jam so I may try that. There's a long story about our raspberry bushes. In our first house there were some in our backyard and I got tons of raspberries out of them. Then the beetles took over and the neighbor lady thought she should tear them out for us. I was not a happy camper. Now I'm a happy camper again with tons of raspberries on my bushes. It took a few years so we'll make sure to enjoy them. Enjoy the fun we had while picking. Kylynn and some raspberries
Jason hard at work

What a beautiful sight!

One happy lady with her raspberries

Kylynn took a picture of Addi and I while picking raspberries

Then Addisyn needed a turn behind the camera, must take after their mother

more raspberries to enjoy

Then the hose got turned on and they had some fun

Crazy Addisyn

Our teaser trying to get her dad

Sillly girls, all wet from playing with the hose

Party Time!

I'm going to let the pictures tell the story. We had a wonderful time celebrating Easton's birthday. He is such a joy to our family and we just love him to pieces. My sister was not able to come due to work commitments so that is why there is an overload of photos. The first one is just for her. It was supposed to be down a few and I accidently deleted it so I put it back in and can't move it. Blogger bugs me sometimes.

The beverages - special jug from my sister

Good Morning Birthday Boy!

Didn't want to nap so he was totally intrigued with Baby Einstein

The food table

The banner I made

Uncle Brandon and the birthday boy

Auntie and the birthday boy

Big Costco Birthday Cake

Grandma Vugteveen and the birthday boy

he loved his balloons

trying to get a picture of the birthday boy with his presents....
not having any part of it

checking out his new jack in the box

A new tractor from Mom and Dad

Our Family

wasn't a big fan of the party hat

Going to blow out the candle

Just getting started

mmmmm!!!

Mommy, Easton, and Daddy

Happy Boy
Sooooo good!

YUMMY!

All done!

Time for the tub

All clean

He's ONE!

Today we will celebrate Easton's 1st Birthday! I am totally in disbelief that he is turning one. It can't be that just one year ago I was lying in the hospital bed holding my sweet baby boy, at 9 lbs 1 oz. He has truly blessed our family beyond all measures. We love him so much and thank God for his presence in our family. Easton is such an easy going baby and has brought so much joy to our lives. Can't wait to see what the next year has in store for our big guy! Could it be walking, soon? Only time will tell, for now we will enjoy all that he is and the joy he is to our family!

And so the crying had begun - happy big sisters with their baby brother!

Our family of 5The three kiddos - big sisters so happy to have their baby brother here

Easton Marc - hours old

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EASTON MARC! We love you and thank God for you!