Our Weekend

This weekend we went on an adventure to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids with the Shaulis Family. We spent the day on Sunday and had a fun time. There was so much to see and Gideon loved everything. Check out our pictures of the day.

Gideon and Steve looking at the aquarium

The Shaulis family touching sting rays

Gideon and Mommy taking a break

All the kids with big smiles

The Shaulis Family with the penguin statues (Jordan's favorite)

Weekend continued

We also visited the Wall that Heals which is the traveling Vietnam War Memorial. It is a scaled representation of the actual one. It was pretty impressive and we were lucky enough to be able to see it at Jordan's school.Here are some pictures of our Memorial Day.

The traveling Wall that Heals

Penny, Jordan and Rachel reading about the Vietnam Memorial.

Grandpa and Gideon looking good

Steve posing with Lauren

Grandpa and all the kids (Gideon just had to tug on Lauren's hair)

5 Months Ago Today

Five months ago today... I was holding a new perfectly formed human being; I was thinking what a precious gift God had given me; I was worried about doing everything right; I was wondering what he would be like when he grows up and I prayed nothing bad would ever happen to him.

Happy five month birthday to Gideon! I can't believe it has been so long. It went by so quickly and we have enjoyed every minute of it. We also had another big milestone. On Sunday Gideon rolled over on to his tummy. It was so cute! We had been waiting for the big moment and he finally did it. Here are some pictures of his first time getting to his tummy on his own.

"Whoa! What happened?"

"Hey this is kinda cool!"

Happy Mother's Day

Gideon says Happy Mothers Day!

Mmmmmmm paper...
Okay so here is what it took to finally get a good picture. Two signs and about 10 pictures later.

We all had a good day on Sunday celebrating Mother's day. It was my first with Gideon (well in person anyway) and it was so special. We spent the day at Chuck and Linda's with the Shaulis family. Here are some pictures of our day.

Gideon & Grandma Linda!

My sweet baby boy

All the grandkids together

Puppy dog eyes

Gideon's allergy tests came back and the only thing he is allergic to is dogs. So we had to give our dog, Akira to our friends Jeff, Lisa and their kids Ashley and John. They have graciously offered to take care of her and love her. We were totally heartbroken and miss her very much but we know she is in a great home with kids to play with and a big yard to run around in. We hope she will be a good dog for them and behaves herself. We will still be able to visit and have pictures when we miss her. Here are some of our favorite ones.

Posing with her new toy on our bed

Akira and Liberty at G'Pa & G'ma's house

Opening her present at Christmas time

The jail bird!

Wonder Woman!

Akira will always be our first baby and we will always love her no matter where she lives. Thanks again to Jeff and Lisa for making our loss a little easier!

Dun Dun Da Dun!!!!!

Well Ben finally did it. He asked Bethany to marry him and she said yes! Well actually Gideon got to deliver the big question. It was so cute and she was so surprised. Congratulations to Ben and Beth. Here are some pictures of the big day.

Gideon's shirt says "Will you be my Aunt" with a big ring tied in a bow.

Bethany reads the shirt and is so surprised.

Then Ben askes her in the more traditional way!

Of course the big smooch after she says yes.

They take a moment to pose with the messenger.

Welcome to the family Beth. We will love to have you as a new sister and aunt. One of my favorite sayings is that marriage takes 3. It can only be strong when you include God. Here is a verse that I really enjoy and try to remember in the good times and the bad.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. I Corinthians 13:1-8