Phew...

Sorry to all our faithful readers. We are still here and I am back in the swing of things! It seems like time flew by around the holidays and now it's already the middle of January. Updating the blog has been on my list of things to do for the last week, but it seems to take a backseat to everything else. We had a great Christmas. We were able to make it to Pella and Orange City despite the terrible weather that took place that week. We're also starting to get back into a routine after so much time off for Christmas and then all the snow days we've been encountering! At this point Luke is going to school until the 1st week in June, but tomorrow isn't looking too promising, so we might be losing a little more of our summer break! We've finally been able to go out and enjoy the snow. The top pictures are from Christmas in Orange City. The big kids tried to sled, but 2 feet of snow didn't allow for that, so Grandpa Mike took them out on the snowmobile instead. Luke was a little more hesitant about it, but Reagan loved it! She was hootin' and hollerin' the whole time and wanted to keep going more. I hope her daring ways slow down as she gets a little older! Drew & Lauren got to play in the snow for the first time this weekend. Drew loved sledding, but Lauren whimpered the entire way down the hill. They both liked playing in it and eating it is a must! I think snow cones will be on their list of favorite treats this summer. They just had their 18 month check ups last week (although they are 19 months now). They continue to be the same height, but Lauren is getting closer to Drew in weight now. She is beginning to say quite a few words. Drew is more content to just grunt and point a lot. The poor guy had his first ear infection a week ago. Unfortunately for him it was in both ears also. He's much happier now, so I think we're on the mend. I hope 2010 finds you all well. I promise I will keep this updated much more frequently now!

Reagan and Grandpa Mike on the snowmobile.

Luke on one of the many huge piles of snow. Ryan dug a tunnel for him to crawl through, which Luke found very cool.

Luke's turn on the snowmobile.

This picture is the only one not involving snow, but I just thought it was kind of funny. Reagan got this new trampoline for Christmas, but this is what Drew & Lauren prefer to do on it.

The snowman in our front yard. I think a critter ate his mouth and nose and the poor guy's eyes keep falling off.

Mackenzie pushing Reagan and Erica on the swing.

Do I really want to walk up that hill again?

Lauren was content to sit and watch the action, all while eating handfuls of snow.

Daddy & Drew

Erica & Drew

Drew ready to go for a ride down the hill.

Reagan having fun with her cousins in the snow.

Checking out the snow for the first time.

Hmmmm...interesting.