Just horsing around

We've got to spend time in Mike & Renee's new house for our past few visits and one of the highlights is Dewey the horse. He belongs to their neighbors, but he practically lives in their backyard. He provided hours of entertainment for the kids. They were frequently watching out the back door for him and the big two got some fun rides on him. Grandpa Mike couldn't wait to get them out there and walk them around. They've only each been on a horse one other time, so this was a treat for them. Drew & Lauren didn't ride him this time, but maybe next summer I'll trust them a little more.:)

Drew took some time to relax in the busyness of the weekend. He propped a pillow behind him and put his feet up. Ahhh...the good life!

Our little cowgirl

Luke's turn

They even rode together...with no fighting!

Opa Tom

"Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the rock eternal."

This has been Luke's memory verse this week and we were talking last night about how this verse would have been one that Opa Tom would have lived by. Ryan's Grandpa Tom passed away this morning. He was truly the head of his family and was admired by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I am so glad that he was able to meet all of our children and that Luke and Reagan will be able to remember some fun times with their Opa. Ryan learned a lot from him over the years and was able to go up and spend a little more time with him this week. We will miss him a lot, but are so happy that he is now healthy and celebrating in heaven.

Sunday morning photo shoot

Ryan's parents were in town recently, so on Sunday morning they went out and took some cute pictures with the littles. Luke, Reagan, and I were already at church for Sunday School so we missed out.:( I love photos in the fall!

Lauren looks taller than Drew in this picture, but I think it must just be the slope of the driveway.:)

This is probably his ornery face after he drove our riding toy off the front stoop.
Lauren and Grandma Renee

Grandpa and Grandma Noteboom with Drew & Lauren

Drewie with Grandpa Mike

Daddy & Lauren

Daddy with his sweetie pies

Reagan's first field trip!

Reagan recently got to go on her very first field trip. They went to Howell Tree Farm which is a pumpkin patch nearby. Ryan took the day off and went with her, which was a huge added bonus! One of the most exciting parts for her was riding the school bus. I take them to school everyday, so that's not something they get to do otherwise. She picked out a pumpkin that was just right for her and had a great time with her class.

A beautiful day

We have an awesome backyard....except when it rains. The trees and the poor drainage make it a muddy mess for days. With all the rain we've had this summer, it's been hit or miss for playing outdoors. We've started having some beautiful fall days now though, so we've been taking advantage of them. At the beginning of this week we played in the backyard for a couple of hours and burned some much needed energy! The kids had a great time swinging and playing on the slide and in the clubhouse.

This old pump was cemented into the ground as a landscape piece, but we put our swingset where it was. So now it leans against the fence until we find a better place for it!

Look out Brynn...here comes Lauren.

This is what Dexter prefers to do on a sunny day.

Hailey loves to swing!

Peeking over the clubhouse wall.

I thought this swing would be fun because they would be able to pump themselves. I was wrong...and now I just have another swing to push.:)

Adam & Elise's wedding

Ryan's sister Elise was married this past Saturday at Copper Creek Golf Course in Pleasant Hill. It turned out to be a perfectly beautiful day for the outdoor ceremony. Lots of friends and family came to help them celebrate and I think everything went pretty smoothly! Lucas and Reagan were the ring bearer and flower girl and I was honored to be the Matron of Honor. It was fun to see our little family all dressed up for the occasion. Congratulations, Adam & Elise!

Reagan in her flower girl dress. She loved to twirl!

Drew looking good in his shirt and tie!

Lauren enjoying a snack with Grandpa Wayne before the ceremony.

The bride, bridesmaids and flower girl

The Notebooms looking spiffy!

The entire Mike Noteboom family

The Great Grandkids with their Omas and Opa

When Reagan got almost to the end of the aisle she said, "Uh Oh, I ran out of flowers!" I was trying to motion her to just keep on walking!

The rings

We finally got to dance. All Reagan really cared about was the cake and dancing!

Drew and Lauren on the dance floor.

Ryan thought Drew looked like a stock broker after a long day at work.:)

We finally got Luke out on the dance floor and boy does he have some moves!

A miniature Fred Astaire. Hee Hee!

Exhausted!

We had a great time camping this weekend with almost all of the Van Mersbergen extended family. Every year we get together for a camping trip. Last year we started going to a Loop campsite at Saylorville, which is really nice for all the kids we have along. They can run and ride their bikes and we don't have to worry about them being on the road. Unfortunately I forgot my camera, so I'll have to try to snag pictures from family members. We had a great time. It was nice to be able to use my Uncle Jim and Aunt Arlene's old camper again....especially last night when it rained (Thanks again, guys!)! Drew is definitely our child that likes camping the least. I'm not sure what his deal is, because he loves to be outdoors, but he gets so tired and crabby. I asked him if he likes camping and he shook his head "no" with a sad look on his face.:) Hopefully once he turns three he'll enjoy it more! It was a great weekend. The kids were so exhausted that they were all in bed by 6:30. I think it will be an early night for me as well! It kind of marks the end of our summer activities, but this weather is getting me excited for fall! Next weekend is Ryan's sister's wedding, so look for those pictures to be coming soon. I won't forget my camera this time.:)