Thankful for Hands

It's great being a sunbeam teacher because family home evening is already prepared! We talked about how we should be thankful for our hands. I had the kids make large hands with different objects glued to the fingertips -- something rough, smooth, soft, sticky, and bumpy. Of course we ended the night by playing "doggie, doggie who's got the bone?" A Merrill tradition!

Gavin's Birthday

Our big guy turned 3 years old in April. Of course we celebrated with friends by having a train party. He is a train junkie! Here are some pictures of the day:

We moved furniture out of the house to make room for the geo trax! Train stamps and coloring at the table. Thomas tent, pin the caboose (which we completely forgot to do since the kids had fun outside on the playset), food, a Thomas movie, and train table. Lots of fun stuff to keep 16 kids busy!

Lunch included train sandwiches, mixed berries, vegetables, veggie chips, pretzels, chocolate covered marshmallows, popcorn, and train cake! The kids loved choosing which piece of cake they wanted to eat. The cabooses had all sorts of candies. Of course the pretzel caboose was never chosen. I should have dipped them in chocolate. ha ha

And all of this done 2 days after our return from Holland. Needless to say, I crashed afterward!

No comment necessary ...

Mothers Day Tea

Annika's Kindergarten class had a program for the mom's in their lives. It was a very special day. The kids first sang several songs to us and then they taught us a dance. Afterward, we enjoyed some treats and Annika showed me all of the gifts she made in class. Annika is quite the artist! I received flower pens, a picture placemat, artwork, a tea kettle with tea inside, etc. I am a very lucky Mom! Thank you Annika for a great day!

Gavin's health update

Gavin has the worst luck with his health. I am hoping because he gets sick so often and has random, unheard of problems, he will be very healthy as an adult. Right now we are dealing with HSP. Don't ask what it stands for. I can't even spell it let alone say it. He was diagnosed on Thursday by the doctor after I noticed a red rash all over his body. Gavin had to do a blood test and urine sample which both confirmed HSP. RIght now he is dealing with the rash, joint pain, abdominal pain and vomiting. HSP is not very common and doctors don't understand it completely, nor is there a treatment. So we schedule routine check-ups to see the doctor and hopefully this will pass soon.

The last few days have been primarily relaxing at home. We did go see Kung Fu Panda 2 last night as a family. I, however, spent majority of the time chasing Ava outside the theater (she loved it). Today Gavin and I spent a lot of quality time together playing games, reading, doing puzzles, play-do, etc. He is a great kid and I hate to see him sick like this. He is a wonderful blessing in my life. I am one lucky mama to have 3 wonderful kids!

We're Back!

It's been months since I have last posted. As a parent of three, the days seem to get shorter and my to-do list even longer. But, the blog is going to be a new priority for me. So, I just threw some snacks at the kids and have the small ATV inside so hopefully it buys me 10 minutes. Let's see how many laps they do before someone screams or wants something. ha ha

Okay, after downloading pictures on to the computer, it was not as long as I hoped -- it's the next day! So kids are still in bed, I am crossing my fingers I can finish.

In April Andy decided to leave Turner Construction and work for Microsoft in their Finance Department. With his construction experience and MBA, he helps with data center construction for the company. Andy enjoys working there, learning lots, and has already had a trip to Iowa (I know, you are all jealous). Because he had a two week window between jobs, we decided to go to Belgium and Holland as a family and visit my sister. Ruth lives near Amsterdam with her husband and three adorable kids. What an experience from the get-go! It was over a 15 hour flight and Ava didn't enjoy it very well. Neither did the other passengers on the plane having to listen to her scream. In Belgium, customs even let us cut in line because of her screaming. At that point we were wondering what we have done! There was no turning back now. Right when we got to the rental car, she fell asleep ... finally, peace!

We drove to Brugge, which was stunning. There, we enjoyed a variety of chocolate, a horse-buggy tour, and the most amazing ice cream and french fries. (Yes, we are on a good start with our diet ... we are on vacation!) Then we headed to my sister's, who lives near Amsterdam. For a week we stayed with her and took day trips to several places. Stunning countrysides and quiet towns all around. Amsterdam was a fun city to see by boat and bus. I don't recommend driving in the city though. There is a reason why everyone rides their bikes. Edam was one of my favorite cities because it was so quiet and picturesque. Giethoorn is "the Venice of the Netherlands". No streets in this town. We rented a boat and traveled in an out of the canals. Appenhaul was a fun monkey zoo where the kids got to see monkeys running around and on the stroller! And we went to Keukenhoff and saw fields of flowers and landscaped gardens, even a

parade! We also woke early to get to the Holland Flower Auction. Most amazing sight to see -- thousands of flowers being sold and distributed around the world! We wished we could have stayed longer in Europe and miss my sister and her family. Annika bonded so well with her cousin, Ashley. Actually, all the kids did really well together. Good thing we see each other again in California next month! After our good-byes, we went to Antwerp and saw a castle and church and then over to Belgium to take our flight back home.

All three kids did WONDERFULLY on the way back home -- thanks to being exhausted, 2 ipads, and new toys. The kids took a whole week to adjust to the 9 hour time difference. Many nights they woke up at 12: 30 a.m. and 2 p.m. -- wide awake! No fun for Andy and I. We are still enjoying cheese and chocolates that we brought back and the kids love marching in their clogs. Holland was a trip we will never forget! Below are some pictures of our experience there:

Us in front of the Tulip fields. Ava needs a nap. : )

Brugge, Belgium -- Our very first sight seeing spot of the trip. We ate french fries on the steps of the statue and kids ran around after a long flight and drive.

At Appenhaul, there were over 120 of these monkeys running around! You are given zipper bags to store all of your belongings because the monkeys love to get into your stuff. One monkey found a mento in the bottom of Ruth's stroller. Don't know how long it took the zoo keeper to catch the monkey. Pretty funny!

We bought masks at the Monkey Zoo. Can you guess who is who?

Traveling the canals in Giethoorn. I would love to have a house here and just read!Don't worry, the depth of water is under 3 feet so no need for a lifejacket. It was fun to cruise around for a couple hours.

In front of the Amsterdam sign. Can you spot Andy with the kids?

At Zaans Schans. The only cold day on our trip. The rest of the time was beautiful and sunny!

These are the shoes we brought home! : )

In Edam at the cheese market square.

Keukenhoff. Beautiful landscaped gardens. I could have stayed all day if it weren't for the thousands of other tourists who decided to go the same day.

Kids with their cousins from oldest to youngest. I think Ava wasn't too impressed with Uncle Ben's goofiness. : ) She was ready for bed!

Ava is 1!!

Ava's first birthday cake that I made. I used marshmallows for the flowers.

The kids helped Ava blow out her candle.

We were having a great time watching Ava eat her cake. She didn't hold back. She devoured that thing.

Proof of her eating every crumb.

Tradition in our family to make a birthday banner. Here is Ava sitting in front of hers.

She is standing for a few seconds, but now walking yet. With the third, I am in no hurry for her to do so. : )

We love you, Ava!!!