Ready, Set, Track........(oops - Go!).....

Running shorts. Running shoes. Cleats. Times two! Wendy decided to join the junior high track team this year. She was rather nervous at first - wondering just what she was getting herself in to. Then the dilemma - should she do hurdles, should she do one of the relays, should she just do something individual? She settled on hurdles and a relay. Then came the hilarious stories of how she nearly tripped over the hurdles! Too bad we couldn't be there to witness that!

Ryan also decided to participate in track in elementary school. He had track practice a couple of times a week after school. I believe that he had more stories to tell about track practice than what Wendy did! Interesting, since his wasn't nearly as intense as his sister's (oh, I shouldn't say that). Ryan had a huge track meet with kids from all the elementary schools in the area. Quite the event! His events were the long jump and also a relay.

Both kids had a great time participating in track. I'm sure it was just another ploy to see how busy they could keep us! We are always looking for more things to do to occupy our time. If the kids run out of things, does anybody else have some suggestions on how we can keep busy?!

This last photo, I had to post - it's so typical Wendy! And no, this wasn't at the end of one of her events, nor was it at the end of the track meet. This was before the meet even began......

Good job both of you! You both did a great job!

And the band played on (and on, and on)......

Last week, I had the privilege of attending Ryan's band concert! We have endured a year of the trombone (actually it hasn't been that bad). He has certainly enjoyed it - minus the fact that he has to carry the blasted thing to school and back twice a week (however, the neighbor usually takes pity on him and gives him a ride - thanks Lynn!). He was so excited about the concert! I'm not sure how many reminders I had regarding it. I wasn't able to talk the other kids into attending with me - are they afraid of a little torture? The unfortunate part, was Monique was in Logan beginning her master's program and wasn't able to attend. And even worse, we don't have a video camera, so I wasn't able to record the entire performance for her to enjoy later. I'm sure if I asked him to, Ryan would gladly perform his part for her!

Good job, Ryan! I'm proud of you for sticking with it! Keep up the good work!

Spring has sprung.......we think!

After all of the unusal snow that we have received this year, particularly so late in the season, it looks like Spring has FINALLY arrived in western WA. Of course, now that I'm posting this, it will probably lead to weeks long of having rain. Here are a couple of photos of the tulips that are in our front yard - proof that Spring has sprung!

You Must Be Dutch If.......

Monique and I are both on that social network Facebook, and one of the advantages is we are in contact with some of the church members in the ward where Steve is currently serving! We received some recent pictures of Steve (aka Elder Sticht) this week, via this social network. He seems to be doing quite well and is loving his time as a missionary. We were quite surprised with what we saw in the photos - something that neither Monique nor I have ever done. He must have more Dutch blood than either of us realized. That, or he really is the good sport that we figured he was. Take a look......

First you start with some raw herring (yuck - okay I really can't say that since I've never tried it)...


Then you grab one by the tail, hold it up high with a wide open mouth...


You think about what you have just done, SERIOUSLY think about what you have just done....


And the result is.......


I don't know about you, but they look like a bunch of well sated missionaries to me! And to think they could be eating a plethora of other tasty treats (i.e. chocolate, vla (Dutch pudding - WAY better than anything you can get here), stroopwafels (syrup waffles - those you see the missionaries eating in 'The Best Two Years', patat (french fries), etc.).

Steve, we love you and are proud of you! Keep up the good work and continue to show us how Dutch you really are!

Spring "Break".......

Spring Break continues! In the previous post, I mentioned how the kids were living the ultimate spring break life. Ryan was having a friend sleepover tonight - something that really doesn't happen very often for Ryan. As a special treat, they were given permission to go outside and have an air soft gun war. The two boys were all geared up with safety goggles, ready to have a great time. And a great time they had, until........



Thank goodness Ryan was wearing safety goggles! Unfortunately, he wasn't wearing a full face helmet like he wanted to, and one of his front teeth broke when he got hit by a pellet! It looks like a trip to the dentist is on tomorrow's agenda.

And this is only the second day of spring break! Wish us luck!

Spring Break - Tag, You're It........

Spring Break has just begun for the kids, well, okay we are into it two days now, but who is counting? The sun has been out the past couple of days, making it an extremely enjoyable break for them. They have been hanging out with friends, having sleepovers, living the ultimate spring break life (minus the exotic vacation - that's coming in November with the family to Hawaii). Today, while driving home from a busy day at work, I phoned my beautiful wife to chat. When she answered, she said, "I was just rear ended! My brand new car just got hit!" I was most pleased with my response - "Are you okay? I know it's your brand new car, but are YOU okay?" (The car is a year old - not quite brand new - okay, it's brand new). She was stopped at a stoplight, and was going to turn right, but decided to wait thinking that a car was coming too fast. The lady behind Monique, saw that Monique started to go, turned her head, and hit the gas! Tag, you're it!.....


Fortunately, the other lady does have insurance! And, the surprising part is, when Monique got home, we received a phone call from said insurance company as well as the rental car company! Very impressive!

Are you sure Spring is here??????

Okay, who wants to tell me that Spring is really here and that it is really almost April?! With the weather that we have been having, I'm having a very difficult time being convinced. I thought it was bad enough that we have had so much rain as of late, but this is just ridiculous! The ironic part is the kids have just started their 'Spring Break' from school! I hope they haven't packed their winter clothes away yet - they just may be needing them.

Even the tulips are confused. I wonder if they'll bloom?!