Sunny Sun Splash

We decided to take the kids to Sun Splash today since they ask to go everytime we pass the park, and considering we bought season passes and only gone once before, it was time to get our money's worth! It didn't take long for Mark to be whistled at by the lifeguards as we found out that the kids can no longer wear their water wings and had to put on life jackets. After a little bit of getting used to the new floatation devices, they were swimming, sliding, and riding the waves in the wave pool. After some time, Abigail took to her California roots and thought it better to sit on the side and soak up some rays, while Spencer continued being the little fish he is, literally drinking it up. We capped it off with a couple of rounds around the lazy river, then headed home. We had a really fun morning and hope to get back for at least one more visit before the season ends.

Play Date with the Neighbors

Last Thursday we had our neighbors over for a playdate. All of the kiddos got to play while the mommies had some grown up conversation time! All of the kids were playing quitely and when we went to see what they were doing this is what we stumbled upon. Apparantly everything in the play room had been moved into Abigail's bedroom. Spencer had been acting as Santa Clause and he was handing out toys to the other kids. I had to get a picture of this one...can you spot Luke!! Leslie then orchestrated a massive clean up plan. All of the kids were eager to put everything back in its place and then surprise me. We feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors!

Vacation Bible School

Spencer spent last week attending a vacation bible school with a few of his neighborhood friends. He had a great time doing all of the activities and crafts although his favorite part of everyday was practicing his songs and the actions that went along with them. He's becoming quite the little performer, singing his heart out in the evenings for myself and Mark. The best part of all of this was that they got to perform their songs at Church last Sunday on the big stage. Spencer was extra excited about this part the entire week! That excitement ended when Sunday finally rolled around and it was time to line up to go on stage. We thought after MUCH persuasion that it was a hopeless situation and there was no way we were getting him to go. Thanks to our good friend Andy, Spencer ended up on stage and we were able to get some great video and pictures of him with his friends. We were so proud of him. At the end of church on Sunday he said he had a great time...Thanks Andy!

Lauren, Spencer, and Andrew

Spencer's Super Powers

So as many of you are aware Spencer is having to wear a heart monitor for 1 month that can transmit via phone any irregular heart activity that he may have. After an echocardiogram, 2 EKG's, lab work, and a visit to the pediatic cardiologist this was what was recommended for him. He's been a tropper through all of it. He wasn't however too excited to put on the monitor so Mark and I told him to pretend it was a device that gave him superpowers. He decided that he was a power ranger and could "freeze" people with his monitor. He's very cute. We're so proud to have such a brave little man. Please keep Spencer in your thoughts and prayers, we're staying positive and are sure everything will be just fine!

Abigail's 3rd Birthday Party

Wow, where does time go?! We can't believe our baby girl is turning 3 already. We celebrated her birthday with friends yesterday and had a wonderful time! She wanted a princess party and because we were having it outside we incorporated a beach theme also. We love watching all of the kids playing together and having so much fun! She received lots of wonderful presents and today our house looks like Christmas morning because they have to play with all of them at the same time. Abigail especially loved her tea set and spent the morning having a tea party with her dolls...her new Belle and Sleeping Beauty. We let her have water in the tea pot and thigs got a little wet to say the least when all was said and done but she had such a great time serving everone "tea". Besides being able to celebrate our little girls third birthday it also made us realize that we have the best friends in the whole world and are so lucky to know each and every one of them!

Our Brave Little Man

Spencer has been complaining about his belly hurting for awhile now, so we finally asked him to show us where. When he pointed it was actually closer to his chest than his belly. So this concerned us a little, but he usually was unaffected by it, so we didn't give it much thought. Then the other day he just wasn't himself, and was complaing about his belly again, and then he mentioned that his chest was beeping. Sheena was quite concerned at this point and took him straight to the ER. The doctors and nurses were very good with Spencer, and he was a perfect little patient. They ran some tests on him, and all was well other than having a irregular heartbeat. It was more peace of mind than anything. In the end the doctor advised Spencer to lay off the cigarettes and alcohol, to which he responded, "Why?" Spencer was quite proud of how brave he was and wanted to keep all the stickers on to show everyone, so here is his picture.

Red, White and Blue

Today was the first of hopefully many 4th of July parades in our neighbourhood. All the kids decorated their bikes to the nines and were very excited to start the official parade loop around the block. Leslie, the parade organizer, had the map all drafted up and the plan set in motion. Andy, the parade leader, positioned himself "comfortably" in the front on his cruiser, while all the kids from around the block, and there were probably close to 25, obediently followed behind. It was quite the show with the sea of red, white, and blue waving, flickering and flashing in the sunlight. The kids had a blast, even to the point that Abigail cried when it was over. The food that awaited quickly eased her tears as it was a full spread. Pancakes, berries, fresh fruit, pound cake, and special red, white and blue gumballs. Special thanks must go out the VandenAkkers for hosting a great parade/brunch, and if my calculations are correct it would appear that I actually beat Leslie to the blog. Ha!!