Today was so nice . . .

. . . and since it was such a beautiful spring day, of course we spent a lot of it outside. I love these first "warm" spring days. I love my kids. And I love that my kids can go outside!!! The trampoline has been very popular these last few days again, and even in the very cold, the boys love going out there - with no socks (Kade). Kylie is also beginning to love it, but of course does not love it when the boys go to crazy. Well the boys love going crazy and begged Jonathan to join them. Oh the temper tantrum that was thrown when the boys locked Kylie in the house so she would quit bugging them!!! She did get her turn eventually . . .

While Jonathan went into town with Kevin, I took Kade and Kylie for a walk.

. . . which for Kylie was more of a ride. I learned this trick when Kade was little and couldn't keep up. Of course I had to remind him that he had had his turn when he was 2 . . . but that didn't stop him from asking Kylie repeatedly if he could have a turn -- to which she over and over answered with a very grumpy and emphatic "NO!".

It is actually very light to pull, so Kade got to help out in that way.

This last one was taken last week before the Kale dinner. I took about 10 shots and unbelievably just about everyone turned out pretty good (except the bright sun they must have been looking into) . . . but at least they were looking! and at the camera! Amazing!

Mark and Rachael

On Saturday we had the privelege of sharing Mark and Rachael's wedding day. It was an extremely beautiful day in every way. Their wedding was God glorifying and testified greatly to God's faithfulness in both Mark and Rachael's life. We enjoyed a powerful and challenging message from Rev.Ludt - again a testimony to our great God whom we need only observe to see how good He is.

The bridesmaids
Mark and Jonathan -who had the privelege of being best man along with Rob

Mark and his siblings

A rather goofy picture of us.
Rob and Karen

We wish Mark and Rachael much happiness in their married life! We think they are a wonderful match and look forward to spending time with them in the future!

Hunter James!

Congratulations to Richard and MaryBeth and Summer! They welcomed their little son/brother into the world this morning at 11:30. He weighed 8lbs 9oz and is super cute. Everyone is looking and doing really well!

Songs sweetly sung by the cradle
Prayers whispered just before bed
And we taught them "Jesus loves you" in a simple song
And we pray they won't forget their whole life long
Children are a treasure from the Lord
Those bright and trusting eyes
Seem to take us by surprise
And they see what others older seem to miss
May the gift of faith they hold
Grow as they grow old
May they always know God will never let them go . . .

Homes ring with echoes of laughter
Long after they've come and gone
And just knowing that our children really love the Lord
Is a faithful parent's passion and reward
Yes, children are a treasure from the Lord
Children are a treasure from the Lord
Yes, children are a treasure from the Lord!!

Welcomed by a few of his cousins.

Steph dubbed him a Hartemink immediately, and says he looks just like Landon. (Something about Hartemink lips!?!;)) You be the judge.

Winter

I feel I must at least acknowledge that there is a season called winter. As I sit here typing, I can look out my window and almost believe that Spring is just around the corner. Not a spec of snow in sight! . . . plenty of sunshine . . . blue skies . . . and then I step outside and the -10 hits me like a blast of winter or . . .reality . . . and I quickly decide its good to be inside. I read a news report today that says winter is not leaving me anytime soon - it's promising to be a wintery March, and so I thought I'd post some winter pictures. These are taken from December or January I think. Kade just came up to me and told me that the radio said that "it is sunny and clear, so can I go in the pool?" I gave a sarcastic "yah sure" and he quickly ran down and told Kevin that we are going to set up the pool and go for a swim. I guess this is the same boy who always wants to be prepared for swimming and the same boy who tried to zip off his pants into shorts this morning b/c it is "very hot." Must be a bit of Florida left in that boy!

Kevin shovelled out paths all over the yard which is how they got around in this "deep snow" era.
The boys have been having fun with the trampoline throughout the winter too. It gets good and slippery which I suppose is fun. I do have to reprimand them when they take their boots AND socks off though . . . BRRRR!