Sunny (hot) California

Despite the heat we kept very busy on our trip to California. A good question would be 'What didn't we do?" We celebrated birthdays with many presents, went swimming, fishing, bowling, horseback riding, miniature golfing, roasted marshmallows, slept in an R.V.(well, the kids and their aunt Kayce did), visited with family - a highlight of the trip - went to LEGOLAND, and laughed a lot.

We went fishing with Ezekiel and his Mom Gen. It was a lot of fun, since we went to a fish farm and each child was guaranteed a catch.

Little Kierah was thrilled to have her cousins visit from out of town, though she wasn't so excited about getting her picture taken, neither was Jack. Her Mom should have a baby girl by the time anyone reads this (today was her scheduled inducement day).

Mak loved driving in Lego town.
All those "people" are made from Lego's and this little driving course had actual stop lights and signs that the kids had to follow. They got their "driver license's at the end".

The Men went on an hour and a half horse ride through the mountains, while the women and Jack waited. Unfortunately we forgot to give them a camera, but they said the views were spectacular!

Can you see Jack below the huge Lego Giraffe? He and Mom went for a walk while his brothers build cars inside and raced with other kids.

Chatham turned six and lost his first tooth while we were out there!

Mak enjoyed just sitting and fishing without bait. We called it his Tom Sawyer moment.

TJ's highlight is always miniature golf where he gets special treatment and is allowed behind the counter to "help" as well as get in as much practice as he wants.
We had fun with young to old, Jack all the way to Grandma played the whole course.

Brotherly Love

MY HEROS

All Dressed up
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Nina stopped by for a visit and wanted an updated picture of her and the boys. They went all out for the occasion! TJ tried to get a picture of him "flying" from the table to the couch, and Chatham's roars were continuous. Mak went lion and tiger hunting and Jack, for the most part, just smiled.

July Birthday "Party"

Sunday Best and BBQ
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

For the van Wingerden family it would be a bit much to celebrate each individual birthday so we take one day and celebrate anyone who has a birthday that month. For example we recently celebrated the July Birthdays which include, TJ, Chatham, Keri and Aunt Connie. We tried something different this year, instead of being at home, we went out to eat at a BBQ place right after church. Some how we managed to stay mostly clean. The weather didn't allow for swimming when we got home, but we still opened gifts and had cake!
Here is a picture of most of the cousins, only the babies, Gracie (6 months) and Blake (3 months), are missing.

Pregnant Profile

Six months and counting...
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

I have had several people ask me to post a picture of me pregnant. Here I am at 26 weeks on my 33rd Birthday. Three months to go, or if you want specifics 90 to 94 days left (according to my "window" of due dates between October 7 & 11). Another September baby sounds good to me though!

Dirt and Baseball

We had a fun baseball weekend with about 25 friends and family (half kids half adults). While most of the adults got involved in a friendly, yet competitive game, the kids were forced to find other things to occupy their time. They were actually given permission to play in the dirt. Jack has that "sport" mastered. By the end of the game the kids were making dirt angels, waiting patiently for the adults to finish so they could each have their turn at bat...and of course Jack has to do everything the big kids do so he picked up a bat and stood at homeplate. David helped him to hit and even run the bases. It was an evening we are going to try and repeat!

Father's Day

Father's Day
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Happy Fathers Day!
TJ was excited that his cast "matched" the flowers (even though it didn't), but mom insisted this wasn't the time to show off his colorful arm.
Jack wasn't too sure about this so Mom hopped into the picture too. Guess that's appropriate for Father's day, since in some ways it includes our next child!

Can you spell that please?

T-Ball
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

This is Chatham and his best Bud, Todd (who happens to be his cousin). Both of them get quite the comments when they run out to the field, since their last names barely fit on their shirts. They are having a blast being on the same T-Ball team.

Summer Break!

Cast
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

On Memorial Day we went out to the green house as a family. The three oldest boys had their scooters and we're having a great time, until T.J.'s wheel hit a crack and he went flying. So we now have our first official broken bone!
Since he broke it on Memorial Day, and He'll get it off around his birthday (the 4th of July) he picked red! Cast's have come a long way since either David or I have had one. This one is completely waterproof! Swimming is not an issue, so the only thing he's really missing is baseball, but he was a good sport and went last night and cheered his team on (which happens to also be Mak's team).

Just Boys and Noise?

Well, you all know that we are not in short of boys in the family. We titled our Blog last year and thought it quite appropriate. However we do need to make one little comment. You see we learned last week that our next addition is most likely a.......GIRL! (Yes, we are in shock). So, with that knowlege, we want you to know that we are pretty sure she'll fit into the "noise" part of our blog just fine. And more importantly fit into our family perfectly.

May Birthday Splash

May Birthday Splash
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Yesterday, since we have six family members with May Birthdays - including David - we had our May Birthday Party! What a great way to start the summer! The day was warm and sunny, and the pool at Opa and Oma's was just the right temperature.

Here is Jack with David, the only reason he's not totally smiling is because he wants to be put on the side of the pool so he can jump in again.

Jumping Jack

Jumping Jack
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack's first few days in the pool for the summer, and there wasn't a bit of fear! He was going off the mini slide, jumping in continually and just smiling the whole time. It was a special treat to have this time with his Dad.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

The night before Mother's Day I told the boys that one thing I would love is if they picked out their Sunday Clothes, once one of them picked out a tie, the others couldn't be outdone. So I had four very handsome boys dressed to a T for Mother's Day. What more could I ask for?

Hey You!

I Want You
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack just wants to say hi to YOU!

We've been keeping very busy as a family, David's been working long hours and traveling, so the boys and I have been working extra hard at getting done with school. Mak is doing so well, all he has left is Art - which he is thrilled with. Chatham has to finish phonics and he's set for the summer! Even with the extra work load piled on for 3rd graders TJ is almost done too! 14 days left till summer break.

Makannen finally got the guts!

Toothless
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

For about a month now Mak has had two very loose teeth, but he has been fearful of the pain of them coming out. Tonight it only took a tug from Opa to get the first one, and then about an hour later Dad was able to get the second. And you know what? He said it didn't hurt!

A San Francisco Treat

A San Francisco Treat
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

On our one sunny day in California we drove to San Francisco and spent most of the day on Pier 39 and Fisherman's wharf. We saw all the seals, watched a street performance - which TJ got to participate in, toured a submarine, saw an antique arcade and enjoy the local cuisine. TJ LOVED his sourdough bread bowl with clam chowder. A real treat to us Ohioans who have to search for, and rarely find, a good piece of sourdough bread!

Jack and Bubba

Jack and Bubba
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack and Bubba enjoyed watching the seals and the people around us. Jack was a real trouper the whole day, though he didn't sleep in his stroller he sat patiently and when he was allowed out was thrilled to run around the pier. It was a long day, but he did great!

Seal Scenery

Seal Scenery
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

While in San Francisco we spent a lot fo time on Pier 39. The boys would probalby have been content to stay and watch the seals for hours. The animals really are quite amusing. Though some just sleep others play "King of the Dock" and knock all others off,then walk around with a hauty disposition!

Animated reader

Animated reader
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Chatham practiced his reading with Nana in a very Animated way. Wearing Bubba's hat from Alaska he sat casually and read about how Rick and Sam are Pal's.

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

To pass the time in California while it snowed and rained, the boys, with the help of their Bubba, made Derby Cars and had fun racing down a piece of plywood off the deck. If you look closely, each car has a number and the number matches their age, so we'll never forget when we made them.

Mak the Author

Mak's book
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

We entered Mak in the Young Authors Contest this year, and he has had so much fun with it! He reads it to himself over and over, and spent a long time illustrating it. Below you can read the book, and see one page of his art work. He wants to share it with the world.

Mak's Book

book sample
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Once upon a time there was a sneaky, naughty boy named Jack, and it was his birthday.

Jack is seven, he invited some friends.

Jill
Pete
Billy
Bobby
Cindy
Jimmy

Six friends plus Jack is seven.

He told them to bring their swim suits, because he had some plans. It was the middle of summer, it was a sleep over, but the girls had to go home before night.

When the friends got to his house, they played a water balloon fight. Guess who got the most soaked? Jill! That was Jack’s plan. She cried and went home.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

Then they went on to slip and slide, but Jack put too much water on it when it was Billy’s turn and it knocked off his glasses and scared him, only Jack laughed. Billy called his Mom, but she was at a meeting and couldn’t come get him.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

Then it was time for cake and presents. Jack provided a special piece for Bobby. Bobby thought he was Jack’s best friend, so he got the best piece, but inside was a trick, and it made Bobby sick. Only Jack laughed. Bobby’s Dad came to get him.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

Jack had put a bucket of water on the top of the door in a back room and Cindy was the first to go in, all her clothes and Mom’s good carpet got wet and she had to go home. Only Jacked laughed.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

At night Jack had even more sneaky plans. He played a trick on Jimmy. He knew that Jimmy was afraid of spiders so Jack put two tarantellas in his sleeping bag. Jimmy was too scared to sleep there, so he called his Mom to pick him up. Only Jack laughed.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

There were only two friends left at the party. And Jack had more plans. Pete was the next one to get surprised. At 2:00 in the morning, Jack put whipped cream on Pete’s hands, and then tickled his face. When Pete when to itch his face he smeared the whipped cream all over himself. He cried hard enough to wake up Jack’s parents. But it was too dark out to go home.

Jack’s Mom said
“That’s not nice, if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left”.

And it was true, Billy and Pete stayed the night, but it wasn’t because they wanted too. It was because their Mom or Dad couldn’t come get them yet. But when morning came, they didn’t even wait for breakfast, they called their parents, and went home. Jack’s party was not a fun party.

The next day in the park, Jack’s friends came and played a trick on him. They wanted him to know how they felt. They told him they were going to play hide and seek, and he was it. Instead of hiding they all went home. He looked and looked, but never found them, Jack didn’t laugh.

He went home sad, and told his parents, and they said “so finally you learned your lesson”.

Jack decided not to be a naughty or sneaky boy anymore, because if you keep playing tricks you won’t have any friends left.
And that’s true.

The End.

“Listen, my son,
to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your
Mother’s teaching.”

Proverbs 1:8

About the Author:

Makannen van Wingerden
a.k.a Mak attack
is seven years old and lives with his
parents and three brothers.
He likes to play tricks just like Jack.
He enjoys, art, throwing snowballs, jumping on the trampoline. and playing with his friends.

Baby's First Picture

Ultra Sound
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Yesterday we took T.J. and Mak in to the hospital with us so they could see a picture of their new baby sibling. At first they didn't want to go, but as soon as the images came up on the screen they were mesmerized. Everything looks just fine, and they gave me a due date of between Oct 7 and 11. Now we get to wait! Our next big ultrasound should be the last week of May, then we can let you know if it's a boy or a girl!

Changes

Nina's leaving
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

This is a sad week for our family. Nina has been packing up her room in order to move. It wasn't anything any of us chose. Her family needs her support right now because of her grandmother's terminal cancer. So there will be a big empty spot in our home. Though she won't be far away, it won't be the same.

Proud as Can Be

History Champ
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Last night TJ took 1st place, in the Third & Fourth grade group, at the History Fair for his project on the Italian Renaissance. He was so thrilled he was sure that when we got home we would have a huge celebration! Of course when we finally did get home it was way past bed time, even for Dad and Mom and it was off to bed, but he woke up just as excited, because he beat last years champ.

Mak wins the Bronze!

Aqueduct Master!
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Mak took 3rd place for his History Project on THE ROMAN AQUEDUCTS. Check out his cool lego rendition of the mountain and arches that led the water to Rome. He was the first to present his project and boy was he thrilled to have the rest of his time to just play with his friends.

Jack & Charis

Jack & Charis
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack and Charis sit and enjoy a snack in the church nursery. This is a rare moment because normally the two them them don't care for each other at all. He thinks he's too big for the nursery - doesn't everyone know how perfect he is for the gym? She on the other hand is always anxious to put on her coat and get out of there!

TJ's First Back Handspring!

IMG_0750_edited
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Can you see him? It's blurry because he's moving. I couldn't believe it. There he was standing ready to jump backwards! And he did it with the greatest of ease. He and Chatham love gymnastics. Mak says he doesn't but he smiles the whole time he's out there and they get to do some really neat stuff.

Musical friends

Musical friends
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Chatham and his friend Chloe do their best to answer questions on a music lesson that was for their older siblings. These two could have been off playing - which eventually they were - instead of making such an effort to be part of the big kids.

Bath Escape!

Bath Escape!
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Some pictures truly are worth a thousand words, but let me give you the story behind this one. David was to give Jack a bath, so I set him down in the bathroom and went to get his clothes, but before David realized it Jack had snuck out of the bathroom, grabbed his blanket from our bed and met me in his room, all smiles!

Say Cheese!

Say Cheese!
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Mak, Chatham and their friend Noah add the starter and coloring for the next batch of cheese. We all enjoyed learning about the process of making both butter and cheese, with some hands on experience. That night we savored popcorn with freshly churned butter (turned with their own hands).
Though not pictured, TJ was there too!

Football anyone?

Football anyone?
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack may be young, but he knows what he likes. He knows that football and the beach go well together, and he enjoyed both on our trip.

Look What I caught!

Look What I caught!
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

We got to spend ten days with family over Christmas break, which is always a blessing, since we don't always get to see everyone together. We flew down to Grand Cayman. The weather was wonderful and many memories were made. We were blessed with almost no waves so the kids got to spend lots and lots of time in the calm ocean waters. TJ enjoyed his first fishing trip with his Dad and uncles, and was proud of his only catch, this Wahoo.

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2005
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

How do you get four kids to all smile at one time for a picture and not break a sweat yourself? We've been doing this for eight years now and in some ways it has gotten easier. The boys just accept that this is one thing their Mom requires of them, the more they cooperate the quicker it gets done. So here is our Thanksgiving Day Christmas Picture.

The Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon in Rome
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

We celebrated our 10th anniversary last week, in Italy. Our first full day in Rome was a wet one, we wandered under our umbrella for most of the day and saw many of the ruins as well as the preserved buildings. Pictures can not capture how enormous and fascinating they really are.

No Boys, A little noise

Venice
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

We both agree that Venice is hard to beat. After touring much of Italy we loved the atmosphere of this multi island city. This is us on St. the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (Church) overlooking St. Mark's Square.

Guess where we went!

DSCN2091
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Chatham and Aunt Kayce give you some hits as to which border we were near. Chatham's hat, however, reveals our true location. Chips and salsa anyone? We had our fill, and would go back for more. WE stayed in Nuevo Vallarta right on the beach and had a marvelous time.

Daddy and Jack

Daddy and Jack
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

Jack was, as usual, a great kid. He enjoyed the pool - which at spots was only 8 inches deep. He's taking a few steps here and there, but his smile is what wins even strangers over. He had lots of attention by EVERYONE in Mexico.

Amigos

Amigos
Originally uploaded by Keri Ann.

On the streets of Puerto Vallarta, T.J., Mak, Chatham and their Aunt Kayce just taking a mini siesta. Shopping is hard work you know. Actually we made an adventure out of our trip to town and took the public buses. The people were very friendly and didn't treat us like stupid Americans when we kept asking for the bus stop and the right bus to take. It was a hot but beautiful day. They are sitting with a view of the ocean.