The Vandenbergs

Mid-February Update

2012-02-14T10:04:00.001-08:00

As far as we can tell – he is still our little cutie…

Nathaniel’s first bath was great – and it was bright & sunny when we headed out of the hospital on Feb 3 (his due date).

Definitely felt welcome at home – and looking forward to placing him in the cradle that his Great-great Opa made – all out of wood!

The cousins on the Vandenberg side – fun times!

Happy Birthday, Nathaniel Adrian Vandenberg!

2012-01-31T17:43:00.001-08:00

Surprise!

We decided to come in a few days early so we could see our little bundle of boy – at 11:18 a.m. this morning, Nathaniel Adrian Vandenberg was born!

He weighed in at 9lb 11oz and 21 inches long.

Mom is recovering and we are looking forward to bringing home our little man sometime later this week.

Memories with the Meyer side of the family…

2011-12-31T14:24:00.000-08:00

First of all, don’t entrust smelly markers to certain individuals.

All are expected to participate in games – including pregnant individuals and expert actors (death throws, very impressive, Mark)

Nothing like a little Sjuelbak throughout the evening festivities.

The “Name Game” was also done at both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day festivities. I am still laughing (for some reason) at someone writing down “Tante Truus”.

More Christmas Memories!

2011-12-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas photo cards that were received – fun to see our friends and family from all over!

The kids were quite ready to open presents – this was as close as we got to a yearly Christmas pic of the kids.

Tried to capture their “first response” to gifts – a few happy faces.

Thanks for the gifts – some sibling love captured in rare-footage.

The uses of a Hydrocone!

Christmas Memories

2011-12-18T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well, this is my first experience using Live Writer as suggested by a fellow blogger – we’ll see how this post looks!

We went bowling and it has been a while since many of us played 5-pin…but the boys were ready!

The clan was ready to play – teams were made…

Some great tunes were played – “Walk like an Egyptian” for instance…

Brendan was scorin’ big in the second game – Mom bowled too…

See? Looks like Amy has a bowling ball down the lane and up front.

It may seem that Ryan is keeping score – but who needs to? We all had fun and that’s what counts, eh?

December Recitals

2011-12-16T17:28:00.000-08:00

This was the month of recitals - all happening within a week of eachother!

Allison played the flute at Grace Baptist...

Kaleigh performed a ballet piece for Gift of Dance...

Brendan played at the Piano recital held at Meadow Green...

Ryan also played (and the girls too)...they did great!

Amy covered her baby-bump...perhaps we'll need to find another photo.

December Highlights

2011-12-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Just a few highlights up to Christmas - so many pictures...

The Parade in Lynden has many lights. Gotta love the Santa cows!

Ryan & I had the opportunity to get up close with the Grey Cup - B.C. Lions claimed it for 2011!

Brendan got a little "baby time" in prep for our upcoming baby...

Allison also got a little extra prep in the feeding department...

So glad that our friends moved closer to us - had a great dinner together - 13 in all!

November went by so quick!

2011-11-30T17:47:00.000-08:00

This was a low-output picture month. We only had a few to share - enjoy nonetheless!

Amy went to visit her sister & family down in California - a wonderful time!

Scott went to a Virtual School Symposium in Indianapolis - lots learned, interesting experience!

During Thanksgiving, Ali was able to use her babysitting skills on our cousin's newest addition - prepping for February 2012 when we welcome our fifth!

Ryan also got some practice - babies are so precious, eh?

I find my "old" babies precious too...love seeing them hang together and read. Sweet!

Other October Highlights

2011-10-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

A visit to the apple farm...and here's the fam with pumpkins!

Some are curious what is being harvested in our "backyard" - potatoes!

A visit to the shellfish farm - fun times

A participated in the Lynden Music Festival - nice job!

We celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with family - great times!

Applelicious

2011-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

We had apples on our wee trees!

K has the esteemed pleasure of picking the fruits of our garden/trees.

I took a snapshot of our apples before they were plucked.

We DID make applesauce...but not from our apples...other "freebies" & such.

112 quarts to share with some friends who made it with us...woo hoo!

September Highlights

2011-09-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

Kaleigh is loving Ballet!

Ryan had a low-key Birthday this year - perhaps Laser-Tag in October (belated).

The kids got to see Baby Vandenberg - an interesting learning experience!

We were interviewed for winning the Monkido prize - fun!

Some new specs for the boys.

Monkido

2011-09-12T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ready or not! We are going to do Monkido!

The preliminary checks were not far off the ground...

But that changed...this was HIGH UP!

One of the harder ones...swinging, slow crossing...

We did it! Conquered a bit of our fear-factor!

August Highlights too

2011-08-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

Baking with Mom...the BEST!

There's a time to be silly.

Some pottery time - part of an Art class.

Oh, one more from the Fair - Ryan's entry from his Homeschool project.

Did we mention that we are expecting our 5th in January 2012?

Fun at the Fair

2011-08-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Spent some time with family at the Fair!

Allison got some BIG winnings with her PB Surprise Cookies!

Oma and Kaleigh enjoyed looking at the horses together.

Kaleigh just LOVED the bunnies.

In the background? Newsboys in concert...we just listened while roaming the Fair at night.

August Highlights

2011-08-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

The Grand Opening of Focus on the Family in Langley - our family pic is on this wall hanging.

Brendan's Belated Birthday - prepping pizzas!

Is that a big enough cookie?

Always happy to have present time.

Some out door activities with the boys - fun!

African Children's Choir

2011-07-31T23:04:00.000-07:00

A little practice run before the service on Sunday.

We had ice cream with the Bisschops...and their choir kids.

Ryan had a blast with one of the students.

Story time with our boys...all of them!

What a worship experience - great job!

Adventures on the way home...

2011-07-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

We visited one of the forts near Pt. Defiance.

Uncle Peter took us out on the boat - thumbs up!

Some great views, nice weather!

Lots of us on the boat!

A view of the house.

Belfair Part 2

2011-07-28T22:40:00.000-07:00

We went to Poulsbo and enjoyed a slice of Norway.

This chain mail weighed a ton!

'twas our 14th anniversary...

Loved the red telephone booth

See the sons of Norway...they are the great grandchildren of a Norweigan...

Happy times, happy times.

Belfair Part 1

2011-07-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

A great relaxing time - kids playing together...

A little "s'more action"

Bonding with Granny (and Grampy too)

Visitors - the Swetts brought some yummy fish!

Even breakfast in bed for us from our loving kids - 14 years married!

Mid-July Highlights

2011-07-16T21:22:00.000-07:00

Rainy Raspberry Festival

Hangin' with the boys...

Had to have SOME raspberries...

We did run the Raspberry Fun Run

The same week, we were able to do a recording of Adventures in Odyssey. Part of the Grand Opening of Focus on the Family in Langley.

Terrace Trip - Part 3

2011-07-02T17:51:00.000-07:00

Bonding with Family & Friends - Ferry Island!

We were TOTALLY blessed by the amount of people who came to the BBQ!

Playing soccer with the Dads & Kids was a blast.

Auntie Cheryl sharing her stash of wild strawberries.

Finding tadpoles was great fun!

Terrace Trip - Part 2

2011-07-01T17:42:00.000-07:00

A little walk on the Millennium Trail.

Bonding with the locals...

Truly Canadian, eh??

Essentials at the Phanguras...

Naturally, a little Knock-Out action between the kids.

Terrace Trip - Part 1

2011-06-29T17:28:00.000-07:00

Some construction on the way up - stopped for pics.

A stop in Houston - biggest fishing rod in the world?

Ah, the noise of Smithers.

Finally arrived in Terrace!

Seeing friends at the local ice cream store. Woo hoo!

What's the big hairy deal?

2011-06-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

This picture still makes me smile - as K was making a bouquet of dandelions (look at the hand)

Look at the hair before - K gave to Locks of Love...and was QUITE happy with the short hair. A quote from her at GreatClips: "I feel like a new girl!"

"It is time for my Summertime Haircut!" Ryan declared.

As you wish!

This was a big hairy deal...our good friends moved away. Here's A with her friend before she moved out east. We miss the family!!

While Mom was away...

2011-06-03T19:02:00.000-07:00

Mommy was at Capernwray, we played on the beach...

Some fun in the sun...and sprinkler...

And a little more time on the beach...

And the hot tub...wow, what fun!

Much more than just picking flowers, eh?

2011-05-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Amy held her final recital of the year at the local retirement centre.

Kaleigh played for her first recital - wonderful!

The boys played a duet! Wow!

And Allison played her flute. What a great event.

Hey, how did this picture get on the blog?

Friends of ours taped the Royal Wedding...a nice little group cuddled around the couch to watch!

Where did May go?

2011-05-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

It was tulip time again...and what great colours!

Ryan & Brendan got "into" the flowers...unusual pose?

Some favourite colours for Ali & Kaleigh.

Ah, the sun in the eyes - but it's great to have a family picture from time to time.

The final AWANA evening happened - Kaleigh will be a Sparky next year!

Allison and her friend finished with an award. They are finished AWANA.
Congrats and good job!

Spring Break!

2011-04-30T10:22:00.000-07:00

This month, we went to Pacific Science Centre - a fun adventure!

We went to the grocery store to buy our lunch (instead of pay the high price of eating at PSC)...Ryan had a small bun.

Brendan and his wookie friend enjoyed the Star Wars exhibit.

The butterflies loved Amy's purple shirt - Allison thought it was quite funny.

Little did we know that Kaleigh's first training wheel had fallen off...the second was sticking up in the air...she trained herself and now has no training wheels.

Our annual picture at the Space Needle...an interesting perspective this round.

March Madness

2011-03-07T14:08:00.001-08:00

The madness of the first week of March included our trampoline flying over the fence again - this is the new one...

Someone got a certificaate for her ears to get pierced a year earlier than planned...a tad bit excited, was she.

We went with the local homeschool group to Seattle for the Underground tour as well as the Klondike museum...a train ride from Bellingham was a highlight!

Happy Birthday, Ali! One year shy of being a teenager...yikes!

February Fun

2011-03-07T14:03:00.001-08:00

A few highlights of February - though I have to say that the month just FLEW by! I barely was able to get my camera out!

Yes, Ryan grew out the hair and got a little "fancied up" whilst getting a trim at Great Clips. He wanted to be sure that there was some sort of record of his mohawk.

The Library got a hold of my Dr. Seuss stuff in prep for a visit from the Cat-in-the-Hat...

Fingerpainting rocked, however, I think that the total time spent in the activity was under 5 minutes. Go figure.

January Jollies

2011-02-13T13:22:00.001-08:00

Ryan did a research project on donuts - how fun is that? Of course, he had to sample each donut place in Lynden and decide which tasted the best. You'll have to ask him.

We did get a wee bit of snow in January - I almost forgot! So, the kids had to play in it quick before it disappeared!

Kaleigh turned 5...and had a party with five other girls.

Amy always has fun games for the girls - Kaleigh just loved her party.

Tea anyone?

Dawdling on December

2011-02-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

There was so much activity in December - that it's hard to keep events in order - so here they are in "random"

A classic game on the big playground - keep away with Ryan's hat. :)

We had our Christmas early as a family - as we had Amy's sister and family over for the holidays. We had a great visit!

It was great to get a picture of the whole family - parents, siblings, and GG too!

We managed to get out on a field trip with the homeschool group in Lynden. This was a visit to Fort Langley, B.C.

Oh, I see by this date, that this is earlier than a previous picture...Amy had a recital which included our own kids - well done!

November Highlights

2010-12-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

We had a fantastic month - some great memories...

Nancy Rue was at the FaithGirlz event and she was a great inspiration to Moms & Tweens

Amy & Julie had a great time at the Pure NRG concert - as did we all!

It was GREAT to have met Pure NRG - a wonderful last concert - such close quarters.

Whilst in Spokane, I was able to visit the place where I got my Masters degree - at long last!

What a fun picture - went to the Mall in Spokane where there was a Children's museum. Cool!

I had the WONDERFUL opportunity to sing at the Capella reunion - that's me on the far right back. After singing in our "decade" group, we sang with all the Capella people that came - 340 singers in all!

Snow! Look at it all!

Already prepping for a snowfort under the trampoline - sadly, it didn't last that long...

Loved it in the snow...

Rosh Hashana

2010-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Fresh fish - not caught by me...but cooked (as instructed) with the head on! It's ready to go in the oven...

A bit blurry on the details here (ha ha) - Mom serving Ali apples dipped in honey to wish a "sweet" year ahead. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish new year!

The "spread"...with a funky candle to boot! Yummy dinner.

Brendan's favourite - the bread! This challah bread had a ladder and birds on it - ladder to connect heaven to earth and birds to pass along the good news to all the people.

Don't forget the veggies, eh, Kaleigh? The carrots were symbolizing the abundance of the year gone by.

Lego Mania!

2010-10-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

We went to BrickCon in Seattle and there was SO much to see - table after table of Lego displays.

This was one of my favourites - the whirlpool was moving and if you looked under the display, there was an Atlantis- like construction...it was fantastic!

This wasn't necessarily Ryan's favourite but he did feel that thumbs up were in order for the many ideas he got from this convention.

Brendan loved all the space ideas that were on display at the third table. Many mixtures of Star Wars and other space Lego.

September Sabbath

2010-09-03T22:57:00.000-07:00

In September, we started homeschooling and one of our highlights of the year is celebrating the Biblical feasts. Our first was Sabbath.

Mom had to light the candle and welcome people to the table - all part of the celebration!

Of course, once the challah bread was ready to eat - Kaleigh was quick to get to it!

Ryan toasting to the day of rest...grape juice anyone?

Look at those cool fruit arrangements...like candles.

August Highlights

2010-08-30T22:35:00.000-07:00

If Kaleigh could, she would have eaten all the blueberries!

Allison was going to eat up all our blueberries - what a haul!

Ryan got first at the NW Washington Fair and first in his division!

Brendan got first at the NW Washington Fair for his Lego entry.

Brendan's B-day!

2010-08-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

What a great looking cake for the Mario-themed party, eh?

Cheers to Brendan - 8 years old!

Look! Mario was at the party!

A few "manly" games?

What a great lookin' bunch of kiddos.

July Highlights - Rock Creek!

2010-07-19T15:00:00.001-07:00

Ah, it's about time Ryan was hit by some surprise water!

I was explaining the merit of using cups for weapons when....

Super-soaker!

Attack!

I'm on a journey of peace...no splashing...really!

Maxin' and Relaxin'

Splashdown!

Kaleigh whispering with her cousin...

A catch!

Go long!

Seussical!

2010-07-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Ryan was a Wickersham!

Allison was a bird-girl!

I had a small role too...can you guess what I was?

The kids liked my prop.

A little family foto for fun!

June Highlights

2010-07-19T14:35:00.001-07:00

Great to have Mom & Dad back from Ethiopia!

A PC sandwiched between Macs.

We love our view from the living room...

A little mother-daughter bonding time.

Ryan is ready for Seuss!

May Madness!

2010-05-29T11:50:00.000-07:00

April - around the corner...

2010-05-03T22:43:00.001-07:00

...more like come and gone! Here are a few memories:

Yup, Brendan had to get his hair "done" - what a cool dude.

I chuckle when I see this pic - can't tell you why...

Ali performing at the rest home - "All....that....jaaaaaaaaazz!"

First flowers of the season - ah, precious!

Played a little Lego with the boys...

Catching up - March!

2010-05-03T22:09:00.000-07:00

The events of March pretty much focussed on Amy getting ready to go to Ethiopia. We had a few other memories to share, mind you.

Kaleigh and her cousin - princesses?

Family Fun Night at LC - a big ol' game of chess between brothers.

Mommy before departure - most of the kids were up and wanted to say good-bye!

For more info on Ethiopia - it would require a blog of its own...ask Amy.

It's been too long!

2010-05-03T16:30:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that three months have passed! Here's February!

The Olympic torch relay - February

Freebies...excitement...Family Fun!

Wear that red & white!

Took the Family to Canada Hockey House

It was rainy...but we saw the sights in Vancouver during the Olympics

Stayed all day...and loved every minute of it!

January Jollies

2010-01-16T15:24:00.001-08:00

Kaleigh's 4th birthday came quick and fast after Christmas holidays...

Yet, Amy made the fanciful castle cake - as promised.

Kaleigh dressed up as a princess...isn't she a cutie?

Allison painted each of the girls' nails...even her cousin's!

Say "cheese"...perhaps I should have said, show me a nice cheese?

Hugs in thanks for coming & gifts...

Just after the kids left...the last one was on the way to the car...the power went out for 4 hours. We had my parents and sibs over for dinner...and...well, lots was done by candlelight!

We're going to the zoo...zoo...zoo...how about you?

2009-12-29T19:56:00.001-08:00

Okay, it's more like we WENT to the zoo...spontaneous...fun!

The baby giraffe (born Oct 28) was born the same height as I am presently...6 ft!

A little surprising, the baby's older brother decided to lick my sister's glove!

The boys really wanted me to take this photo...hmmmm...

A train ride - to end things off. What a fun trip!

Curses & Cousins

2009-12-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

Why does Brendan's faces make me laugh? He lost a tooth the other day and laid on the ground and made a whole bunch of faces. This one made me think of a dasterdly villain saying, "Curses!" When the good guys captured him.

These are my Meyer cousins. We got together the other day and had to take a picture!

A new addition to the back yard!

2009-12-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well, if you hadn't heard, in November, our trampoline flew over the fence with all the high winds. It bent one of the legs beyond repair and we managed to sell it on Craigs List as is!
For Christmas, we got the kids a new trampoline...thanks to Amy's "Black Friday" escapade after Thanksgiving.

My "neighbour" (across the street) came over and helped put it together on a sunny (but cold) Boxing day.

Brendan lent a hand too! He had an invested interest.

The boys were in it RIGHT away...with a friend.

The girls wanted to get in too (this is Kaleigh with a friend).

Christmas Day - Part Deux!

2009-12-29T19:20:00.001-08:00

We went to Abbotsford for the annual Meyer Christmas Dinner etc.
Oma was hanging with us - many spent time with her throughout the dinner hour.

Shuffleboard was one of the main events.

Guitar Hero in the garage - some interesting tunes...

The kids seem to be attracted to their Nintendo DS systems...hmmm...

Then there was the Pen Game...I must say, it was more like full-contact pen game.

At least not all were tackled...

But there was pain - a few times...
Good times...good times...

Christmas Day - Part 1!

2009-12-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

Peggy (a friend of Grams from church) came over after Christmas Day service for a yummy brunch and spent a little time with us.

Peggy read with Kaleigh - who definitely was our "entertainer" while we made brunch.

We enjoyed the food VERY much - monkey bread, eggs, and ham!

Our annual kids pic in front of the tree....

Cookies & Christmas Eve!

2009-12-29T17:35:00.000-08:00

I am a little behind on the updates - but will catch up today!
On Monday (Dec 21st), the kids went over to my sister's for cookie decorating...just what we needed...more sugar...but it was a great time for Amy and my sister and the two cousins with their kids...a tradition?

Ryan made some pretty intense cookies!

Christmas eve - well, Christmas Eve Morning this year...the kids opened their gifts from their parents (and each other) and seemed to be quite happy with their presents.

A webkinz for Kaleigh...

A gift from Ali's aunt & uncle in California...cool!

The boys got some civil war soldiers (purchased and concealed in our luggage after we visited Gettysburg in Oct).

Hmmm...the kids got US presents? They are so nice...some fancy chocolates from Ali and Ryan purchased some gifts during out trip out east...he was SO excited!

Christmas is Coming!

2009-12-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

Had a Christmas gathering of Amy's side of the family...

A family pic!

The boys enjoyed the mini-burgers

Kaleigh liked tickling her second cousin.

Ryan & Grams enjoying time together.

Playing Settlers seems to be the going thing!

Last Week's Entry

2009-12-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

One can't always be on the ball...these are some pics from last week - when we actually had snow!

Kaleigh getting snow for snow muffins...Mmmmmm!

Allison is a firm believer in bundling up!

Ryan had to get his teeth pulled as they were long overdue to come out. Notice the root on this baby?

It's Christmas Time!

2009-12-10T20:57:00.000-08:00

We up and decided to get cracking on the Christmas decorating shortly after I was done report cards...the kids were quite excited (especially since they got to stay up late and stock up on sugar)...it was a fun time.

Yes, yes, hot chocolate is necessary when decorating the tree (who is excited? I can't tell)

Someone is ready to decorate!

Our barechested tree decorator (#1)...

And barechested decorator #2...don't know why they go to bed like Tarzan...ask them.

Sinterklaas

2009-12-10T19:22:00.000-08:00

Sinterklaas had is birthday on the 5th of December. In the Netherlands, they celebrate this as Sinterklaas day...and there is a longer story...let me know if you want to hear it!

Sinterklaas & Zwate Pete (goodness knows the spelling) - his helpers.

The girls warmed up to the Dutch Santa Claus...

A fun little family photo, non?

Thankful at Thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T00:54:00.000-08:00

As we missed the Canadian Thanksgiving in October, we were happy to take part in the U.S. Thanksgiving this past Thursday. We had our cousins and their kids over as well as an uncle...yummy - but we all ate too quickly.

Smiles all around!

Yes, no one seems to show the all important part of carving the turkey....first drain the fluids into a pan...and chop through the bones...it's not that easy, let's admit it, people!

Ryan playing chess with his great uncle - wow...that's a small gameboard, eh?

Next morning - yes, at 2:30, Amy and her cousin head out to Black Friday sales. They did quite well, actually! And they wore matching black coats (I bet they didn't realize it matched the day).

Whilst the ladies were shopping, we played at least 5 games of Catan. Our cousin won every time. Gotta learn from da MASTER!

Cookies Anyone?

2009-11-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Ryan is going to get his baking badge for Cadets tonight - so, he did all the baking of the chocolate chip cookies...

I asked him to be a little cautious in putting ingredients directly into the mixer. Good thing - egg shells are not a highlight when people eat cookies.

This guy is the master - he fit 18 on the cookie sheet...more than his Dad.

We just love this pic.

Ryan did all the work - I think I put in 1 or 2 ingredients as he measured them out...but he did 95% of it!

Had to taste-test...I mean, we don't want to poison the cadets when they have a sample!

ROO

2009-11-18T19:59:00.000-08:00

I don't know why the acronym "ROO" makes me laugh - it's a happy word, I think! Anyway, we went to the Richmond Olympic Oval today with the RCOA Resource Centres - and had great fun.

Cool robot-like dude...

We like to hold hands...

One of us got a free ride...the other is sore. :)

Outside - before all the kids came (57 in all!)

Some family memories at the ROO...

Mid-way November

2009-11-15T23:49:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that we are past the half-way point of the month...but life continues on and here are a few snapshots of the week!

Ryan lost his top right tooth - literally...it fell out during AWANA.

Brendan is in a writing class - look at this fun writing project!

Dads & Daughters night - one of the activities was skipping...fun!

A little hail that decided to stick around...for at least 12 hours!

We had a few rainbows...so hard to capture on a camera.

November is here!

2009-11-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

A few pictures that may bring a smile to your face...they do me. :)

Kaleigh is our shredder...she is quite good at it!

Brendan plops himself down and reads library books whenever he gets a chance...

Oops, I forgot my keys for work - so, we played in the leaves till Amy & the other kids came!

This is for my Mom...she seemed to like mushroom pictures of late.

We had our elder's visit and the couple who came were from Wheaton and Calvin - I thought we would don our shirts just for them.

Catch up time!

2009-10-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

A few pictures from before the trip - we'll have to keep this blog more up to date!

Nothing like matching tatoos from the local power company.

Gifts from Oma & Opa - cool socks (can you identify the tootsies inside the socksies? One of the pairs of feet belong to our neice/cousin).

This boy loves to read - interesting!

Crazy hair day at AWANA - Allison with a friend.

Guess who has done fantastically well at AWANA? Got a vest!!

If you want to see our blog on the U.S. History Trip - go to www.vusht.blogspot.com

Our U.S. History Trip

2009-09-22T22:37:00.000-07:00

We left our home in good hands! Thanks our dear family!

Kaleigh things flying is top rate...though, she was flying around in her seat most of the flight...looking through her travel bag and pretty much going through it all before touching down in Chicago.

After some homeschooling, the kids got to watch a video...whilst Kaleigh caught a catnap...what a great position for a solid sleep, eh?

Brendan (of all the siblings) was up and ready to volunteer to window-wipe our bug-plattered windshield...I think he got a good 1/10 of the windshield. :)

Keep up-to-date with the kids blog - link to the bottom right!

Ryan's Birthday Party

2009-09-12T22:31:00.000-07:00

Amy's masterful work on Birthday cakes!

The boys...

The cake was yummy, eh?

Lego "free standing" tower building contest!

Lego parties rule!

So, this is a corn maze...not a lego event - still fun!

...and exhausting!

Awesome August

2009-09-06T23:37:00.001-07:00

We had a great time on the Hood Canal...

Ali was a dare-devil.

Kaleigh & I had an adventure...to say the least...

So cool...that Ryan.

Nothing like a big ol' celebration with Grampy!

Our trip to the Island - great times with friends!

The kids had a good time too, I suppose...

Buchart Gardens were great...the kids enjoyed.

While I was at work, the Amy and the kids enjoyed Victoria's best.

Jammin' July

2009-09-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

The Zoo rocks - we go every summer...

Kaleigh just loved the close-up!

Havin' some fun on a mini four-wheeler.

Waitin' for Oma to finish opening presents...

Tenting in the rain...pretty much dry inside!

Annual trek to Rock Creek - a bit chilly...

Good times had by all - boy were we hungry!

Hangin' at the flight museum with Grampy & Granny!

Our annual pic - 12 years married!

Jazzy June

2009-07-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Allison did fantastic in Children's Musical Theatre

The boys were in Mega Sports Camp

Waiting for the Farmer's Day Parade with a friend...

There's Ali...part of the klompen-girls of Lynden

A family foto before church

Memorable May

2009-07-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm an author of the Grade 2 CSI Bible Curric!

Brendan got a Bible after taking classes in Church.

The kids surprised Mom with breaky in bed for Mother's Day!

Brendan's wacky soccer team

Ali's wacky soccer team

Ryan's wacky soccer team

Birthday cake time!

VI Visit - April 2009

2009-07-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Fun times on the ferry...

Amy and some gals at the park...

Kids loved being at Seven Springs!

Great friends by the fire.

A little DQ by the juke box in Ladysmith

Awesome April

2009-07-29T16:41:00.000-07:00

Watchin' a little LHP with GG

Edward the Emu at Aldergrove Zoo?

Cousin Cassie with the kids

Kaleigh with cousin Eli!

Men's Night Out - bonding with the boys...

March Madness

2009-04-10T15:00:00.001-07:00

Here is where pictures are just oozing out of my camera - so many!

A few highlights:

Allison had a great birthday - and enjoyed her party a few weeks later.

Amy and I got free tickets to a Chris Tomlin concert - what a TREAT!

The boys enjoyed hanging with Jake when visiting their aunt's & uncle's place.

Allison enjoyed reading books to her sister and cousin.

Allison did well at the AWANA games!

My brother & now-sister!

A few moments at our table before skits!

Drama King skit (special coordinated actions!)

The happy couple SEEMED to enjoy the skits.

Ma-haria (to the tune of Mamma Mia) Skit.

Fantastic February!

2009-04-10T14:51:00.000-07:00

A few snapshots of February!

The boys enjoyed a visit from a friend in Parksville.

As did Allison!

We had fun with friends from the Netherlands!

Kaleigh and her cousin having a hoot with balloons!

The boys had a stock-car race with the rest of the Cadets in the area.

Bliss! Blog is Back!

2009-04-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

I did not know that my blog has been restored after an unfortunate mistake online...so, it's time to update the blog, I think! Where to begin?
Here are a few pictures since the beginning of January!!

Kaleigh's birthday - princess outfit for a gift!

Brendan lost his first tooth - thanks to biting some Lego pieces apart.

Can you see the four teeth (two in front and two in back) on the bottom? Ryan had 4 teeth pulled to give some room...shortly after Brendan's first tooth went bye-bye.

Allison (and a friend) still need to get make-up lessons. I think they were trying to be clowns?

Yup, the Cat in the Hat visited again!

Caught on Camera

2009-01-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

Snow my goodness!

2008-12-25T16:11:00.000-08:00

Wow - several feet of snow - so much to do!

Yummy icicles.

Allison in the tunnel under the trampoline snow-fort.

Ryan climbed the high mountain.

Kaleigh could have gotten lost in the snow!

Christmas Deux (non, Trois!)

2008-12-25T16:00:00.001-08:00

Kaleigh & Sadie ready for church!

Allison's new game.

The boys with their new Playmobile.

Cousin Sadie made us ornaments.

Brendan loves to carry cousin Weston.

Christmas Un

2008-12-25T15:55:00.001-08:00

We celebrated with the Vandenberg side first - cousin Cassie with us!

The family donated an educational package through World Concern.

Chocolate letters - a must! Thanks, Opa & Oma!

Mmmmm...chocolatey goodness!

Hot Tub MADNESS!

2008-12-25T15:51:00.000-08:00

It was a cold...snowy night...

Ryan not only rolled...he ran around!

YEEK! Cold, eh? Allison?

Brendan pre-Snow angel.

PhotoShoot

2008-11-16T18:53:00.003-08:00

Our family...

The "extended" family...

October Fun

2008-10-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

We had friends over and went to Bellewood Acres!

Our little pumpkin!

A wonderful apple orchard - fun!

The Vandenberg kidlets...

We went to a fall fair - this was an interesting train ride.

A hay maze in the parking lot - how interesting!

After a long day of fun - had to hot tub!

A Visit to Praise!

2008-09-30T23:32:00.000-07:00

As we had to do some chores this morning, we decided to stop in at Praise 106.5 FM for a visit. They gave a great tour and even took our picture!

September Already?

2008-09-11T22:14:00.001-07:00

Just a brief update...

We are definitely enjoying the many visitors to our new place and we are getting our feet wet in a variety of ways:

1. Homeschooling Brendan, Ryan, and Allison.

2. Working with 34 students through Regent Christian Online Academy - as well as running a resource centre in Mission, B.C.

3. Preparing for Amy's Grandma to move in with us in late October.

If you are looking for our new contact information, email us at vandenbergsix@gmail.com

Lynden Lovers!

2008-08-10T15:28:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we have been in our new home for a week!

We have a glorious corn field to enjoy looking at (for now).

Though sometimes zany, the kids have been working hard unpacking this week.

We still need to organize and get rid of as many boxes as possible before Grandma comes! Feel free to come by and help...

July Jollies

2008-07-30T16:06:00.001-07:00

A few fotos of our adventures in Langley & Belfair...

Kaleigh and Cassie (cousin) enjoying a ride...

Some of Amy's cousin's kids with ours.

Love the beach at Uncle Peter's place!

Amy & Weston - our only nephew...

Scott & Weston - I think he likes me. :)

Lynden Bound!

2008-07-30T15:57:00.000-07:00

Well, we received word that we are official home-owners again! We are hoping to move on (or before) August 11th and would love to have any help - if you are available! Please email us if you are able to lend a hand moving boxes...packing a u-haul or unpacking...

July Update

2008-07-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

Some news that we can share at this point:

1. We put an offer on a house in Lynden and they accepted - we are in the final stages of finishing the purchase and will have a home hopefully soon.

2. Amy and I have accepted a team-teaching position at Regent Christian Online Academy. We have 15 students and will be the resource teachers for Mission.

3. I will be beginning the immigration process soon - praying that all goes well and I can cross over to Canada easily in a few months.

Here are some pictures to show for the past few weeks:

I didn't drive the U-haul much - neither did the boys...

We went camping with the the extended family.

Aside from our tent blowing down - had a great time!

Contact Info for Communicating!

2008-06-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

A week from today, we are loading the moving truck!

Our new email is: vandenbergsix@gmail.com

We will hopefully have a new phone number soon.

Stay tuned & keep praying - we appreciate it.

Englishman River Falls & Old Country Market

2008-06-22T23:06:00.001-07:00

Sweet!

Taken by our amateur photographer, Ryan.

The falls were quite cool...

D'ya see the baby goat on the roof?

Shocking, I know...

Ryan's Farewell Party

2008-06-20T01:06:00.000-07:00

The crew...

Doing some writin' and stuff...

Ah, now, that's more like it! WRESTLING!!

Monkeys or boys?

Allison's "See You Later" Party

2008-06-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

The weeping birch - always fun to climb!

A sweet set of smiles.

Buddies!

Friends!

Making their crafts - thanks, Mom for planning!

Vancouver Island Vandenberg Update

2008-06-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, we said we would post what has transpired since last we wrote. It seems that God is closing the door on our moving to Lynden in July - and we are making efforts to find a place to rent and we are looking for work for the next 6-12 months in the lower mainland. The jobs in Lynden/Bellingham didn't work out...and unless I get a position with another Christian organization that I applied for, we will have to stay in the lower mainland until I get a green card. Once I receive that, the family can move to Lynden - if that is the Lord's will!

So keep prayin', especially for help in the move (we need help presently), a rental, and work for Scott (and Amy?). We will hopefully have some new contact information soon.

Blessings,

Scott

Brendan's Early Birthday

2008-06-09T17:49:00.001-07:00

These were the boys...

Crazy about Dinosaurs!

Happy Early Birthday, Brendan!

Movin' May

2008-05-30T06:21:00.000-07:00

No, we're not movin' this month - we're just amazed how fast May went. No major news as of yet, will have a new post once we've got some answers to prayers. In the meantime, here are a few pics from the month!

Allison hip-hopped her way through Family Days!

Love the 2010 mascot - what's his name?

Lots of lovin'

Kaleigh - smiling in nursery at church - yahoo!

Hallelujah - House Sold!

2008-04-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

God is good! Not only did we sell our house - but we sold it for over our asking price. It is evidence (once again) of God's hand - as He blessed us beyond our expectations.

Our next steps are looking for a teaching position and a house. We move off-Island on July 4-5, 2008. It will be hard to say good bye!

Top Ridge

2008-04-18T21:29:00.001-07:00

Someone made a nice campfire ring!
(Cousin Chris was hangin' with us)

By the new suspension bridge!

Our little cuties!

A little family excursion to Top Ridge in Parksville!

Moving Madness

2008-03-28T21:47:00.000-07:00

Some are wondering how things are going with our plans after our time at Beacon Christian School is over. Here is a summary:

I resigned from BCS effective at the end of the school year - in October 2007. I felt God's gentle nudge to seek a position elsewhere.
In early-March, the Board granted me some leave time after some heavy administrative responsibilities and they gave me the opportunity to help with getting ready to move and seek employment.
After much prayer for direction and discussions, we are planning on taking care of Amy's grandma and relocating to Lynden/Bellingham, WA (USA).
Our house went on the market on March 14th and has had a few showings. It is our prayer that it will sell quickly and that we can move out in July and transition to a house in Lynden (our hope and prayer).
After going to Disneyland and visiting with family in California, Amy and I did some house hunting and met with some principals in Lynden and Bellingham.

Please pray for our situation and that God gives us clear direction as to where we are to be planted for the fall of 2008.

Thank you!

Delightful Disney

2008-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, they got to press buttons!

Couldn't resist ONE ride on the first night...

Ready for the Thunder!

We weren't the only characters...

Ready for the Electrical Parade

Three of us conquered California Screamin'
Brendan - top marks for pirate face!
Hmmmm...

LOVED the Pixar Parade...

Thanks Oma & Opa for the treat!!

Splish Splash Swimmin'

2008-03-08T12:13:00.001-08:00

It was the last day of swimming lessons!

Fun day!

Our jumper!

What time IS it, Mr. Wolf?

Fishy lips!

SEUSS!

2008-03-05T00:10:00.000-08:00

Dr. Seuss Day 2008

Who is that pale-faced man?

My kids costumed up - thanks, Mom!

My class - quite excited about Seuss!

My school - geared up for the day.

Ali's Party!

2008-03-02T12:36:00.001-08:00

A birthday surprise at White Spot.

We went to the wave pool with the Paines & Days.