Family Picture November 2008

Bay View, MI Beach Trip

During the first week of August, we spent 3 days in beautiful Bay View, near Petoskey, MI. Highlights included lots of fun at the Lake Michigan beach, staying in a historic bed and breakfast inn and funny bedtime stories read aloud by Grandpa Siebelink.

The Terrace Inn was exactly what Stella had dreamed of with regards to the pink floral wallpapered bedroom and the Victorian dining room with chandeliers. I am happy to report that we didn't break any glass dishes or other fragile items while staying at the bed and breakfast! We were the only family there with 4 young children.

This was Ava's first trip to the beach. She really didn't seem to notice the beach much. She was quite happy to nurse and sleep.

Lincoln, Isaac and Stella played long and hard the entire time we were at the beach. Lincoln was in constant motion, usually digging.

Candle dipping

Today Isaac and Stella dipped candles at Greenfield Village. I think they were both surprised at how long it took to make 2 candles! It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed our morning excursion.

Star-gazing

Isaac and Stella have been studying the our solar system and the constellations in home school this month. On Thursday, August 7, 2008, they had their first chance to observe the stars. It was a clear night and at around 10:00 pm, I woke them up to go with Daddy to Big Sugar Bush Park. Isaac was immediately awake and ran outside to the driveway. I sent him back inside to get dressed. Stella was sleepy and it took some convincing to get her dressed and outside. But once awake and looking at the stars in the driveway, she was an eager star-gazer as well.

Armed with blankets, flashlights, binoculars, a telescope and a glow-in-the-dark constellation guide book, they proceeded to the big hill at the park. Hopefully they didn't wake the neighbors on their way to and from the park with their excited chattering.

They spotted the Big Dipper, the Little Dipper, Scorpius, Polaris, Deneb, Vega, Cygnus and most importantly, Jupiter! Isaac was amazed at the sighting of Jupiter. They checked out the craters on the moon as well.

Ava rolls over!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008: Ava rolled over from her tummy to her back. She can also scoot a few inches forward on her mattress using her knees and toes.

Stella quote

Tonight as I (Lisa) was helping Stella get ready for bed, the following conversation went something like this:

S: I want to listen to the Bible CD.
L: OK, what part or story do you want to listen to?
S: Oh, I don't know! There are so many wonderful stories to choose from!
L: How about the story of Jesus as a baby?
S: Yes, that sounds good. Please get the Matthew CD #1.

Isaac lost another tooth!

Sunday, August 3, 2008. Tonight at dinner, Isaac lost his 3rd tooth.

Ava's Announcement

Here is Ava's 3 month photo.

Isaac lost a tooth!

We have all been waiting for Isaac to lose his front top tooth. It finally came out at dinner on July 20, 2008. This is only his second to fall out so far.

Ava smiles

Ava smiles at 14 weeks. Before I took out the video camera, she was laughing so loud! As soon as she saw the camera, she became very quiet and serious all of the sudden.

Swimming Lessons July 2008

Here is Lincoln at his first session of swimming lessons.

Stella and Isaac went down the pool slide for the first time at swimming lessons this year.


Isaac is spending more time swimming under the water this year with the help of some goggles.

Stella's new accomplishment is going under water for a few seconds. She can also swim free-style for a short distance.

Kid Quote

"Don't eat the Playdoh. It's bad for your breath." Isaac, age 8, calmly counseling Lincoln, age 2 1/2.

Independence Day Fireworks 2008

Independence Day 2008

We watched the fireworks at Greenfield Village while the Detroit Symphony Orchestra played.

While waiting for the sun to go down, everyone enjoyed watching the historic baseball players, bicyclists and the fife and drum corps march by.

We loaded up the double stroller with kids and the single stroller with our picnic supplies.

Ava Talking

Ava is talking Mama and Daddy on June 28, 2008.

Ava 11 weeks old

Ava is 11 weeks old. She likes to talk to Mama, sleeps all night AND takes a 4 hour nap during the day!!

Newborn Ava

Welcome Ava Joy! She is one day old here.

Stella, Lincoln and Ava

Isaac and Ava

Earth Science K/2nd grade

Homeschool Science
Isaac waits with apprehension and Stella waits with excitement for the baking soda/vinegar volcano to erupt. Isaac may have a career with OSHA in the future. He was SURE that we all needed to be at least 5 feet away from the "exploding" volcano. Only after much assurance would he come close to the table. After the first eruption, we had to continue until all the baking soda and vinegar were gone.

Stella and Isaac display their models of the earth's layers.

Science with Daddy! Everyone was amazed as we added vinegar to baking soda and watched the ballon expand! Lincoln is the class helper.

After reading about caves, we did a science experiment with epsom salts. We grew stalagtites from the string.

Ava 8 weeks old

Here is Ava's first professional photo for her passport at age 8 weeks.

Ava Smiles!

Ava is smiling big for Auntie Shannon.

Lincoln kissing Ava

Lincoln, age 2 1/2, giving Ava a loving little smooch. He brings her little toys as gifts and places them at her feet.