Stella's ballet dress rehearsal

Stella was part of the "Lilac Princesses" dance. She was very pleased with her dress and tiara. She did a fantastic job.











Stella is the 2nd dancer from the right. Towards the end of the dance, she is the second dancer from the left. This video is her dress rehearsal performance for the pre-ballet 4 class.

Ava's first steps

Ava Joy took her first solo steps today.

I actually did not get to see her take the steps. Isaac did. Isaac held her and then she walked to my legs, behind my back. All of the sudden, everyone started cheering and clapping that Ava had taken her first 2 steps. I missed the whole thing! There will be more...

Isaac's 18" Large Mouth Bass

Isaac caught an 18" large mouth bass in Mr. Savage's fishing pond.

Stella's harp performance: Good-bye to Winter

The Detroit Institute of the Arts is a popular destination for field trips. Lincoln's favorite display is the sword case. All 3 kids listen closely to the audio companion as we walk through the museum. I learned very quickly that 2 audio companions were not enough for 3 kids! Ava just likes the stroller to keep moving....

Ava and Lincoln are "helping" with some baking. Ava goes to work immediately to ensure that all the bags of flour are on the flooor.
Lincoln enjoys doing painting school outside on the deck. He is usually quite reflective and quiet during his painting.

We are celebrating our April birthdays. Isaac turned 9 and Ava turned 1.


Lincoln enjoys painting circles. Black is usually his first color of choice for painting. Otherwise, blue is his favorite color for all other activities.
This is replication of Richard the Lion Hearted's shield. This year for history we are studying the Middle Ages and Renaissance. We have had a lot of swords, shields, and sets of armor in our house this year.
This is Isaac's replication of a samuri hat from Japan.
Ava loves spaghetti with sauce. It is one of her favorite meals.
Ava drives her push-cart with passion. She squawks loudly to clear the way in front of her.


Isaac and Stella made scrolls with the words of Jeremiah on them for Bible history.
Ava is ready to travel!
My two pretty girls enjoy playing the piano together.
Here are some happy homeschoolers!
Lincoln's favorite letter is "L" and his favorite word is "Lincoln".

Keva planks keep everyone busy building all sorts of creations. Isaac constructed a ship and Stella built a summer house.

Isaac's violin recital April 2009

Isaac performed Humoresque by Dvorak for his violin recital in April of 2009. I was so excited that I was able to watch and record him from the front row. Unfortunately the battery ran out in the video camera just before he played his last 2 notes. He finished beautifully.

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.