1st Day of School !

The 2009-2010 school year began on Tuesday, August 25. The kids were up bright and early and excited to begin. Joseph is in 4th grade this year and is in the Middle Room (grades 3-5) with Mrs. Brenda Regnerus as his teacher. Elena is beginning 1st grade and is in the Lower Room (grades 1,2). Her teacher is Mrs. Marlene VanDenTop. They've been in school for a week now, and both of them love their teachers and are really enjoying being back in school.

1st-day-of-school pictures: they know the ritual ;-)

Benjamin had to get in on the fun, too.
"What's a picture without me in it, right?"

Visit from Grandpa & Grandma Overway

Grandpa and Grandma Overway came to visit us in mid-July. On Thursday, we drove through a down-pour to meet them at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. We weren't sure that it was ideal zoo weather, but the storm passed just as we were arriving and we enjoyed a beautiful day together exploring the zoo.

One of the kids gave Ben their "zoo cup" after lunch. Judging from the smile, I'd say that was a good move!

The big cat house is our favorite; we are especially fascinated by the tigers. This picture was taken in between roars. She didn't like it when we made eye-contact.

It's been a long day, the kids are getting tired, so I decide it's time to take pictures! Yea, Mom!

Grandpa caught the first and only fish of the day (a bass) on his first cast!

While Grandpa, Dad and Joseph were fishing, we took Elena and Benjamin to the play area.

Priceless.

Playing "golf" with Grandma.

Trip to Michigan/Illinois

On July 1 we left for Michigan to attend Grandpa Haveman's funeral. We spent most of the week with our Michigan family, but we were able to spend a little time in Illinois too.

On the 4th of July we went to a parade in Grandville. The kids thorougly enjoyed the candy, the planes that started the parade, the candy, watching the bands, the candy... But they really loved spending time with their cousins.

Driving home from church. Grandma got to sit between Joe & Lena... There sure was a lot of giggling coming from the back seat!

Elena, Hanna and Samantha had so much fun playing with dolls together on Monday morning. Even though they seldom get a chance to see each other, they got along great!

This photo is now out-of-date, but at the time it was taken, this was a picture of all of the Vermeer grandkids.

The first picture was taken on the way to Michigan, the second on the way home. I've included them because they clearly show the change in energy level from the beginning to the end of the trip.