Angry Birds

I remember when I was in grade school I didn't get to bring treats to school for my birthday because it was during the summer. As a kid I felt like I missed out a little, but as a parent of two kids with summer birthdays I thought great, less work! However, last week was Amelia's half birthday and she came home very excited to be able to bring snacks for her class. Our school celebrates the kids with summer birthdays at their half birthday so everyone can bring a snack in if they choose to!   

Amelia choose to bring in Angry Birds cupcakes. These are characters from a little game they like to play. I found the idea for them on Pinterest, my favorite site to find fun things to make or do!

 I gathered the supplies and baked the cupcakes while Amelia decorated them with little faces. She LOVED it! 

 The kids later decided to color Angry Birds together.

They stacked my laundry, which is never ending! It reminded me of one of the little towers they try to knock over in the Angry Birds game. :) 

Terraces

Many area farmers have taken advantage of the warmer than usual winter weather we've had so far. Tile was done earlier and last week terraces were finished to one of our farms. Mark has enjoyed fixing up this farm and it's looking good.

We brought out coffeetime and all the boys wanted to ride. Mark is is pushing dirt to his brother Mike with Elijah in this picuture.

Karl is running the scraper with Anton. 

Ethan got on the dozer with Mike after I took this picture.



Allison Grace

Allison Grace was born on 1/5/12 at 1:17am She weighed 8lbs 13oz. and was 21 inches long.

Big Brother Elijah

Mom and Baby

Her going home outfit

Loving our new little girl.

Going Home

My Girls!

Christmas

We had Christmas with my family a couple weeks ago already,but better late than never to post pictures!

"Who ever smiles the nicest gets to open their present first!"

Our attempt at a family picture.

Elijah loving his new hot wheels track.

Our crew!

December

My blog isn't working right but I did my best to add a few random pictures. I have a couple more posts of Christmas things I'd like to get done soon if my computer will let me!


AH, sweet revenge! Elijah and Anton fight quite a bit, here Elijah was playing in a laundry basket when Anton decided to hop on top so he couldn't get out.



Mark and I took third place in the Iowa Farm Bureau Young Farmer Achievement Contest (a farm management contest)



The kids dressed up for their Christmas program this morning. This was Elijah's first year in the program. I was thankful he at least stood up there, even if he had to be bribed by his teacher with a toy. :)


Mark got Ethan some screws for his motorcycle tires so he could ride on the ice this winter. The boys had fun helping and were excited about the free hats they got!


Elijah has learned how to ride a bike without training wheels! He's so proud of himself! For some reason he likes riding Amelia's bike better than his own though.

The extra cement around the shop was supposed to help with my "kid in the mud" problems, but it's looking like I still have to deal with the muddy kid! Mark better get his drain cleaned out!

The boys take the easy ride on the motorcycle, but Amelia would rather chase them. She loves to run!

Thanksgiving Fun

This Thanksgiving weekend was another busy one for our family. It was wonderful to see family that we don't get to see often and reflect on how much the Lord has done for us! We truly have much to be thankful for!

We spent Thanksgiving Day in Pella with my moms side. We rented a hotel meeting room for lunch and the kids got to use the pool/hot tub for the afternoon. This was so fun for them!

Anton I don't think Grandma is dressed appropriately for the hot tub. :)

Amelia quickly found Sienna, and didn't let her out of her sight the entire afternoon! I was so thankful for the teenage cousins who so kindly swam with our kids so I didn't have to!

Friday was spent playing with cousins at our house (sorry no pictures) and setting up the tree.

Friday night was Van Den Broek bowling! Aunt Ang helped Elijah and he had a blast, he was so proud of himself for knocking over the pins! Yea for the little ball ramp!

He's already looking forward to bowling again!

Tiling Project

I'm way overdue in posting and this is project is already a couple weeks old but it's at least it's an update. Mark has enjoyed fixing up the farm we bought last spring and was able to put in some of the tile a couple weeks ago with the help of his brothers. He also cleared brush and trees, fixed up waterways and the kids and I had the fun job of picking up sticks and a few rocks. We're very excited about how much better it's looking!

Anton very excited to join the guys working!

Ethan and Elijah spent all day helping.

Looks like a heavy load Amelia!

The kids enjoyed being outside and watching their dad and uncles for the afternoon!