what a day

So today is my grandma's 90th birthday! I called home and everyone is out to lunch celebrating the matriarch of our family. The phone gets passed around the table and I hear bits and pieces of what everyone is thinking of today. The waitress comes and I hear my aunt's order as we discuss life. I talk to my mom about the big family event that took place last night and hear about the craziness of it all. You don't ever just have a big family you live a big family. There is always someone who has a plan and someone else who is clueless to any sort of plan. There are the hilarious stories, the drama filled monologues, and of course the updates on daily life...especially on what new recipes are being shared. We have the guests from out of town who are quickly whirled into a tornado of see this person and don't miss this site, oh and you're only here for a short time what can I make you to eat....:) I know that my family is big, loud, sometimes a bit disorganized, and full of drama, but those are just more reasons that I love them and wish I was celebrating with them all today. I have a quiet day planned with everything in order, but I wish I had a little craziness on the horizon. I'll just have to look into that.
Happy Birthday Grandma!!! I love you!

Vacation

So I wrote very briefly in the beginning of August just to share with everyone from the last six months. I do plan on doing a bit of catch up...and don't worry we have pictures of everything. Today however, I want to share about the last few weeks. Angela and I took off three weeks ago on a red eye flight to London, Ontario where we met up with my mom, Andrea, and our friend Christine. From there we drove to Holland, MI to start our week there. We had the privilege of seeing so many good friends and spending time together. Angela was able to take in the sights: Tunnel Park, Hope College campus (and bookstore), eight street, JP's and of course she also came to some of the dance camp. I was in Holland teaching for the week at Turning Pointe School of Dance's summer intensive. This meant that Angela had the unique opportunity to spend the week with Nana and Aunt Andrea. One particular highlight was when Nana brought Angela all dressed in a tutu and ballet shoes to the studio and had a little photo shoot. ( I don't have those yet, but will post them when I do) We had a great week and I was able to introduce Angela to some of my dearest friends. Like all good things this came to an end, but our vacation still had another adventure to go. Andy, had a business trip in Houston the following week, so Angela and I took the direct flight to Houston and reunited our little family. Needless to say Angela was thrilled to see her father after seven days away. Houston was a bit more restful for me considering that I didn't have to work this week. Once again Angela was able to meet some of our closest friends and saw the sights of Houston. One thing to highlight would be Angela's attachment to Heidi, Lauren and Ben's dog. Angela was just in awe of her and Heidi seemed to follow us all around the house. It was a beautiful friendship by the end of the week :) After being away it is always hard to transition back to normal life, but this week we have done it. Nap times are back on schedule :) It is always hard to say goodbye to people you love, but there is also a joy in coming home. Until next trip....Calgary its nice to see you again! Please stay warm a bit longer (forecast is for a cold cold weekend ahhh miss you Houston already)

six months and we're back :)

So the last post on this blog was over six months ago. Four days after I posted that blog I went into labor and Angela arrived. The past six months I have been learning to be a mom, and loving every moment of it. Andy and I just can't imagine that we ever had a life without her in it. There are so many exciting and cute moments each day that I am looking forward to sharing with you!