Stephen, Christina, Levi & Brooklyn

Playing and Reading

2012-02-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn was buried alive in all the toys!

Cookies

2012-02-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

Levi was sooooo proud of these cookies he made with leftover pie crust!

Big Brother and Sister

2012-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

I tried to get pics of Levi and Brooklyn in their Big brother and sister shirts the other day. This is the best I could get!

Bedtime

2012-01-30T12:59:00.001-08:00

Dad loves to tell Levi stories before bedtime! Levi is captivated by Dad's imagination:)

Sunday Fun

2012-01-27T15:53:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics from this last Sunday!

Sick Brooklyn

2012-01-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

The Saturday before Tiz and Mary left Brooklyn was actingstrange. She was lethargic and felt warm to the touch. After we came back fromdropping off the girls, I took her temperature and it was 104! Yikes!Thankfully by Sunday morning she was doing much better:)

Levi trying to cheer her up!

Siblings

2012-01-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

I just had to take a pic of this interaction the other day!

Visitors

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

A week ago Tiz and Mary came to visit us for a few days! We all enjoyed having them here:)

These are presents they brought for the kids...

Mary was putting her nursing skills to good use...trying to stop Levi's nose bleed:)

We had our first snowfall to speak of while the girls were here, so we all went sledding!

Levi enjoyed learning how to use the stethoscope!

I looked over and Levi had his arm around Tiz...I just had to take a pic:)

We played some games after the kids went to bed! Here is everyone at their best...

The next day we went to Culvers and did a little shopping. This is Levi's favorite way to arrange his french fries!

Can you tell they loved their ride in the school bus?

Levi is showing off the smiley faces on his feet made with lotion!

Friends and Playtime

2012-01-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago our friends Josiah and Sheila and their children Jack and Sabrina brought some teens from their church to a winter retreat! It was great to see them and catch up in person:) On Friday morning the kids had a playtime together. It was cute to watch them interact!

Christmas Night

2012-01-05T16:18:00.000-08:00

After church on Sunday night a big group was invited to the Roberts' house! Brooklyn loved their dog...she is not one bit scared of animals:)

Serious game of Snorta!

Watching the game!

This is before Levi and Brooklyn fell off the bench:(

Christmas Day

2012-01-05T16:08:00.000-08:00

The boys and their Grandma!

More Christmas Eve

2012-01-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

Our family spent the night at Headquarters on Christmas Eve. Levi and Brooklyn are saying goodnight!

I just had to get a few pics of Levi by the tree:)

Christmas Eve

2012-01-05T15:34:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Eve we went to the Plaides house! We played some pretty fun, unique games as you will see:) The object of this one is to get the lamp shade (which is connected to a fishing pole) on your head.

Way to go!

The object of this game is to be the first team to rotate the differently colored cup all the way through the stack of cups.

Playing categories...it was pretty lively with all these people:)

I thought this picture was priceless:)

The biggest box of chocolate we had ever seen!

Rains' Christmas

2011-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas with the Rains' family on Saturday!

Summer surprised David!!!

Paul's ice cream-filled pancake:)

Brooklyn is ready to open presents!

Sarah designed these shirts that Philip gave the boys for Superior Storage Sheds (their shed-building business).

The Many Faces of Brooklyn:)

2011-12-29T12:17:00.000-08:00

Bowling

2011-12-29T12:11:00.000-08:00

On the Monday before Christmas a big group of us went bowling for free at the Whitewater Recreation Center...great deal!

Random Rains:)

Mukwonago Christmas Program

2011-12-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

Levi sang "Away in a Manger" in the Mukwonago Christmas Program! He just stood there looking around, but on the second verse he yelled the word "awake" a second after all the other kids had finished singing it...it was tooooooo cute:)

Falls Christmas Program

2011-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

On December 10th we attended the program "Wisemen Still Seek Him" at Falls Baptist Church!

See Summer and Dave acting as Mary and Joseph:)

This is Paul...in case you couldn't tell:P

Christmas Banquet in Chicago

2011-12-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

A few weekends ago Stephen and I along with a few others from Camp Joy were invited to a Christmas Banquet in the Chicago area. Everything was beautiful!

The Logan Sisters

The decorations were georgeous!

Can you spy Stephen?

The Quartet Sang

Stephen played his trombone:)

Mukwonago Christmas Parade

2011-12-20T18:59:00.000-08:00

No, they were not in the parade...just waiting for things to start!

Watching the parade

Levi was so excited because "Noah" waved at him!!!

Brooklyn and her lei:)

Celebration!

2011-12-20T10:47:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday evening we went to Taco Bell for dinner to celebrate Stephen's last day of class for the semester! I looked over at Levi and he was eating his quesidilla like this. He said "like you!" I died laughing because I realized he was imitating the way I was eating:)

Brooklyn was chowing down on her quesidilla stopping every so often to scream and rub her tongue because it was a bit spicy! She would also reach over periodically and grab some food Levi had chewed and spit out:)

Levi called his cinnamon twists "Christmas twists!"

2011-12-17T09:58:00.000-08:00

What We're Up To!

2011-12-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

Stephen started his second-to-last grad class on Monday, so we have been super busy! Here are few pics of the last few days.

Eating lunch with Tati!
Can you tell Levi enjoyed his oreo cookie?!

Visit to the Doctor

2011-12-07T16:36:00.000-08:00

We had the first ultrasound yesterday! The doctor says everything looks great! We even heard the heartbeat! Levi and Brooklyn were fascinated:)

The kids loved the decorations at the doctor's office!
So did Stephen!

Priceless Pics

2011-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

This whole picture session started because Levi was in his suit and he matched Daddy! We decided to get some pictures:)

Lest you think she is photogenic...

I just love this one!!!!!!!

Play-time!

2011-12-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

Now what did the say about touching the tree?!

Levi has finally learned to smile on command:)

Christmas Decorations

2011-12-01T12:15:00.001-08:00

On Monday evening we decorated for Christmas! Everyone got in on the action!

Last, but definitely not least!

Thanksgiving Celebration

2011-12-01T10:13:00.001-08:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Friday at Uncle Ron and Aunt Diana's house!

The appetizer table was the perfect height for Brooklyn to graze! She spent most of her time here:)

Stephen enjoyed the appetizers as well!

Ryan did a marvelous job carving the turkey!

Our table minus Anna, Brooklyn and I

Brooklyn loved sitting on the dog's stairs!

Of course Levi loved everyone reading to him:)

The whole group!

We took our annual sister picture...We missed you, Abby and Mary:(

Ryan and Nick tried to fill in the gaps...it wasn't the same though!

Fun game of Mad Gab!

Fun at the Cousin's House

2011-11-29T12:19:00.000-08:00

Pow-wow as usual!

Amanda surprised Tiz!

Yuta playing a concert for us!

Stephen gave Joanna a guitar lesson:)

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-29T11:58:00.000-08:00

We had a relaxed Thanksgiving Day! Actually didn't celebrate Thanksgiving until Friday because Uncle Ron and Aunt Diana went to the Lions v. Packers game! We watched the game at Grandma's house and then went to the cousin's house:)

We brought Dave a belated birthday present! He had already opened the gift, but we wanted to get pictures so we told him to act surprised again! Wouldn't you say he did a great job?:)

More Pix of our Travels

2011-11-29T11:51:00.000-08:00

Stephen and Pab fixed something on the roof.

Levi like to wear Gpa Burtt's hat!

Traveling to MI!

2011-11-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday we left for MI. We were glad to have Tiz along for the ride! Levi loved holding her hand:)

Watching Miss Case's 2nd grade video...finally!
Listening to music!

Eating dinner at Culvers. Levi was creative with the fries!

Levi & Brooklyn's shirts...

2011-11-26T13:33:00.000-08:00

...say it all!

The new little one is due July 13th! We thank the Lord for these three blessings:)

Camp Fun!

2011-11-24T18:58:00.000-08:00

Levi got this hat from the snack shack!

Brooklyn took this cookie off the table. I had actually told her not to, so after the picture I took it away:(
Levi loved his ride in the bobcat!

Levi loves to help:) in the kitchen.

I thought this was soooooo cute...I just had to take a picture.

Christmas Shopping

2011-11-24T18:36:00.000-08:00

Last week we went Christmas shopping!

Brooklyn wants a puppy for Christmas:) The kids enjoyed this more than shopping!

We stopped at Arby's on the way home and Levi got a shake. I told him I would take the shake away if he took the straw out. A few minutes later when I looked back Levi had taken the straw out, so I had to follow through on my promise:( When I asked him why I had taken the shake away, Levi replied, "I took the strawberry out."

Dad's Day Off!

2011-11-17T11:59:00.000-08:00

Does it look like everyone is having fun?!

Levi enjoyed taking a nap on Dad and Mom's bed!

Christmas Lights!

2011-11-17T11:55:00.000-08:00

Stephen just put up some Christmas lights on our house! The kids really enjoy them:)

Mother-Daughter Retreat

2011-11-17T11:52:00.000-08:00

We enjoyed the Retreat this past weekend! Everything was beautifully decorated for Christmas!

I know he looks serious, but he is actually goofing off!
We went on a wagon ride:)

Nursery-time

2011-11-07T15:34:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pics of kids in the nursery!

Yes, they just woke up:)

Favorites

2011-11-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

Levi loves to read... ...and Brooklyn loves to talk on the phone!

Craft-time

2011-10-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

These pictures capture a little of the fun during craft-time today at our homeschool retreat!

Stephen led a wood-working project:) He and Levi made a shelf.

The ladies/girls made mulling spices!

Winterized!

2011-10-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn is getting ready for winter with Mom's earmuffs:)

Congratulations, Tim & Christy Roberts

2011-10-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we went to Tim and Christy's wedding!

Most of the Roberts' children that are married along with their spouses.

Hannah and Emily

Levi pretty much took over Sarah's lap and food:)

Christy's veil came off after the kiss and the Pastor caught it. Not sure why, but he was still holding it at the reception...maybe he was waiting to return it:)

Cutting the cake...

Brooklyn was enthralled by Christy's dress!

If looks could kill!

Goforth Fellowship!!!

Summer & Dave...looking forward to their wedding on April 21st!

Levi and Daniel Lange matched:)

Fun in the Park

2011-10-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

The other day we decided to go to the park just for fun! Doesn't Brooklyn look excited?!

Yes, Levi put his hat on:)

Soccer

2011-10-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Levi loves to play soccer outside so yesterday we took advantage of the beautiful fall day!

Brooklyn enjoyed her bird's eye view from the backpack carrier!

Mari Datis

2011-10-18T15:09:00.000-07:00

I just had to get a picture of Levi and Brooklyn dressed in their Mari Datis (Swahili for church clothes) on Sunday!

Levi gladly posed for a picture on the way to church:)

Recruiting at BJU

2011-10-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Last Monday through Friday, Stephen and I went with a group from Camp Joy to recruit for summer staff at BJU. The drive was beautiful and picturesque!

Stephen tried to keep the setting sun out of his eyes while taking a nap:)

Trying to do some reading:)

We stopped at Chick-Fil-A for dinner!

We went out to lunch on Tuesday for a belated anniversary celebration!

We saw many friends.

the Langendorfers...

the Reams...

Anna Magnuson...

Jennifer Boyce...

and her brother, Josh...

Amanda Chinn...

(She showed us her fifth grade classroom!)

Tara Solomon...

... and lots more! We met Deborah for lunch on Friday in Nashville!!!

Meanwhile, Levi was at the Lange's house! He made cookies with "Mama Lange" as he says:)

Someone probably told him to smile:)

Enjoying the fruit of his labors!

Playtime with Daniel...

Storytime with Abby...

Something must have been funny!

Levi and Brooklyn were soooooo excited to see each other on Wednesday night! Brooklyn was sitting on Aunt Leah's lap when Levi spied her across the fellowship hall. He ran toward her yelling "B," "B" and nestled his head in her lap as she wrapped her arms around him. They continued to embrace, giggle, and pinch each other's cheeks!!!

Brooklyn had fun at Headquarters! She even got to go to school sometimes!

THE END!

Reading

2011-10-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Uncle Phil and Levi reading on Sunday afternoon:) I thought this was sooooooo cute...I just had to take a picture.

Yogurt!

2011-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Levi thoroughly enjoys his food...especially yogurt!

Shed Building

2011-10-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Here is the shed Stephen and Levi have been building! They both love swinging a hammer:)

Birthday Party!

2011-10-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Brooklyn's birthday on Sunday!

David and Summer were there:)
Even though it is not his bday, Levi got presents from Aunt Tina...not sure how that one worked:)

Notice the bee on the cake! That is for Brooklyn's nickname "B":)

While everyone had their attention on Brooklyn, Levi helped himself to this cupcake ! Apparently he didn't want to wait!!

He also enjoyed picking off the gummy candies:)

This is how Brooklyn chose to eat her cake! No one told her to do this:) Not sure, maybe she wanted to keep her hands clean.

Good to the last drop (or crumb) :)

Griffin Glory!

2011-10-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

Tina Rains (the other one) is back from Kenya for a visit!!! On Sunday afternoon we stopped at the Griffin's apple orchard (a couple in our church)!

Levi had "a party in the mouth" as Mr. Griffin would say!
Paul said he was becoming "one with nature".

Stephen picked a few apples to take home...notice his pockets! Brooklyn was not sure what the laughing was all about:)

New Carseat

2011-10-04T09:16:00.000-07:00

Brooklyn loves her new carseat! She feels like a big girl now that she is facing forward. I love how she takes advantage of the arm rest:)

Week-in-Review

2011-10-04T09:01:00.000-07:00

This past week Stephen was taking another grad class so we packed our bags and stayed at Mrs. Corbin's "courtship cottage" as we call it! Here is a collage of pictures from the past week and a half:)

Levi helped Dad start building a shed at camp two Saturdays ago! See his work belt?

The face-off:)

Levi and Brooklyn loved the piano at Mrs. Corbin's house! One evening Levi yelled, "Help, Dad!" and we looked over to see this:)

Levi keeps us entertained! I absolutely love this picture:)

Levi visited Miss Jolene's class one day and she put this hat on him.

I tried pig-tails in Brooklyn's hair one day!

She climbed in here by herself!

Happy 1st Birthday, Brooklyn!

2011-10-04T08:38:00.001-07:00

It is hard to believe our baby Brooklyn turned 1 on September 27th! We are thankful for our little "B":)

3 Years of Wedded Bliss!!!

2011-10-04T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Lord has given us three wonderful years of marriage already! Time sure does fly when you're having fun:) We are thankful for the Lord's grace and goodness in our lives!

Random Pics

2011-09-19T17:15:00.000-07:00

Life has been a whirlwind these past few weeks because Stephen has been taking a grad class! This is what he does when taking a break from his studies:)

Last week we had Jonathan and Rebecca Barber out here at Camp! Stephen was teaching Levi and Samuel how to roll down the hill:)

Samuel and Brooklyn sharing their rides!

One day Levi stayed at Headquarters and went to school with Aunt Leah!

Brooklyn wants piano lessons for Christmas!

Stephen figured out how to make the horn work in the program jeep by using a pair of pliers.

Running a game...

Last Saturday night I had my back turned to Brooklyn for about 3 mins. In the meantime she climbed up on the table!!! I had to get a picture before taking her down:) She really keeps me on my toes...never know what she is going to do next!

Happy Birthday, Luke!!!

2011-09-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Luke's 20th birthday is today! No more teenagers for Dad and Mom Rains! Yesterday we celebrated with him:)

Levi wants everyone to read books to him!

Brooklyn loves playing with all the toys, especially the stuffed animals:)

Birthday Candles

2011-09-05T09:06:00.000-07:00

Levi said these were birthday candles for Brooklyn (whose birthday is just around the corner)!

David & Summer

2011-08-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

A few miscellaneous pictures during the courtship of David and Summer!

A bonfire at the Rains' house ("Headquarters")

Canoeing on Whitewater Lake

We took pictures by Driftwood Village

Sisters!

Watching the Thunderbirds in Milwaukee, WI

On a Sunday walk in the neighborhood

Culvers

2011-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening a huge group of us went to Culver's to celebrate David & Summer's engagement and Summer's birthday and to say goodbye to David (becoming Grad Assistant at BCM), Ramona (staying in the dorms at BCM) and Szilard and Zjofi (returning to Hungary). What other reason do we need?!

Sunday in Monroe, WI

2011-08-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

On Sunday the Camp Quartet sang at a park service for a church in Monroe, WI.

Brooklyn found a friend:)

Stephen's brother, Philip, filled in for Todd Hatchett.

Pastor Randy King from Oshkosh, WI was the special speaker!

The strawberries were used as a preaching illustration. Levi had a great time devouring them afterwards!

The nursery...more like a jungle-gym for her:0)

Dad's trombone stand will help occupy...

Chicago!!!

2011-08-29T19:43:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we spent the day in Chicago enjoying the sites! I (Christina) had never done that and was very excited to finally be there:)

Oh yeah, the real reason... David and Summer got engaged!!! We are so happy for them and glad that we could be a part of this special day:) Here are a few pre-engagement pictures we took while Stephen was parking the car and setting up the special "engagement spot" that David had picked out the day before.

This is the "spot"! Summer was actually the one to suggest that they get pictures taken here...she played right into the plan without knowing it! If you look closely there are roses in the right corner.

I kept snapping pictures because I thought the "spot" Dave had picked out was farther down the path. I kept telling them to keep walking:) David had seen the roses, but Summer hadn't. If you notice the puzzled look on Dave's face...he was probably thinking "ok this is it. Please go away so we can have some privacy!"

David pointed out the roses to Summer.

She said "Yes!"

She loves the ring!

We decided to get a few pictures while waiting!

Stephen eating his free chips from Chipotle!

Carly enjoying hers too!

We just had to get pictures by this beautiful fountain!

The forecast in Chicago on Saturday: Summer Rains:)

Texting the BIG NEWS!

We are soooooo excited for you, David and Summer! We are praying for you as you continue in the Lord's perfect will and prepare for the other BIG DAY!

Hungarian Newlyweds

2011-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

We were privileged to have a Hungarian couple, Szilard and Zjofi, spend part of their honeymoon with us at Camp Joy!

Here they are going to the top of the skyglide!
Ready to go down...

They liked it sooooo much, they went back for more!

They also tried the bungaline!

Next we took them on a boat ride!

Needless to say, they loved it:)

Szilard really wanted to ride Stephen's four-wheeler!

Trip to Ann Arbor

2011-08-25T19:38:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we traveled to Ann Arbor, MI to visit with family! We were glad to go because it has been a long time since we have seen relatives there.

The night before we left, Levi decided to put on my shoes:)

We stopped at a park on the way to eat lunch! It was a great way for Levi to get out some energy:)
Brooklyn loved this bird at the other Burtt's house! It was adorable watching her try to imitate the sound:)

Levi put together this Mr. Potato Head and called him "Mr. McGregor" from Peter Rabbit.

It was nice to see Adam and Katie!

Stephen preached on Sunday evening!

On the way back...Levi looked quite worn out!

We stopped at Culvers...

I hope to post more pictures when I get them!

Sweet Cheeks

2011-08-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Visit with Relatives

2011-08-15T18:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Uncle Paul, Aunt Renee and two of their boys came from Ohio to visit. We had a cookout on Grandma's patio!

Look what Levi and Brooklyn found to play with.

"Hey, that's mine!"

Bike-ride

2011-08-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday when the teens arrived back at church from the campout, Sarah borrowed this bike to give me a ride!

Stephen took me for a ride too!

No...we didn't all ride. Just a good photo op!

Story-time with Grandma Wilson

2011-08-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Big Stuff!

2011-08-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Last week Stephen and I conducted a children's program at Greendale Baptist Church during their special meetings with Todd Sivnksky. On Friday night we went out to Culvers. Levi sat with the big kids! Let's just say he was feeling the freedom!!!

Thunderbirds!!!

2011-08-09T09:06:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we went to see the Thunderbirds in Milwaukee! This was Levi's first time seeing them:)

Levi enjoyed playing in the fountains afterwards!

Mukwonago Baptist Acadamy Promotion in Milwaukee

2011-08-09T08:50:00.000-07:00

On Sunday evening, July 31, students and graduates of the Academy at our church ministered at a church in Milwaukee! Stephen sang...
...and played his trombone!

Reminisce

2011-08-09T08:47:00.000-07:00

Daddy used to sit in this high-chair and wear this bib!

Random Happenings

2011-08-05T18:32:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that tomorrow ends our summer camping season! Time has flown by:) Here are a few glimpses into the past few weeks.

Our family vehicle! We may consider taking this one to Kenya:)

Our little Brooklyn:) She is growing up sooooo fast!

This is her most recent hobby! We're not sure who she learned this from???

This is dirt...not chocolate.

Levi and his subjects!

Watching skits...

Two little blessings from the Lord:)

The Green Family

Wedding!!!

2011-07-30T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today we attending the wedding for Matt & Megan Weber! It was absolutely beautiful and brought back memories of our special day almost 3 years ago:)

Matt eagerly awaiting his bride...

I think one of the flower girls was getting tired of standing:)

Stephen sang "O Glorious Love"

Exchanging Bibles in place of the unity candle.

The Shoultz family sang

THE KISS!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Weber

Stephen and the twins had matching ties because they all sang in the wedding.

Random Rains:)

Visitors

2011-07-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

This past week Tiz, Mary, and David came from MI and the some of the Webbs from NC came to WI for a visit!

Notice Levi's french fries!

Vacation Bible School

2011-07-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago was VBS at Mukwonago Baptist Church!!!

Luke was in the skit!

Levi's favorite time:)

VBS Fun Fair

2011-07-18T14:30:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a fun fair and closing program on Friday evening!

Katie drawing charicatures
Does this look like Levi?!

Mino racing

The best part--digging in the candy bucket!

Sarah dunked Nathanael! Levi loved the bean bag toss!

The "Rains" Maker:)

Luke was the victim:(...he doesn't look too put-out though.

Soccer was another one of Levi's favorites!

Leah, Dad and Luke were in the skit!

Dress from Hungary

2011-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Aunt Sarah brought a Hungarian dress back for Brooklyn:) The picture of Levi and Brooklyn didn't turn out so well!

Birthday Party!!!

2011-07-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a birthday party for Levi! Stephen and I made this tractor cake for him...he seemed to really like it:)

Levi waiting for everyone to come:)
We get bad reception in our apartment...here they are trying to send texts:)

Levi pretending his plate is a bday hat.

Last night we also welcomed Sarah back from 6 months in Hungary. It was great to see her again! Philip just couldn't wait to give her a hug:)

Levi was glad to see Sarah:)

Opening presents...

and now for the cake...

Doesn't he look thrilled!

Farm-time Fun

2011-07-10T11:24:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday night we went down to the Roberts' farm to see some animals!

Boiled Brooklyn

2011-07-10T11:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it costs to be a missionary to the canibals!

Happy Birthday, Levi!

2011-07-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Levi turned 2 years old today! Happy Birthday to our little man. We are thankful the Lord gave you to us:)

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night we went to watch fireworks in East Troy. They were great!

Waiting for the show to begin...

Our Hungarian friends, Lydia and Aniko.

This was Brooklyn's first time seeing fireworks. She absolutely loved them!

Brooklyn didn't prefer this position.

Philip wanted to get his picture with the fireworks in the background.

Nice, Pab:)

Stephen in the Opera

2011-07-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, Stephen was a part of an opera. He was one of the gangsters...don't worry he is pretty harmless!

Natureland

2011-07-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we took a little trip to a nearby camp and checked out their nature center. It was awesome!

We finally convinced Levi to touch the tortoise.

Levi wasn't too sure about holding the snakes.

I thought this painting was really neat...very colorful!

Levi loved this expandable ball.

At first Levi didn't want to touch the ferret...

...then he got daring!

I loved this colorful parrot:)

Levi was soooooo excited because he found "Suzy" the squirrel.

Welcome David James!

2011-07-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

A couple in our church just had their second child. He has been long awaited for...his older sister is around 10:) We had a baby shower for him last Monday.

The mother and proud older sister!

Brooklyn found a little playmate.

Fun on the Home Front!

2011-07-04T17:27:00.000-07:00

Levi loves to line up his animals and pretend he is directing a choir:)

Brooklyn buried herself in a pile of shoes!

New Wagon

2011-07-04T17:16:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Rains got the kids a new wagon this past Christmas. They have been enjoying using it on beautiful summer days:)

Brooklyn was napping during this ride, so we let the big bee take a ride with Levi.

Sleeping Frog

2011-06-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

Levi sleeps in some pretty interesting positions:)

Father's Day

2011-06-28T15:14:00.000-07:00

Stephen wore this shirt on Father's Day (only in the afternoon, of course...not to church)!

Stephen and his Dad
I'm one of his fans:)

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the greatest Dad's in the world! We thank the Lord for our fathers. We also praise the Lord and for His grace and mercy in our lives and for being our Heavenly Father!

Christina's Dad...

Stephen's Dad...

And last, but definitely not least...Stephen!

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Family Camp 1

2011-06-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

This past week was a family camp! Jim Van Gelderen was the speaker, so it was nice to have his family with us. Also, Aunt Tiz came from MI!

Levi loves making announcements with Dad! Two Van girls playing their fiddles for the picnic on Tuesday!
Brooklyn enjoying baked beans:)

After waiting for what seemed like hours, Janna finally got to go on the bungaline!

Brooklyn was having a great time on the 4-wheeler! We start 'em young:)

Levi had to jump on too:)

Tiz went tubing with each of her girls!

Tiz took Levi and Brooklyn on horse rides.

Too much activity...

Birthday Party

2011-06-13T22:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we celebrated Evan's (a boy in our church) birthday!

Brooklyn found some exciting things to do...

...and so did Levi!
He really wanted someone to play volleyball with him...
...finally someone did!

LMS Camp

2011-06-13T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great Leadership, Music, and Speech Camp this past week. Stephen and I even pulled out our instruments to play in the closing concert on Friday night! It is amazing to think that we were campers together in 1999 for the LMS week and don't remember meeting each other:)We were glad Aunt Leah could stay the week with us. Levi especially enjoyed the time:) Levi had to take care of important business on Leah's phone:)

Airplane Ride

2011-06-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today Philip went on his second flight experience ever! As part of LMS Camp, he flew with Terry Rushing from Wings as Eagles.

Training Camp

2011-06-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

This past week was a great start to the 2011 Camp Joy Summer! We are excited about the staff that the Lord has brought to us. Here is a little peek into the all the fun!

Stephen and Levi singing the Camp Joy song!

Uncle Luke is counseling the summer. Levi loves having him around!All the counselors were introduced to natureland!

Levi's favorite things...

He'll sit here for hours playing with the rocks and trying to feed them to the dog:)

He likes this little bench...it is actually just supposed to be decoration.

Brooklyn loves playing in the grass...

...and eating anything she can find:)

and of course they love the slide!

Pretty Little Lady

2011-06-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

I just had to snap a few pictures of Brooklyn all dressed up on Sunday!

Brooklyn Advancing

2011-06-03T09:45:00.000-07:00

Now Brooklyn can pull herself up on everything...

...but she hasn't quite figured out how to get down:)

Bookworm!

2011-06-01T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday night Levi visited the Mukwonago Baptist Academy/Church Library! He was definitely in his element:)