Misc. April Pics

This month kept us busy and having fun! We started out by doing dolls' hair one morning. Lydia decided she wanted to try to cut off some of her own hair- a rather long chunk....

...which lead us to the salon to get a hair cut to even it out. 

Since we were already there Carrie got a trim too.

Lydia just being Lydia...

We got to experience this weather this month....

Thankfully it warmed right back up and we were out enjoying the warmer weather again.

Silas playing peek-a-boo behind the chair.

A picture in the pit at the gymnastics gym.

Just a sweet picture before church.

Zach and I took a 6-week course at Calvin Seminary entitled, "Growing the Church in the Power of the Holy Spirit." It was AWESOME- we both learned, and are continuing to learn a lot about listening and cooperating with the Holy Spirit. If you want to hear more, please ask...we are eager to share! While we were at the class my folks graciously offered to watch the kids each week- THANK YOU! Below my mom and Si are having a nice snuggle. 

Carrie all ready for church.

Silas enjoying the warmer weather of Spring!

Cutie Care...

The girls snuck out of bed for some late-night snuggles with Daddy.

Story time! This past month we've had several mornings in which I read to the girls for about an hour. Normally their attention doesn't last that long, and it's been great having that quality time together.

Silas and Mamma ready for church.

A big event of this month was Silas' first swim! He loved the water and hung out for about an hour in our arms.

Just playing in the grass at the park.

Zach and Care- too cute!

Lydia teaching Silas how to make mud patties. Silas is like, "You're supposed to eat it right?"

Me and Silas after his bath- look at him smirking in there...

Another big event of this month was Zach's 35th birthday! We drove to the Canadian border and had lunch with our good friends from Jarvis to celebrate. The girls gave him a Star Wars mug and I took him out for a delicious dinner. Unfortunately, I somehow forgot to take pictures of all of these events- Whoops! Happy Birthday Zach! Thank you for being an involved, present, sacrificing husband and father. The kids and I are so blessed to have you in our lives and we thank God for you and your Christ-like example to us every day!

Family Sleep Out!

The girls, Lydia in particular, has been asking for a "family sleep out" for a while. In case you don't know, a "family sleep out" means we all watch a show together, eat snacks and sleep together in the living room. Who could say no to that?! I put rollers in the girls hair to add a little something special to the night.

Watching "Little Einsteins" together.

After the show, Daddy read the girls stories before bed. After the girls were asleep I snuck upstairs to sleep on our bed while Zach graciously slept on the couch, which is unfortunately quite uncomfortable...what a Daddy!

Roberts' Visit!

Our friends, Steve and Lindsey Roberts and family came for an afternoon visit while they were in town! Steve and Zach were roommates in seminary and great friends. We haven't seen them since our wedding so it was a real treat to connect again. The kids had fun playing together in the sand box. 

And eating lunch together.

As you can see there was a good amount of playing in the dirt as well.

Steve and Zach, along with Tabitha, posing for a picture before they left.

Lydia was kind enough to take a picture of the adults together. Not bad for a 4-year old!

18 Weeks... And First Preggo Update!

With my previous pregnancies I think I got pictures/updates on the blog around week 12. Well, with this one I'm just getting around to it and I'm almost half-way through the pregnancy! ....poor 4th child. Alas, here I am. I'm feeling pretty good. My check-ups have been very positive: strong baby heart beat, great blood pressure, measuring well, steadily gaining weight...etc. Unfortunately several of the pregnancy physical woes have set in already, but God is giving me strength for each day. The other three kids keep me hopping every day so the good news is I don't have to do much additional exercise!

Misc. March Pics

Here are some pics from the past month. Si helping empty the dishwasher.

Our weekly library toddler time. Notice Silas getting in on it as well. :-)

Exploratory bins!

Daddy reading to the girls before bed.

We were invited to another bi-weekly story-time at our library. It was a lot of fun and offered 4 fun crafts for the kids to do.

Daddy and Lyd.

This is the result of Mamma taking a quick phone call in the other room while the kids remained in the craft room with paint and lots of giggles....painted Si!

Rough house time! Zach has the face of contentment.

Just a funny pic of Silas.

The weather was pretty warm for a few days so we got to the park a couple times.

Onto April!

Canada Visitors!

Some friends from Jarvis came for a weekend visit! Lydia and one of their daughters, Delia, were born about a week apart and that started a great friendship between Adelle (her mom) and I. It was great to re-connect and catch up with them. Our families spent a morning at the museum together.

The older girls went to the planetarium so Carrie hung out with us. She loved this big rock ball.

Hanging out having a snack at the cafe.

The kids enjoyed the playhouse.

And Silas was pumped to be out of his stroller for a while to explore.

Adelle checking out the old bike in Ol' Grand Rapids.

We all had a good quiet time together after a busy morning.

Adelle reading a Bible story to the kids before bed.

Breakfast!

Thanks so much for coming guys! You are welcome back anytime. Hotel Olson always has a vacancy for you!

He is Risen!

We enjoyed a beautiful Easter Sunday celebrating our risen Savior! After a great worship service, we had to get some pictures of the kids/family all dressed up.

 Family shot!

 Sisterly love...

The cousins all ready for the egg hunt!

Our children's choir brought joy to our church service. Here they are singing praises!

What a God we serve! It is such a gift to worship our risen Savior! 

Happy Easter!