Sandy Pines 2014

The boys were excited to golf with Opa - especially Emmit because this was his first time golfing on the 'real course'

BMX racing in Michigan:

Emmit showing Mia how the push bike racing works:

 Emmit's course in MN does not have a gate - he was super excited to be like the big kids and have a gate start!

And his first trophy! Granted he beat a girl who wasn't quite 3 and still in diapers...but he took first!!

Convincing Uncle Jeff, Ella, and Mia to work the gate so he could practice.

The boys played well together for quite a long time on the top of the hill near the trailer. They played with my brother's toys from his childhood - 40+ years old toys! And the Jeep is still working!

Emmit's new sport - drive by hunting

taking a break and enjoying the sprinkler:

sand castle building with mom:

Gerrit's legs disappeared:

Love this photo - flower and all!

The big E is pretty cute too - even with his shaggy hair!

The water park - super cold water!

Gerrit tubing with Jack. Jack's mom and I are childhood friends that use to tube all the time together! They currently live in Seattle so being able to spend time with them this week is extra special. Now our kids are old enough to enjoy playing with each other so we spent a lot of time together. Made for a great week for all of us!

Emmit couldn't let the big boys show him up - he too had to show he knew how to do some 'tricks'

love this kid and his snorkel mask!

Emmit and Jack in the boat

Trying to surf

Gerrit showing Jack and his little sister Cate how to snorkel. Cate would try anything the big kids were doing - so even though she didn't have snorkel gear didn't stop her!

Tubing with the cousins - a bit rougher than tubing with Jack!

Max helping Emmit try the slack line

A tradition - fishing after dinner

Mia was patient and helped Emmit fish

Emmit played mini golf - daily! Good thing it was free!

Taking the boys to Lake Michigan

Gerrit liked the water (even though it was cold). Emmit didn't so much due to the seagulls. Not quite sure why as the birds were not near us, but he was fixated on them!

Running down the dunes...

Not quite successful on this trip down:

Boys and sand, go hand in hand!

Videos...

Seeing it is a rainy day, I decided to figure out how to get the videos I've taken off of the video camera on onto the computer. Task = success! See for yourself:

Here's Emmit's first BMX race this year.

Here's Gerrit's first race of the year too.

And here is the finals for Gerrit's race (He made it to the finals in heat #2).

I'm still working on Gerrit's spring program. I taped the whole thing (23 min) so its tough to upload. I have not given up though!

Hopefully, I'll be a bit more on the ball with videos seeing it is quite easy with the new camera! That is, if we remember to take footage too! 

Easter

I just realized I didn't post Easter pictures!

The annual egg dying wasn't quite the same without Luker, but we made the most of it:

The Easter bunny came at night and left a few things for the boys in the morning:

Emmit sure enjoyed his treats!

Gerrit loved his too:

 I was able to get them to sit still for a few minutes to get a photo:

Gerrit refused to wear his shirt and tie (that he picked out). It was very hot in church so he was probably better off in short sleeves anyways!

When Uncle Travis and Aunt Millie came, the boys had an egg hunt outside.

There were more eggs than room in their baskets!

After lunch we walked to the park to try out their new kites - thanks to Uncle Travis and Aunt Millie. 

It was a beautiful day with just enough wind to fly the kites. A wonderful lunch and afternoon with family is always a bonus on a holiday.