Spring Break

Spring break is coming to a close and the beautiful weather and relaxed schedule has us all very anxious for summer vacation. We did not do a whole lot over break, but did enjoy getting lots of fresh air, attempting some geo-caching (not something easy to do with a 1 year old) shopping and best of all playing with cousins (and even getting to have a slumber party with them)! They all got a taste of the beach in preparation for camping in Michigan this summer also.Pure bliss!
We were trying to get a picture of the kids all together...guess who didn't want to participate :)

The one time we allowed Luke to act goofy for a picture

Aunt Jennifer & Kate

They LOVED this spinning toy

My two ADORABLE models :)

Enjoying a lovely picnic...I foresee many, many more of this coming up this spring/summer

Gymnastics Adventures

Bethany was blessed to be able to participate in gymnastics the past 3 months and once again LOVED every minute of it. She couldn't wait for the one night a week she went and it really helped build her confidence all around. I could see a lot of improvement over the past three months. She excelled on the balance beam, loved the bars and did an excellent job of trying her absolute hardest in everything that was asked of her.Walking the balance beam - she really liked the high beam the best
Showing off a little :)

Our flexible little girl

Playing their "front of the ship/back of the ship" game during warm-ups

Upward Basketball

Jaren had the opportunity to participate in the Upward Basketball program sponsored by a local church and he LOVED it. It is such a wonderful program that incorporates basketball fundamentals along with Christian teachings. The program was extemely organized and included 1 night of practice and then a game on Saturday. Jaren's team became such good buddies throughout the season and it was so fun to watch that friendship grow along with the basketball skills improve. Encouragement could be heard throughout the entire game by the coaches, refs and other players which was so neat to witness. Each practice included a time for devotions and each game started with a time of prayer with both teams, the coaches and the refs. How awesome is that?!?! Right now we have 3 kids wanting to play next year and I am all for that! They had a celebration tonight to celebrate each child and had a couple of very special guests - Steven Staggs who is a wide receiver for the Iowa Hawkeys spoke about courage & listening to God and your parents.

Steven Staggs & Tyler Sash's autographs on Jaren's jersey
Jaren & Steven Staggs

Jaren & Tyler Sash

Jaren's team receiving their trophies and other fun items

Jaren's cheering section at his last game...

...and the rest of them.

Going up for a shot - and he made it!

I love this picture - Jaren & Annika are good friends and this picture shows that teamwork that they have learned.

Getting final instructions from the refs before the game starts.

Sledding Fun

This winter has not been a good sledding winter with the lack of snow, but we did manage to go to Grandpa & Grandma's one Saturday for a lot of fun. The weather was picture perfect with warmer temps and no wind. Our wonderful Aunt Arlene, Mackenzie & Levi joined us. And of course we finished the sledding party off with a trip to Happy Joe's for pizza & games (thanks to Aunt Arlene for the quarters!).Like Father, Like Daughter - so much for a nice picture of them before heading down the hill. :)
Erica knows the smart way to come back up the hill.

Kate watching the fun. Kurtis took her down one time, but it was not a success. In her defense though, she was sick but it was too perfect of a day not to go. (Bad parenting I know.) :)

Pirate Bethany & her captive, Kenzie :)

Master minds at work. I think it was shortly after this that Jaren & Levi built a ramp for more excitement.

A long overdue update!

Farm Grandma is giving the 3 older kids piano lessons. Of course Kate doesn't want to be left out during practice.
Bethany was the head angel during our Christmas skit this year and loved the fact that she could read her lines.

A little blurry, but I love her smile.

Erica with 3 of her best friends...Anna, Izzy, Erica & Bethany (the little girl on the end just wanted to be in the picture) :)

Jaren was a great help and took Kate down the slide...one time was enough for her.

Enjoying a cupcake...this girl loves her sweets.

These two are be the best of friends (and the worst of enemies).

Enjoying a day at Autumn Acres with mom and the 1st grade class.

Happy Birthday, Kate!!!

Our sweet little girl turned 1 on Thursday. Where has the year gone? She is such an incredible blessing to our family and has won our hearts over a 1000 times. She adores her big brother and sisters just as much as they adore her. Kate has such a fun temperment and has a pretty go with the flow attitude.
What is Kate up to:

• She is getting more daring with her walking, taking up to 7-8 steps at a time before falling.



• Kate loves to dance and makes sure we all are watching her.



• She loves to read books. Right now she loves the touch & feel books and a Little People Harvest time book...yes she's very smart and knows what season it is out on the farm. :)



• Kate has a special purple blanket that is always close by and a great form of comfort.



• She has no teeth but eats whatever we are having without any problems. Thankfully she is not a picky eater and will shovel in most foods very fast. The only thing she is not a fan of yet is whole milk. We are working on it as mommy would like complete freedom soon. :)



• Can say mama, dada (her first word), hi while pretending to talk on the phone, CaCa for Erica and yumm and nigh-nigh.



• Kate loves to climb and stand on things - especially going up the stairs, wear necklaces, carry purses (this is a new favorite) and rock in our little red rocking chair...usually while standing up. :)



• She is still not sleeping through the night like I'd like, but who really needs a full night of sleep anyway? :)



• And for those that want to know, Kate weighed 19 lb 4 oz and was 28" at her check-up.

I can go on and on about how special Kate is, but I will let you enjoy the pictures of her instead. :)

VanMersbergen Annual Campout

We had another great VM camp out over Labor Day weekend. It is so much fun to get together as a whole family. There is always tons of good food and of course many laughs, but most importantly are the memories we are all making. We're already on the countdown to next year's camp out and memories that will be made. Here are a few pictures of the fun.

This year was a Christmas theme so everyone brought items to put in stockings for the kids. They of course loved it!

Our geo-caching crew showing off their loot.

The kids also got to make a leather craft.
Saturday was a bit rainy as evident by Bethany's matted down hair style. :)

Obviously the boys didn't mind the rain...the game had to go on. A lot of baseball was played over the course of the weekend.

Saturday morning was the annual Kids Fun Run & for the adults the 2 mile fun run.

Go Kate Go!!!! Here's the line-up of all the kids minus 2. I think Kate is jumping the gun a bit. :)

The Noteboom's outdoor sink for teeth brushing.

The boys spent a lot of time flying these little airplanes. It will be a sad day when Grandpa runs out of them.

Glow sticks are always a night time hit.