Future Baseball Star

Hey, this is Adam. I know Maartje has pretty much taken over the blog updates (and I'm so glad she has), but I took some video last week that I wanted to share. We've finally been having some spring weather so we went out to the back yard and let the boys get some fresh air. Will started hitting balls off of a tee, and he's really improved since last time we played ball. He was knocking the ball crazy, and I got so excited, I ran into the house and grabbed the video camera to document the turning point in his career. It's all up hill from here. Just so you know, I'll continue to update everybody on his talent level all the way up until he's drafted by the Braves. Then you'll be able to get what you want from ESPN.

Here's a shot from behind the plate.

-

-

-

This is a shot from the mound (wanted to cover every angle). Turns out it wasn't a real safe spot.

-

-

-

I moved to first base, trying to avoid getting plunked again. I think he's aiming for me.

-

-

-

I can't wait until next year when he gets to play t-ball. At least we've got a whole year to train.

Our Mini Adventure...

Again, it's been a while since I last posted, but better late than never. So, since finding out about another kiddo on the way I have been extremely fatigued, nauseous, moody and just about all the symptoms that I better not mention. This goes on all day and I cannot wait to be myself again. Last week we headed to Tennessee for a short 3 days to celebrate our Anniversary and also made it a family vacation.

Pigeon Forge was our destination and we made it safely to our cabin, which was at the top of a mountain, with a phenomenal view. As soon as we got there, the kids were wired and loved our cabin. We had a bit of trouble with Jack wanting to run down the 2 flights of stairs, but over all, we had a lot of fun just in our cabin. The kids loved the Air Hockey table and played with it every morning. While there, we decided to hike one of the smoky mountains with a paved trail and visit the Dixie Stampede.

This was taken from the balcony of our cabin.

It was cool the day we arrived and the day after, but that did not keep us from relaxing on our balcony.

Guess who took this picture?

Family shot by a fountain on the Gatlinburg strip.

One of the perfect views on this nature walk.

They couldn't wait to climb over the wood fence.

One of the many fireplaces we got to see on our walk.

One of my new favorite pictures of the boys.

Adam created a mountain cave for the boys. How he loves to pretend he's a mountain lion.

Jack loves this type of playing. It must be a boy thing!

Saying goodbye from our Star Struck Cabin.

I would have loved to post pictures of the Dixie Stampede show. The only one I was able to take is not a good one. For some reason cameras aren't allowed during the show. I will always remember how much the boys loved the entire show. How much they enjoyed our trip to the mountains.

Good News. BIG News

Guess what! We just got news that this fall we will welcome a new baby into our family. Are you surprised? So were we. We have always talked about having another child and we are very happy that God has planned it this way. Will and Jack are very happy to become big brothers, and have started with the questions. Will wants to know the details of where the baby is, and Jack says "baby tummy?". Cant wait to hear what they will be asking next.

We are very happy to share our BIG news with you, as we begin this crazy, but sweet journey one more time.

-Maartje

just a quick update...

Finally I get to sit down and share with you what our past 2 weeks have been like. Well, like you already know, we've had crazy weather, and (you may not know) we've installed new floors and remodeled our master bathroom. We have put Jack and Will to work, and I have posted proof of that! I have had so much fun this month, I personally do not want it to end. I guess the snow and then the recent beautiful 60 degree weather has spoiled me:-]

before

& after.

While the crew worked on our floors, we decided to take the boys to Jumpin' Jax.

the more we visit, the wilder he gets.

Jack plays it safe...not typical for him.

It was the boys and my first time ever seeing this much snow. We had a blast!

This is what the boys and I created. I called it exactly what is was... a little snow man. Truthfully, we would have done better with the proper weather gear on.

It just kept on snowing...

Will had a wall all to himself:)

just wanted to paint a square.

I wish I had more pictures to post of this past Saturday's spring like weather. The boys and I had a picnic at our favorite playground on base and later visited horses. Unfortunately, I was only able to take one picture with my phone. Hope that everyone is having a great week and I will post more pictures of our renovated bathroom next time.

"I'm Officially 25"

Yes. I turned 25 on the 3rd and I can't say that I feel a difference from 24 to now 25 but, I can say that I feel blessed and loved by my wonderful husband and two little boys. They are the most precious gifts given to me and I'm forever grateful to God for them.

On this photo, I'm celebrating with the Hopper gang the day before my birthday. (how strange is it posting a picture of just me on our family blog? I don't know, I kinda like it.)

Jack couldn't handle the heat coming from the candles...he makes me laugh!

I loved my gifts. Flowers, shoes, a gift card to Macy's, Pandora charms and comfortable sweats.

On my birthday Adam planned to take me out to eat. I decided on Longhorn. As you can see, Jack got tired of waiting for his sirloin...ha ha. He ate broccoli, bread, cheese, raisins, a slice of an orange and a few bites of Will's hamburger:)

What a great night!

I had so much fun. Thank you Adam, you always have a way to make me feel loved. I love you too!

Terrible two's?

Jack turns 20 months on the 5Th and famous terrible two's has begun early:o. Yet, I find myself giving in to Jack more than I do with Will? Why is that? Why is it much harder to discipline Jack than it is Will? Could it be the way he says "i sowwy"(i'm sorry) or "uh-oh" when he's in trouble? or maybe how tiny he appears to me compared to his big brother Will? Well, one thing is for sure, Jack's got my softer side figured out and it is getting me in trouble with daddy:-]

he loves hats! This is one of his favorites

he is so patient...

He does everything brother tells him to do!

A time to play, play and more play!

As soon as we brought this costume home with us, the boys were excited to put their knowledge to pratice:)

This doctor takes his career seriously!

Will showing off his skills. He can built this puzzle in less than 5 minutes!

Coo-kie. yum, yum, yum, yum. Jack's favorite Sesame Street monster! They both love cookies;)

two superheroes ready for bed...




Wow. my kids could one day be gymnast...or maybe not! (ha ha)



On top of the world

watching for that flock of birds!

getting a closer look

he can seriously hopscotch

Jack is happy to try it too!