The Oosterheerts: May Memories

Looking back, this month has been a busy one with Mother's Day, Tulip Time, and two birthdays.

For Tulip Time it's tradition to dress the kids in Dutch outfits and head out to Holland to see the tulips and experience the Dutch heritage. My mother-in-law rode with me and we met my sister-in-law, Lea, and nephew, Bryson, out at the park in Holland. We were able to get some decent pictures of the four Dutch children.

Lydia's birthday was May 9. She started her day opening up Tinkerbell pajamas from Ava. We were all looking forward to a family dinner. It's tradition to let the birthday child decide where to go out to eat on his/her birthday. Lydia chose Rainbow Grill for their broccoli cheese soup. Unfortunately, they weren't serving it that night and she had to settle for her second favorite, cheesy potato. This is where she received gifts from us....cothes (she LOVES clothes:) After dinner we celebrated with a Bill Knapp's cake.

Ava's birthday was 11 days later. She started her day opening a gift from Lydia...a new hat. For her birthday, I took her to the zoo. It was such a beautiful day outside and many animals were out! It was so nice to spend some time with her and Isaac (along with several other schools:). We packed a picnic lunch and ate it in the park with Paul, who met us there. It was a nice treat:) For her birthday dinner, she wanted a hamburger from McDonalds. We ended up going to Burger King because their play area is really nice and it's not super busy. After dinner we had a cake that Ava had picked out earlier in the day from the store and opened presents. It's funny because her list was IDENTICAL to Lydia's (she really looks up to her older sister:)

The Sunday after Ava's birthday, we had a birthday celebration with extended family. The girls wanted the theme to be Tangled and were enthusiastic to dress the part. They helped me bake cupcakes and decorate them with spring frosting and sprinkles. It was nice to share these birthday memories with grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and great grandmas and grandpas. I can hardly believe they are 6 and 4! I wish I could just freeze time. I really like these ages.

Lydia continues to do well in school and enjoys all of her friends. We were able to partake in a grill out/bonfire last weekend with a few other couples who have girls in Lydia's class. All together there were 9 little girls and two little boys (many of whom will be in the same grades at ACS together). We had a wonderful time getting to know each other and all the kids played great together. We will be having a child-free grill out/bonfire later in the summer:)

This holiday weekend we are all looking forward to heading north. It looks like the weather is supposed to be gorgeous! Paul's parents are excited to show us the finished fourth bedroom and other updates that they have made. I can't believe school is almost over and summer is just around the corner! It's bittersweet. I am eager to spend weekends at the cottage, but sad that my little girl will be heading into first grade and attending school every day next year:( Well, I will conclude with some pictures from the birthday celebrations. Have a great weekend!