Getting Arlys out of Trouble

Well, Arlys asked me to "get her out of trouble" since she posted more pictures of Drew and Alyssa doesn't want this whole blog to be about her son since you can check him out on the Gaskill blog. I didn't really know what to post though, especially since my camera's not working. Soo...I went back to the VanderHart reunion last summer.

Aunt Marcy had fun putting all the bracelets on Emma and told me that I may be going over the top now that I'm working for a church. Grandpa-Great "had to" rescue Emma.

John, Emma, and Drew (I couldn't resist adding a pic of Drew - just to spite Alyssa) enjoyed the swings. I don't think Emma and Drew will fit in the same swing this summer though. This first picture makes it look like Emma has 4 arms...2 of those are Drew's arms.

Grandma-Great cuddled with Emma while John and I swam. (I had to twist her arm to hold Emma though - LOL!) John had a lot of fun swimming, especially when Doug was throwing him up in the air. We've gone swimming a few times since then, and he wants me to throw him up high again. That's just not going to happen...

Drew & grandpa!

As you can tell by these pictures- Drew & Grandpa have lots of fun!!! These are from the end of Feb when we were heading down to Texas.

Drew enjoying his bath- here he was quite fascinated with the water grandpa slowly poured from the "cup"

Video of the day- this was taken late Feb on our way down to Texas.

Texas fun the end of Feb/early March

Wes & I headed south- our main goals to visit a Earl & Ramona in Rockport & also the Riverwalk in San Antonio- both of these things were accomplished in a very fun, relaxing way.We enjoyed the water - mostly viewing and listening. The first picture is of the USS Lexington near Corpus Christi, Texas. We took a lot of pictures inside and out. If you have facebook you can get on there and see most of them. The best part- standing in the water of the gulf .. you know the feeling fi you have ever been to the ocean- the waves washing higher- your heels sinking.... ahhhhhh- the sound!

Feeding the sea gulls was lots of fun- my first time that I dared. I think Wes & the kids did it in Florida when we visited Anson and Sylvia years ago! It was warmer this time around- in the high 70's this day- but very windy.

Wes on the top deck of the USS Lexington. A ship in the background just heading out into the gulf.

Our first night in Rockport with our family there. Wes ordered a shrimp dinner- and the waitress snuck an oyster to him later to try!

Of course the best part was staying at Brad & Alyssa's on Thursday - we picked up Drew from the sitters and enjoyed him a bunch! Kids change so much at the age so we are so thrilled they are fairly close! - We also had a great time catching up with Brad & Alyssa & Kyle & Sasha on the way home. Kyle & Sasha treated us to a spinach pizza- it was quite delicous!

The Wiedersteins

One year ago (April 2)God added the another wonderful blessing to our lives. It's amazing how fast the last year has gone and how quickly our precious baby girl is growing up. She started walking a lot more today. Such a little go-getter...when she wants to be.

We went to Village Park (the one by the Altoona house I grew up in) and played on the new equipment. Emma loved the swing, especially when we'd try tickling her as she came toward us. The squeals were music to our ears...for a short time anyway. (Check out the teeth!)

This is just some of the new equipment, and even though it's intended for ages 5-12, John absolutely loves it. And yes, we're carefully guarding him on most of it, so don't scold me. =)

John came flying down the tall slide. At least he was feet first this time!

Then Scott quickly followed, much to John's delight.
I've also started a blog for our family. You can check it out at http://wiederstein.blogspot.com. Enjoy! And I can't figure out why my fonts are all messed up on this blog, but I've spent enough time messing with it. I still need to finish gathering things for tomorrow's Sunday School lesson during first service. At least the kids are only 3 and 4!

Does Anyone Read This?

Hello Vander Hart Family! Looking forward to Family vacation! I got sick of checking this to see if anyone has posted and I still see Drew. I figured you can get enough of Drew on my site. =0) Thought I would change the subject. Just checking in and seeing if anyone needs me to re-send the instructions around. Hope Everyone is having a great day and can't wait to see everyone SOON!

Do you like the new background? I made it! Woot! Thought if I put up flowers instead of snow it might warm up!

~Alyssa

Drew's 1st Birthday Dec 24, 2008

Sesame Street was the theme- Alyssa made Cookie Monster and Elmo cupcakes- aren't they so cute! I am sure she will be updating her blog with more pictures soon- but they are at the lake house tonight to celebrate Christmas eve with the Gaskill side. (Check out the Veenstra Blog for a video of Drew walking behind his car & more pictures)

Drew enjoying his 1st b-day cupcake- he ate "Cookie Monster"

Drew figured out real quick how to walk behind this Mickey Mouse car he got from Kyle & Sasha.

Drew went to Grandpa- he was tired and ready for a nap... He loves his Grandpa!

He walks!

And now, life is NON-STOP. The world of AJ has just opened up a million more miles with his new skill. The walk may be a bit wobbly yet, but you know the wheels are turning in that small head!