Cat Sitting

While a couple we know are out of town, we are watching their cats. They have one grownup cat named Salem. They also have a new kitten named Kara. Kara is far more playful and interested in people, so we spent some time today playing with her and feeding both of them. Brian loves kittens and I agree that Kara is a cutie, but the problem with kittens is that they grow up into cats (which are less cute and playful). Ferrets, on the other hand, remain playful and cute throughout their entire life.

More Tank Work

Here are a couple more pictures from last weekend (I can't believe I didn't post all week!). Brian did some work on the large fish tank: he hooked up a large pump to increase the current. This new pump required some additional tubing cut to the correct length, which is what Brian is doing in these pictures. If Joey is looking at these pictures, make sure to point out how Brian is wearing safety glasses and special gloves when using the power saw.

Game Night

Last week Friday, we had some people over to play board games. We ended up teaching them Power Grid, which they all seemed to pick up fairly quickly and easily. It seems to me that Americans in general understand games based on utilities (which they are all pretty familiar with) better than they understand games based on some fantasy concept. Whether or not this is true, we all had a pretty good time hanging out, snacking, and playing the game.

These are pictures of our guests. (Brian works with these two women. :) )

Mrs. Cardinal

A couple days ago, I discovered that there is a lady cardinal nesting right outside our kitchen window. We have been leaving that window closed and trying to leave her in peace as much as possible. So this is not a picture of our cardinal, but it looks a lot like her. I can mainly see her beak, as the rest of her body is camouflaged. It rained last night, and I peeked out at her, hunched down on the nest in the rain.

New Corals in the Tank

We got some new corals this week, so it seems like a great time to update about the tank. We also got a couple new fish: Blennie (the darker fish at the top) and Gloria (the lighter fish below Blennie). There are 5 corals in all--see if you can spot them in the general picture below. If not, there are close-ups following.


In this first picture, you can see a close-up of 2 of the corals (looks like little green and little purple buttons).


Here is the wispy tree-type coral. It is a little hard to see in this picture, but it is light pink and looks like a tiny tree.


In this shot, you can see Blennie swimming by the largest coral (I think it is called a trumpet--it is dark colored and sticking out of the white rock). The leather coral is below (central bottom of the picture).


Brian is very fond of Gloria, so here's another picture of her. She was feeling badly yesterday (hiding in the bottom of the tank under some rocks), but she seems to be doing better today. The coral-banded shrimp is also in this shot.

Visit to Windmill Island Gardens

One last set of pictures from my trip--I promise it's the last one! These are some shots from Windmill Island, where I used to work in high school. It is a lovely place when the tulips are blooming, and we went there on Tuesday. It was a beautiful day. My parents, grandparents, Uncle Tim, Josiah, and Eli were with me. Enjoy the pics.

Simon's Baptism

Last weekend, Simon was baptized. It was a bittersweet time, since it was also D&R's last Sunday at their church before moving. Here are a few shots of the actual event. Josiah and Eli watched closely.



Afterwards, some family shared a meal at the church before driving back to Michigan. Peter and Anne were there...


...as well as Rachel's parents and grandparents...


...and my grandparents as well!


Josiah entertained everyone by taking pretend photos with a microphone stand. Although he was the one taking the photos, he had a huge grin on his face the whole time.


After a while, Josiah and Eli got into the drum set sitting in the corner and played for us for a while.

Tulip Time Parade

Seeing the pictures others posted, I also feel motivated to post pictures from the parade that I went to in Holland last weekend. I went with my grandparents, my parents, David and Rachel + kids, and Anne's family. Here you can see most of that crowd (D&R family are to the right, just off camera).



We had a good time watching the floats, listening to the bands, and just hanging out with each other.


Josiah and Eli were very interested in many of the things that passed by.



There were many cars in this parade, more than I remembered from previous years. Here are a few pictures I took with Brian's dad in mind (he is a big car fan). I think these 2 may have been my favorites.

Visiting with Josiah and Eli

I am not in Holland only to meet Simon. It is great to be able to spend time with my other nephews as well. Here are a few pictures of them from the last few days. They are really growing up fast!

More Tulip Time Activities

We continue to participate it various Tulip Time activities here in Holland. These first few pictures are of my mother, grandmother, and myself at the quilt show. As you can see, there was quite a variety of quilt types.







We also went to watch the Dutch dancers at Centennial Park.

Welcome Simon

I know, I know, Simon has been around for a while (more than 2 weeks!). But I didn't have any really good pictures of him until now, so here are a few so you can say hello too. First, Simon wearing his bear suit with his Aunt Anne.


Simon sleeping with his great grandma.


Simon napping on a lap.


And here is Simon awake, just hanging out in his carseat/carrier.