Wagon Walk

Yesterday was such a nice day to get outside and enjoy the sunshine...so we did. We ended up walking from our house to Jonathan & Besty Koops then to Mom & Dad Myrick's. It was great. I got to see Koops' house and visit with them for a bit which was nice.
Payton brought her baby doll with us and was absolutely ADORABLE with it. Whenever we snuggle we say 'Love, Love' and she was 'love, love'ing on her baby doll the entire ride. Luckily I brought my camera with us and was able to capture in.
What a honey!

This is my favorite

4th Birthday Party Fun

It does not seem like 4 years ago that my little niece was born.

We celebrated Ava's 4th birthday tonight. Her actual birthday was Wed. and I just can't believe she is already four. It seems like yesterday...and she's not even my own daughter!
Once again we found ourselves celebrating at the barn. Due to this awesome summer weather we are having...yeah right...swimming at the Yacht Club was not an option. So the barn it was.The Sweet Birthday Girl
The cake that Mima (Grandma Wickstra) made for Ava

We got her her very first Barbie doll. She really liked it.

Ava's best friend Lily was there too

Payton sat like this for about 4 minutes...that is a LONG time for this little girl. Bryan was so happy.

1 Year Stats

Payton had her one year doctor's appointment today. 5 shots later we walked out the door...5 shots! Poor honey but don't worry, juice heals everything! :)
Here are her stats:

Height: 30 1/4 Inches - 75th percentile
Weight: 21 lb 13.5 oz (almost exactly 3 times her birth weight...which apparently is exactly where she should be) - between 50th & 75th Percentile
Head Cire: 46.2 - 75th Percentile


We are having her 1 year pictures taken tonight as well...very excited. :)

Meeting S.T.B

Payton was so excited to meet her new friend. I wish I had a picture of her face because she a grin ear to ear. Then she fell into him and accidentally hit his face...oops! Sorry bout that little man, someday you will pay her back I'm sure.

What a Dude!

Another One Joins the Clan

We celebrate today with our good friends as they welcome their son into the world. Little Sawyer is 7 lb 5 oz and 21 inches long (it might be only 20...not sure:). We are so happy for them and are excited to meet the little guy.

Sawyer we love you already!We also had the privilege of attending another good friend's wedding last night. Believing that the rain would hold off they were married outside on his parent's front lawn. Rev. Tim Brown began the ceremony by saying, "There are three types of people in this world. Ones who say it is going to rain, those who say it's not, and those who are going to play through no matter what. We are in the third group." That is exactly the type of couple they are...go for the gusto, live for adventure type. Bryan and I could not be more excited for them. They definitely found their soul mate in one another.
Congrats to the new Mr. & Mrs. Koop!

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan and Lisa Myrick

To the Love of My Life:
Time flies when you are having fun. That is for sure. Can you believe we have been married three years already? It is strange how it feels like it went so fast but when I think about the changes that we have experienced in that three years it seems like an lifetime ago.
Our wedding day was one of the best days of my life and we had so much fun. The memories will last a lifetime. I would definitely do it all over again if given the chance.
I am a better person because of you. We compliment each other in a way that only God could have created. Even though life is tough sometimes there is no one else I would want to 'face the fire' with.
Thank you for making me feel beautiful on the inside and out and for supporting me and my dreams.
I love you Babe!
Cheers to many, many more wonderful years with you.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Trainer Time

After just a few short months of studying and a few years of dreaming, I am officially a personal trainer!
I could not be more excited. If you know me at all, or if you read this blog ever, you know I do not like my job. God did not create this girl to sit at a desk behind a computer all day long. Again, if you know me, you know that that is true.
I have been wanting to get certified for a long time and finally after starting to read 'My Best Life Now' earlier this year,(great devotional by the way) I knew it was time to do something about it.
Although I don't know where this will all take me at this point I am excited to take this new path and to see where God leads me.

365 Days of Payton! Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl!

Our Sweet Baby.

You have brought Daddy & I so much joy over the past year my words cannot express our love for you. When you smile you light up the room and your curiosity and mischief make us laugh. It has been amazing to watch you changed from a tiny baby to the fun loving, personality-filled toddler you are today. God blessed us with an amazing daughter and we give thanks to Him for you.

Our prayer is that you grow up to be the little girl God created you to be and that others will see Him through your actions, your words, and your smile. Always be true to who and whose you are and follow your dreams.
We love you more with each passing moment and look forward to watching you learn and grow each day.

Love Beyond Words,
Mommy & Daddy

*Play Slide Show with 'My Wish'& 'Out of My League' from my playlist for full effect. :)
It is a little long but I couldn't choose.

Birthday Golf

My friend Jen's birthday was last week so to celebrate we did some golfing then headed to her sister's house for some pizza & drinks. Shockingly enough we did not get rained on while we were on the course. As soon as we left the parking lot...not exaggerating there either...it started to pour.
I guess my dad is right..."Never rains on the golf course".The Golfers

The VanNuil's

The Myrick's

The Kammeraad's

The Schaafsma's

Blessed

I am feeling extremely ashamed of myself right now. This morning I was so frustrated with Payton (I'm sure all you moms know the feeling :). She was whinny and clingy and just plan driving me nuts.
She is napping right now so I got a chance to jump on Facebook when I was reminded that one year ago today the Busscher family lost Grace. I just started to cry. I lost sight of what is important and how blessed I am. Payton is here and she is healthy and most days an absolute joy. I am sure Kathy would love to have Grace be pestering her today.
"God forgive me for forgetting to give thanks for what you have given me and wrap your loving arms around the Busschers today and always."
If you are reading this please pray for the Busschers and remember to give thanks for what God has given you.