Hay Ride & Pumpkin Patch

Thanks to 'Papa & Gram' Slenk, Payton got to experience her first 'hay' ride and pumpkin patch pickin'.
We headed to the Slenk's tonight and met the crew there for a short hayride and to pick out a pumpkin from their new pumpkin patch. It was the perfect way to start October. Payton seemed to really like it and we got some great pictures.

Camera Suggestions...?

I am in the process of looking for a new camera. The flash on my Kodak, that is only two years old, decided to stop functioning a few months ago and because Kodak is so wonderful (yeah right) they do not let any one (camera repair places) touch their cameras so you have to send them in to Kodak for a lovely $45 shipping fee on top of the repair cost. I will not be buying a Kodak ever again for this reason.
Anyway...I have resorted to only taking pictures outside (and stealing my mom's camera) since that lovely experience but with the weather changing and dark coming earlier in the evening it is time to get serious about replacing it.
I would love to know what kind of cameras people have and if they love it, hate it or are somewhere in the middle. I don't want to spend a ton of money but want a nice camera so I am up for all suggestions.
I'm really bummed about the whole deal due to the fact I really like my camera...if you or anyone you know fixes cameras I would love their name/number so I can avoid the whole buying a new one thing. :)

Late Anniversary Gift

My hubby is the best. I will just start with that.

Labor day weekend our microwave puked so it was off to pick out a new one. During the process we found a stove that on clearance, just by looking at it got my hopes up but knowing Bryan and his Dutch 'sensible' side...we'll just call it that :)... I knew it was not going to happen. So when he went to pick up my microwave last week Friday I reminded him on the phone that "our" stove was there too only to have him inform me that he did call about it but it was sold. Big bummer for me but at least I was getting a new microwave.
You can imagine my surprise when I got home and saw my brand new stove in my house! It was a great surprise and it's pretty. :)

Baby Shower

Baby N. is scheduled to make his entrance into the world in 5 weeks so his wonderful mommy got a party yesterday. There was great food, games, lots of blue and ...oh yes, Cheese cake! Yumm. It was a great shower and I can not wait to meet the little man.

Swim Retreat

For those of you who don't know, I am the assistant swim coach for the Holland Christian Girls Varsity Swim Team. This is my 4th season and it is something I really enjoy. Saturday we had a team 'retreat' at Van Til's cottage out at Ottawa Beach. The girls did a long challenge which involved some physical & mental challenges as well as some team building activities. I think they had a lot of fun as well as experienced some true team bonding.

Pictures, Pictures

Payton's pictures are done and they are absolutely adorable! You can check them out at http://www.jvanvlietphotography.com/index2.php?v=v1 the password is 'payton'.
Enjoy!
Also thought I would post some more digi scrapbook pages so here they are.

Makeshift Pool

I had really good intentions to pick up a pool for Payton this summer but never got around to it. Now that summer is almost over I decided we would just do with what we had. Her toys are in these drink bins that I picked up at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I figured they would make a good 'pool' so yesterday I filled one up and put it would on our 'patio' and let her splash around. She had fun. We'll work on the pool for next summer.

Spoiled

No, I'm not talking about Payton although I'm pretty sure she owns that title. :)
Bryan & I got to enjoy another great day on the water with good friends. Payton spent the day with Grammy and we headed out to Lake Michigan on my dad's boat. It was an absolutely perfect day to be on the water and are we are definitely spoiled to have been able to take advantage of it.

Bobby & JamiJamie

The Bay Bee Crew

The Gotta Go Crew

Potts' Crew

Jami & I

Jamie & I

Go Blue!

School colors are out, crazy tailgaters are once again flooding parking lots & golf courses, marching bands are playing the tune of their school fight song and the dream of becoming national champions is in the air.
After weeks of preparation, by players and fans alike, it is officially college football kick off day and no one is more excited then Bryan. It's like Christmas around here this time of year. There has been a count down for months and like a child going through the Christmas catalog, Bryan has been on his computer incessantly reading up on his beloved Wolverines anxious to know what the season is going to bring. It might not be pretty but he'll be behind them 100% of the way.
Today they will be taking on Bryan's Alma mater Western Michigan University who could give them a run for their money. Even if you don't like Michigan please pray they win because I would like to have a happy hubby this weekend...let's not repeat Appalachia State! Oh, that was a bad day! :)
Of course Payton has to get right in on the action. We are teaching her young to be a true 'Blue' fan of Michigan football at an early age. God forbid she someday decides to root for the green & white or even worse the Buckeyes! (Yuck! :)
At any rate, I think she might be their cutest fan.

And She's Off

She is officially walking!
Today Payton 'got it'. She has been teetering around for a while with a step here and a few steps there but I think last night was the turning point and today she got it. After going to Aunt Kylie's last night and being around the kids, with Nicholas Becksvoort there kind of showing her up, she was determined to make it happen...and she did!