a new smile from a happy boy

new camera lens

surgery

Willem had surgery on Tuesday to being the process of repairing his lip and palate. The surgery Tuesday was stage one of the lip process. Yesterday Willem was in a lot of pain and had a pretty hard day. We came home from the hospital today. Willem's feeling much better. We even got a few smiles out of him this afternoon. That shiny purple stuff on his face is some crazy kind of skin glue that's making sure the stitches stay in place.

spring break!

This year we decided to spend our spring break camping in Savannah, Georgia. It was wonderful! The kids traveled really well there and back and we had a fantastic time once we arrived. It was sunny and in the 80s all week. We enjoyed delicious fresh seafood and many wonderful camping meals. We spent time hiking, at the beach, at several Georgia state parks and in downtown Savannah. The only downside to the whole thing was a vicious hoard of biting gnats at our campground. I counted 109 welts on my arms and legs on the way home. ITCHY!!! It was wonderful to have a week of uninterrupted family time and I am so thankful that we were able to go! Here are some picts from our week...

we're blessed with two happy kids!

a beautiful day to have fun on the swingset!!!

how precious

Check it out ... taking naps on the drive home from Chicago.

Willem turns 2!!!

Happy Birthday to Willem!!!

We celebrated Willem's second birthday this weekend. The pictures of him with frosting on his hand and face were staged! He didn't know what to do with his cupcake and would have pushed it onto the floor if we hadn't stopped him.

Happy New Year!

what a great laugh!

just for fun!

trying on Meili's sunglasses

Meili often falls asleep while reading books after preschool. This is one of her more interesting sleeping poses!

playing around

all dressed up - thanks for the treasures Menga!