It's been an interesting week here in the Van Daele household. Some days the ups and downs are just like this crazy Indiana weather. We had a few warm days last week and were able to take the kids out to enjoy them. However, the warm days don't last long enough for them. The warm days have now turned back into cooler spring days and the kids are antsy to get back outside. You know it's really bad when Trevor goes to get every one's shoes and hollers at the door. He soon understands that it's chilly when the sliding door gets pulled open and settles for downstairs instead.
Gretchen, well, she's been quite the handful lately. I thought 4's would be easier than 3's but I don't know who I was kidding. Miss Bossy for sure. She's always making sure that Trevor is playing with a toy in the appropriate way and not stealing toys from her. Some days the mornings are great and by afternoon I'm ready for bedtime. She has outgrown "nap time" so I settle for letting her "rest" in her room with a movie. Some days I think it's more rest time for me than her.
Last week a young couple from church gave birth to a little girl whom they took home from the hospital and assumed was healthy. That all changed for them in a matter of 48 hours. Their life was turned upside down and she was taken to Riley's in Indy. She is now in the Methodist Hospital awaiting more surgery. This has hit a soft spot in our household. With this situation and another family from church losing twins about 6 months ago, we realize how very special and miraculous it is that we have 2 very safe and healthy children. Especially Miss Gretchen. There are days that are rough and there are days that are great, but we must learn to take them all in stride. Being a mother isn't easy and no one said it would but there are days that I just look at my children in amazement. It's just amazes me what they can do and how and why God put them into each of our lives. Trust me there are lots more hugs and kisses being passed out in this household lately.
It was a chilly evening. We only made it around the block but the kids' bags were half full. They were thrilled and had a blast. She had to put the Mickey Mouse gloves on once we got back to Ray's mom's house.
Time to try out the candy.
Hurry up dad!! Open up that candy.
Good ol'e candy corn. YUMMY!!
This is sand I know exactly what to do with this stuff. I love it!!
You can't go to the beach and not get a sandy bottom. Mommy also got a nice diaper full of sand too. :)
Look at the waves, mom. Let's jump again.
Building together peacefully; a nice change.
Just look at those big blue eyes. :)
He loves his tractors.
Trying to look innocent.
A blurry Julianne Hough 
Julianne Hough again
Blake Shelton
Blake Shelton again. We didn't realize how tall he was.
The man of the show Mr. George Strait.
He's still working on his steering ability. Notice he's heading towards the bushes and flowers. 
The gator is stopped and sister has run away. She wants to make it known that she didn't run over the bush. I wasn't able to get a good picture of her screaming and yelling about how Trevor ran over the bush and daddy isn't going to be happy when he gets home. 
He's checking out that bush he has now ran over - making sure it's still there.
I think the look says it all. Oops! 
The gator is back out of the bush and he's ready to drive again. I happy to say the bush is okay too. :)
She found about a dozen yesterday morning. They are temporarily in a container but won't be staying much longer.
Still waiting on sister.
Starting to get a little impatient with her. She's taking too long. He did manage to scare her and it was pretty good too. What a little boy!!
Aunt Carrie holding Trevor. 
Aunt Carrie and Trevor at Christmas time.
Aunt Carrie holding Miss Gretchen.
Miss G and Carrie discussing clothes. 
