Hey look!!! A new post! Yeah, it's true that we haven't updated in a while. We know. It's also true that we have been busier than ever. If you want a quick rundown of what all's been happening with us, read on. Well, July 20 is a long way back and I'll see if I can remember that far.
We left from Pake and Beppe's (Janice's parents) home and moved into Oma and Opa's (Jono's parents) home. When we got here, Dave was here as well, getting things ready for his wedding. Dave and I also spent a lot of time cleaning up around the house for Dad. I also realized that I was about a month behind on my Greek, so I finally started working on Greek II. I am only halfway done right now, and need to get it done before school starts. So, somewhere between now and the west coast I need to find time to complete the final half of the course, write two tests and an exam! That should be fun.
The end of July brought Stephen's second birthday. He had a dirt cake in a dump truck and was quite thrilled with it. He still asks to sing "Happy Birthday" daily and loves all his new toys and movies. Many thanks to all Stephen's aunts and uncles who came for the big party and spoiled him with gifts.
At the beginning of August we also took a whirlwind trip down to the Hamilton and Niagara region to visit friends and family that we hadn't seen much of. We were able to catch up with friends that we hadn't seen in a few years. Stephen behaved himself quite well considering we were visiting three places per day and were spending quite a bit of time in the car. It was actually quite hot in the car because we didn't have air conditioning and Stephen refused to let us put the windows down very far. We were very glad to get back home.
The tail end of this trip to Hamilton and Niagara was a reunion of sorts with people that Janice and I had lived with at Redeemer. We were able to spend some time with more long-lost friends. We went swimming, had a hay-ride, played bocci and ate tons of food.
We gave Stephen a few days to recuperate from that trip and then this week we went up to Grenville Park where my aunt and uncle have a campground. We spent four days there getting ready for my brother Dave's wedding. He had a lovely outdoor ceremony. (We'll post pictures soon.) We also got to see more people who we hadn't seen in a while. Unfortunately for us, Janice, Stephen and I all came down with some nasty colds and sore throats. We were kind enough to pass it on to several other family members, so it was actually quite a tiring weekend.
That brings us to today. We have been doing errands and some running around and cleaning up, getting ready to head west again for my final semester. We are leaving in two days and plan to spend just over a week on the road. We will stop at a few people's places on the way. We plan to be home by September first. Hopefully I will get a chance to write my tests then.
We may have a chance to post some picutures, but if not you'll have to wait another couple weeks before the next update.
The boys in the pool. Ezra can swim underwater and Stephen hates having water on his face.
At the park before the meltdown!
Having a bath together.
Taking a run outside. (Stephen really is faster, even though he's behind!)
Welcome to Illinois, land of never-ending road construction. We attempted to take a picture of all the states/provinces we travelled through. We missed Ontario and MI to begin. Well, better late than never!
Stephen trying out Uncle Kris' new bike. He got up and put the helmet on himself!
Daddy swinging on a tree in a rest area. Are we getting rid of some energy?
Stephen hanging from a tree. Wonder where he got that idea?
Daddy taught Stephen how to climb trees. They had a lot of fun with this tree.
Uhmm...I wonder what he is thinking?? Mommy thinks he is a cutey!!
Barnhoorn family dinner at the Mongolian Grill
A Barnhoorn bonfire. Will it be a new tradition?
Stephen looking at Niagara Falls.
Stephen helping Oma pick beans in the garden.
Playing at Evan's house.
Swimming at Kalea's pool. The big ball was a lot of fun.
The tree that was partially lost during a big storm.
A cute kid with some crazy hair.
The guys playing Boccee Ball.
Zachary and Stephen in Uncle Ron's tractor! I think it was their favourite place on the farm.
All of our kids getting ready for the hay ride.
Stephen enjoying a popcicle.
Playing on the swings. Who is having more fun?
We spent a few days travelling around the Niagara / Hamilton area. We spent some time with Ryan and Hannah Braam. We went swimming at the local pool that was free! The boys had the same swimming/turtle suit. Zachary also read a bedtime story to Stephen before they went to bed.
One day Stephen saw a tractor in the field behind Oma and Opa's house. He went up and down the yard following it.
Dave and Evelyn got married on the beach. It was a little windy but we were all thankful that the rain held off. Congratulations guys!
Cleaning up the beach for the wedding. Notice that Stephen is walking on sand!!
Our little guy!
Stephen loved to ride on the four wheeler. He loved all the "new" vehicles at the campground!
This is where we got to stay for the weekend. It even had air conditioning which was great at night for sleeping.
Stephen was quite excited that Rod and Becky came home. They even brought him a Jambae from Japan. The morning after their flight they even played with him on the trampoline. I think they may have missed him!
Stephen had a "dirt cake" in a "big truck" for his birthday cake. He loved it and was obviously very excited about some of his presents. We all had a great time celebrating his second birthday.
