Boston

We're now in Boston, Massachusetts visiting some friends whom we haven't seen for almost two years. Josh and Minhee are friends from Korea. They have been living in Boston where Josh is a pastor and Minhee is studying. Thanks for everything, guys.

High Peaks Wilderness Area in the Adirondaks

My college friend, Dan, and I went for a three-night hike in the Adirondaks. It was a very enjoyable time despite the rain. We slept in lean-to's every night, making it seem less like hiking and more like a holiday. We made it to the top of one peak, Mount Marcy. My camera battery died on the second day, so these are all the pictures I got.

This is really the only wildlife we saw, except for some chipmunks, frogs and toads.

Niagara

Jono's parents watched the boys for a one night and two days while we went out for the night. We went to Niagara Falls and saw a show. Cirque Niagara put on quite the performance. Of course, they wouldn't let us take any pictures, so this one of the tent will have to do.
When we arrived back at our hotel room after the show, we were able to see some fireworks over the falls. The casino was also very prominent outside our window.
We did a "drive-by" of the Falls this time, rather than get out.
Thanks Mom and Dad, for taking such good care of the boys.

Summer activities

Here are a couple pictures of things that the boys are enjoying doing this summer. Samuel loves the swing that we found. Stephen loves the sandbox in the backyard. He is also willing to push Samuel on the swing for short periods of time because then he gets his turn faster.

Killbear

We were fortunate enough to spend some time at Killbear with the Drost family for a week. Here are a few pictures of our time.
Here is Samuel on the way up to the park.
Dinner time.

Theresa putting together some yummy Smores.
Stephen pushing Samuel on the swing that we found.

Chayton's second birthday! The poor little guy had a bad ear ache and had to leave early from camping.
Breakfast.
We went for a picnic on some rocks.
Uncle Joe and Stephen in the "Tube-n-it."
Stephen and Samuel in the lean-to that Joe and I made for them.
Walking home.

At the beach.
On the way out of the park.

Blue Jays game

For Jono's 30th birthday we went to a Blue Jays baseball game as a family. It was an afternoon game and there were tons of school kids there because it's the end of the school year. We sat in the nosebleed section. Stephen's favourite part was the "2 tractors and 1 four wheeler and 2 jeeps" that came out before the game to work on the bases. But he also enjoyed watching the game. Samuel slept through most of it, surprisingly.
The boys got a Blue Jays ruler and pencil.

Random pictures

A family friend who drives a truck stopped by just before dinner one night and invited us to take a look at the truck. Stephen enjoyed playing in the cab and even got to run up and down the trailer which wasn't quite full. However, he wouldn't touch the air horn.

Oma Great holds her third grandson, Samuel. She has really enjoyed having them around.

One day after church Stephen fell asleep on the couch. He didn't want to have a nap, but apparently he was tired.

Stephen and his friend Zachary have desert at Jono's 30th birthday party.

Stephen and Samuel like to hide in the crib. It's actually more Stephen who likes to hide, but Samuel doesn't mind spending time with his brother.

Outdoor fun

Stephen has been spending a lot of time outside since the nice weather has come. He loves the sandbox and trampoline and his "Lightning McQueen" (trike). These are just a couple pictures of our outside activities.

Mother's Day and Father's Day for Oma and Opa

For our parents' special days this year we bought them all a couple of trees, on for each of the boys. Here are pictures of Stephen and Samuel with Oma and Opa by the trees. The first picture is the tree that was bought for Dad by the whole family. This is the Ash that we got for them. It goes in the back along the property line with about 5 other Ash trees.
These are the two lilac bushes that Oma wanted.

Family picture day

Last week on Saturday the wonderful Mr. Snoek agreed to take some family pictures for us. Despite the fact that we have a highly uncooperative toddler and a baby who has no clue what a camera is, we came away with at least one nice family picture. Mom wanted a picture of the two boys together, but that will have to wait for another day.
What a nice family.
Mrs. Snoek helped out by playing with Stephen during the breaks. Thanks for your help, guys.
Samuel might look like he's ready to walk, but in actual fact he is far from it.
Stephen desperately wanted to take Samuel for a ride in the wagon and it looks like Samuel really enjoyed it.

Congratulations Matt and Steph

On May 5 (wow, that's a long time ago, now) Matt and Steph Drost were united in marriage. Congratulations, you two. May the Lord bless you with a happy and fruitful life together.
Stephen was the ring bearer. He actually got tired of his role about halfway down the aisle and threw the pillow to his uncle Matt. Good thing the real rings weren't on it. He had a great time with the flower girl, Meghan.
He also really loved the little "bike" he found in the basement of the church. At least it kept him occupied.
Everyone thought (and we agreed) that he was the cutest ring bearer ever.

More pictures from BC

Here are a couple more pictures from our trip back to BC.
Stephen and Jake get out the rally towels as they cheer for the Canucks against the Ducks. (The Ducks ended up winning the game, but it wasn't for lack of cheering.)
Donna tells Stephen about Goldilocks and the Three Bears. He was fascninated as she told the story. We will definitely miss you, Jake and Donna.
Hannah, Tamara and Stephen enjoyed a ride on the pink jeep at the playland we went to.