Strawberry Picking

This past weekend the boys and I went to Nville to hang out with G&G H for a few days.

One of the many adventures we did was Strawberry picking and making jam with the berries.

This is the field that we went to.


Our Mission: Four buckets of these.


The boys were excited at first and then within 15 minutes Alex was more interested in running around and Jack took over taking pictures of everything he could. I must say he took some great pictures.

Jack's self portrait

Another one with every one's hats on his head.

Then we got back to G&G H's house and Gma put them straight to work.

Jack's T-Ball

We signed Jack up for T-Ball through the YMCA which is a 7 week program that started back in early May.

He was very excited to play and even got a new glove for his bday from the Knutson family.
I have to say I was very impressed with his skills. He has a great swing and hits the ball very, very well. His throwing is pretty good but needs some practice along with fielding and catching (but what 5 yr old is perfect at all that).

By the end of the season he ended up showing us that he can throw both right and left handed AND he can bat left and right handed AND is awesome both ways!!

Alex's 3rd Birthday

My little guy is no longer a little man. I officially have two little men.

May 25th was Alex's bday and we ended up having two parties for the little man. Cousins, Aunts and Grandparents made it to the first party. It was a blast and fun had by all.

Family Picture (of course)

All the cousins at the party

Van Nuland Kids

Alex on his Birthday - What a big boy!

Who says Mom can't have fun too!

Then we had a party at G&G H's house with Auntie Jill. Sunbathing, water guns, slip n sliding, fishing, playing in the sandbox, riding bike in the Armory... very busy and fun weekend!!

Fishing Time

Over Memorial Weekend Gpa H, Steve and I took the boys to Trout Pond in my hometown to go fishing. This is the second year that we have done this and the boys were very excited! Jack couldn't wait to try out his new fishing pole that G&G H got him for his bday back in March.

A lot of fish were caught and thrown back into the pond. The boys were very interested in how the fish felt and looked like up close. They even threw a few back into the pond.

Yes I am not in any pictures but don't worry I did put bait on the hook and take the fish off the hooks and toss a few back in the pond. :)


Jack and Gpa H

Steve and Alex

Jack's first catch of the year

Alex's first catch of the year

Jack two fisting it.... that a boy!

Alex and Gpa H

Jack and Steve

Where the "beep" have I been??

Hello my stalker, follower, family and friend (all two of you). Let me introduce myself as I think you may have forgotten about me.....

What a start of 2010. I started to hate 2010 on Jan 2nd while I was in Kohls checking out with my purchases; I got a lovely phone call from my boss telling me that as of the 3rd I was laid off "temporarily". Happy "Beepin" New Year to my family! Needless to say our lives changed immediately and I was not a fun person to be around for the next two-three weeks. (Steve must really love me. :) )

The next 15 weeks was what it was. I got the phone call to come back to work and start on April 12th.

Here is a quick update on everyone:

Steve: Steve was awesome and picked up extra shifts at the Y and never complained (we both work at the Y part time if you didn't know.... free membership baby!!). Work at Enzy is going well and he has signed up for the Bellin Run which is in June.

Jen: I learned what show was on at what time which was depressing. Gained "depression" weight and then lost it. The morning staff at the Y got sick of seeing me everyday. (Oh how I miss working out when no one was there!) Knew pretty much everyone's name at Biolife as I donated/got paid for my plasma twice a week. My first week back at work I went to the 2nd home game for the Cubs with Jill. Man was that a blast! Can't wait for our next game.

Jack: Jack celebrated his 5th birthday in March and had a firefighter bday party with friends. Uncle Chad gave all of them a tour of one of the fire stations and they had a blast. He is enjoying school (4K) and is very excited about starting kindergarten next year at St Bernards. He is very quick at learning and asks a lot of questions. His memory is amazing (wonder where he got that from).

Alex: Alex is hilarious! The things he does and says cracks me up and he knows how to use his charm to get out of trouble.... with other people. He tries to do everything Big Bro Jack does and usually succeeds. He has NO fear and is the biggest love bug.

This summer we don't have any big plans as we need to build our savings back up. We of course have our annual baseball game with my family and I am hoping to get the boys to Wrigley as well. Also we have our annual 4th of July party which I cannot wait for!

I hope now that life as gotten some what back to normal I will keep all two of you informed on our lives more often.

I need to do a shout out to my vball friends.... thank you for taking care of me every Monday night.... I owe you all a crap load of pitchers of beer! :)

Another shout out to our family and friends for being there for us. We truly appreciate it and it meant A LOT!!!

Also a shout out to Amy... thank you for all your help with the boys and being so understanding those past 15 weeks. You are the best sitter and I am lucky to have you as a friend as well.

Update Soon

I am such a slacker with the blog. Big things have happened at the Van Nuland house and I will share that and all the activities/pictures since Christmas very soon.