Viersen 60th - May 28 - {Part 1}

 "Lord you have been our dwelling place for all generations." Psalm 90

My maternal grandparents were so very blessed in that they were able to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversay last weekend.  And I was blessed to be able to attend with the four children.  It was truly a wonderful time of celebrating God's goodness, faithfulness and nearness, all the while visiting with family and friends.
Seth, Tristan and Rowan were thrilled to go on a road trip with their mom and as Andy had told Seth to take good care of me he said he was my "he-man" for the trip.  And they were very well behaved, which was a relief for me.  So thankful they don't mind driving! Seven hours on the road? No problem with Calvin and Hobbes and Asterix and Obelix comics to occupy the time.  I am enjoying watching my little men become bigger men, they are such good company and can be very helpful! 
My sister Ruth-Ann and her hubby Ben received their first baby - little Asher - only 10 days before we came so it was extra special to be able to visit and cuddle with this little man. He's seriously adorable, got a head full of hair and is a dream baby as far as sleeping/waking is concerned.  I was thoroughly impressed by my sisters hospitality skills and relaxed attitude.  Thank you for everything!  Can't wait to see you again:)

Time Table:
Thursday morning I drove up to Neerlandia arriving 5pm. Supper at Ruth-Ann and Ben's.  Spent the evening at Pake and Beppe's place where many of the relatives were staying in their RV's.
Friday morning we cuddled with Asher and visited with Mom and Dad as well as took a quick trip to see our Aunt/friend Lydia. Friday afternoon: naps all around!  Friday late afternoon and evening started the anniversary festivities with a formal dinner and reception at Westlock Inn.  Seth, my sweetheart, confided in me that the food was so delicious and it seemed to all be free - maybe we should go there more often!  It was a great idea, I must say.   :D
Saturday will be continued on next post... (I've got too many pictures;)  )

Ready for the drive - 7 hours one way.

Break time! Abby loves Seth.

Yay! We made it! All together.

Friday before the dinner we tried to take a huge family picture. This is waiting to get organized:)

Tristan is so sweet with his little sister. 

Abby was quite pleased with all the attention - I'm pretty sure Opa was smitten;)

Special for my children to still have great grandparents.

The family that made it out (bad quality photo)

Reception was at Westlock Inn

Asher, the youngest great grandchild there!

Eight years!

The eighteenth of May marked eight years of wedded bliss! 
That went by so quickly, together we have many adventures and life is always busy.  Four healthy children, a farm to manage, good health, an abundance of food and clothing, a beautiful place to call our home.  God has indeed blessed us, and we look to Him for all things yet to come. We are grateful.
It's always good when a person can say with conviction "I love being married!" And I can:) I do love marriage!  It's probably since I got the best husband:)
Andy spoiled me with a big bouquet of flowers as well as freshly picked lilacs (my favourite spring smell!). 
We made it into a very fun day by going to Henderson Park in Lethbridge with coffee and Timbits.  The weather was beautiful, and everyone happy!  I pray we have many many more anniversaries:)

Someone woke up happy!

Mister with a sweet tooth.

And only since it was our anniversary... he humored me with a selfy;)

Seth went in with me to order the treats, and the lady thought he was so cute she gave him free Timbits. Not a bad deal.

Such strong boys!  ;)

Abby is about half of Tristan's weight (she's 17lbs he's 37 lbs!) but he does a good job of carrying her!

It strikes me as a little funny that the boys only ever want to wear cowboys boots.

Aaaaand just for good measure, a wedding picture. So you can see and laugh at how much we've changed. and how much older (and wiser) we've become etc. etc.  :D   It's the only one on my computer and not great quality. Sorry.

New growth and life

The potatoes are in.

Trees are blooming.

Yard work is progressing.

The irrigation canals are full of icy water.

Pivots are running.

Five new kittens are mewing.

Four baby bunnies are keeping the boys occupied.

Life is good and full, 

Our evening coffees are delicious.

Thank-You Lord!

Families are forever

Guess who turned three this week! ?
Rowan Carl Bijlsma!
We spent Monday celebrating him and all that comes with him - which is: alot of fun-loving personality and so much zest for life.  He's a character alright, and we love him to bits.  Rowan was thrilled with his soccer ball cake and drags or pedals his new tryke all over the yard with him.  We had a fun day with lots of laughter.

...and just for good measure... this (below) is the Rowan we know.  :)  

He says "That's funny mommy. Sooo funny Rowan is!" 

Sunday afternoon was a beautiful day for taking a few shots with all four kids together.

 It's always worth a try right? ;) And everyone needed a turn to hold their little princess of a sister. 

Abby's growing so fast, she now wants to watch us eat at the table. So we took out the baby chair and she's pleased as punch to participate in the conversation at meal times. 

Last but not least, we have a scene  from Sunday afternoon that shows the ordinary around here.  :) 

If you had told Andy a few years ago he would relax by reading a book laying down, with a couple kids bouncing around/laying on him, I'm pretty sure he would not have believed you. But here's proof that men can really do two things at once, and be pretty good at it:)