Van Ee Boyz R Fun

Dylan's 2nd Birthday!

2009-06-27T22:14:00.009-06:00

Happy Birthday our little grown up man... here goes a brag session on Dylan.. well it is his birthday!!! so a few months ago he decided he was going to start trying to go on the potty. 2 days before his birthday, he was pretty much trained!! he's wearing underware.. oh my. I am so blessed... I really didn't even have to do anything!!
He's been talking so much already too... he tries to sing the books of the Bible.. he does knock-knock jokes.. copies EVERYTHING his brothers say and do.. (good thing they are good examples) Today it was, Obey your brothers... not your parents.. he started counting awhile ago while we were playing hide and seek.. now he counts up to 15!
He makes us laugh so much.. his sweet little nature is so loveable.. he loves to sunggle you when he has his blankie (and soother still) and he loves sleeping in his big bed.. the past few nights he's been coming up with all kinds of excuses to come out of bed... well tonight he came out with a arm load of his clothes that werre on his floor.. "Heavy load coming, Heavy load coming!" I laughed so hard... so cute. We love you Dylan.... Thanks for being our precious little boy!
Dylan turned 2 already on the 26th.. he picked pancakes for breakfast, so Dennis made him a #2.It was free day at the Zoo, so we had his kady bug party there. The boys even had lady bug costumes still from Matthew's party.Thank you everyone for coming (and waiting a half hour in the traffic to get through the gate) Dylan loved his gifts and the motorbike was a hit Oma!!!Checking out some animals.. there are even lions there now!
Welllllllll.. I don't really like guns, but Dennis got an X-Box Paintball Champioship game for Father's Day from the boys. So he had to pull out his paintball gun and mask to show the boys. Being true boys, wanting to be the hero, they were very excited!

More Summer Fun

2009-06-27T21:30:00.007-06:00

Having fum with water in the sandbox... boys love the mud!!
Nicolaas has the two-wheeler mastered so we bough him a new bike!! Noel hopped on Nicolaas' old bike and just peddled away.. so cute! Now Dylan has the Tricycle.. Davian needs to grow a little though...
Bekah and Dylan... Matthew and Logan over for a picnic lunch... Having a Popsicle with Tyler...Uncle Andy and Aunt Tanya...

Church Camp Out

2009-06-27T21:16:00.006-06:00

Our church had it's first annual camp June 12-14th... it was such a blast. My friend Danielle and her husdand planned the whole thing, complete with a Mini Olympics!! Such a blast.. Thank you again!Friends.... Davian and Adrianna were the youngest highlighs there.. there were lots of arms to help out and snuggle our babies... it made camping a lot easier!
Chilaxin' in our tent trailer. Tne boys did really great and just love it..
We even had a couple of firends get baptized on Saturday night, adn a church service on Sunday.. Thank you Pastor Tim for the message....
We are looking forward to next year!!!!!

Family Fun

2009-06-19T21:39:00.006-06:00

Dylan loves his new little brother.. I 'nuggle Dabian.. I hold him, I kiss him? Dylan decided one night, "Dylan sleep on new bed" and that was the end of the crib... such a big boy. He has been potty training himself as well. So we are taking that easy.. only when he wants to. Davian is 5 weeks here.
Daddy's new littlest bud.. they both have the same colour hair! I was wondering when that would happen!
The boys love picking me dandilions.. so sweet!
My friend Eline and her husband Arjan and little girl Anna-Mae came to visit us from Holland. I was in Bali with her 12 years ago.. so special to see her and meet her family.

First Photoshoot

2009-06-19T21:28:00.007-06:00

Our precious son, Davian Jonah Van Ee

Meaning ~ Beloved Dove A friend at Church is starting her own studio and she did these awesome shots for us.

Thank you Lori!

Introducing Davian

2009-06-19T21:13:00.011-06:00

We are so blessed to be able to announce the arrival of our fourth son, Davian Jonah Van Ee. May 13, 2009 ~ 8lbs 4oz 21 in long.

It has been tough to get Davian to gain weight, but he is finally at 8lbs and 14.5 oz. I am sure he is more already b/c of all the formula he has been getting.
Well loved by his brothers...Davian at 5 weeks already... enjoying a picnic lunch.

Belly Shots...

2009-04-27T14:54:00.008-06:00

Our Aunt Trudy took these great shots to capture our precious moments....

Our Precious Baby boy will be here shortly.. Soon I can post pictures of him!!!

Nicolaas' 5th Birthday

2009-04-27T14:50:00.003-06:00

Nicolaas chose a LEGO party for his 5th... They had a LEGO building contest, painted Styrofoam LEGO hats and played pin-thettail on the LEGO fish...

Punta Cana

2009-04-27T14:40:00.007-06:00

We were so blessed to have a little holiday before our baby arrived in the Dominican from Feb 20th-27th... My parents took us and Nat and Duane...

Me and my Dad.. waiting on the beach while everyone esle was para sailing.

Eating fresh fruit on the beach...
Natalie and I after our braids were put in.. it took almost 2 hours!!
Dennis windsurfing in the waves..

All 8 of us.. Uncle Andrew and Aunt Jane joined us..... Thank you Mom and Dad for taking us... we are so blessed!!!

After taking out my braids when we got home.... The boys loved the beads, but the first night we came home I picked up Dylan in his crib... he took one look at me and cried OMA!!! He didn't know who I was.. poor kid!

Noel's 3rds Birthday

2009-04-27T14:37:00.003-06:00

Noel, Nicolaas and Dylan helped with mixing the icing and decorating their own cupcakes for the Thomas Train...
Mini Golfing with friends at Market Mall...

A 'Little' Update

2009-02-03T11:23:00.010-06:00

It seems the months just fly by... and the blog goes un-updated. There have been so many exciting happenings in our house hold.. If you want to see the pictures larger, just double click on the picture..Our new little precious bundle is growing and I am almost 26 weeks already..... I will post prego pictures when I get them done! May will not be here soon enough!Noel had a fabulous 3rd birthday in December...We celebrated Jesus' birth numerous times.. Just Dennis and the boys and I at home..Then with Mom and Dad Van Ee here in Saskatoon on the 24th-25th....We drove to Lethbridge Christmas Day and celebrated there with my side of the family until Jan 4th...very special times

We have been busy trying to get the basement finished.. we hope to lay the carpet this week.. I will post before and after pictures when that is all done...
There has been abundant snow and cold weather that we try to enjoy when we get a warm day here and there...

Puppies For Sale

2008-10-08T13:50:00.005-06:00

Noel loves to snuggle the pups.
Dylan is enamored with the puppies. Everytime we mention puppies, he runs to the garage door and grabs his shoes, sits on the step so I can put on the shoes, and say "Tee-ah Tee-ah woof, eeeee, 0oooooh" (Tierra is still his favourtie!)Nicolaas has been very helpful with the puppies.
http://tierraspuppies08.blogspot.com/ I will get the link set up on the side of the blog.. i just have to get Dennis to help me. :o)

A Very Late Birthday Post..

2008-10-05T15:31:00.007-06:00

Dylan turned one in the end of June. Wow that year went by fast!!! We had a few parties for him. One on his actual birthday in Lethbridge. He had the baby measles that day, so it wasn't the happiest day for him.. poor kid.(Katrina made this picture look so cool.. thanks)
When Derek and Danielle came from Toronto, we had a family party for Dylan in August. I LOVE summer parties! We had a blast in the back yard! The boys thought it would be neat to make Thomas the Tank Engine train for Dylan's birthday cake. Well, as I got ready to ice it, I realized I only had a few drops of blue food colouring left. After trying to make blue, we ended up with only a yucky green. So Nicolaas decided that Percy the train was green.. we added lots more green and... Percy became Dylan's cake! I love how it turned out. The boys wanted to help so bad. So I made a separate cake, and cut it into the trailers. They were able to decorate their own cake. Nicolaas' was the coal car. Noel's trailer was the zoo car. I think Noel used all the jube-jubes in one spot! They had great fun using the icing bag. I didn't mind what they looked like.. they were the coolest trains ever... they were so proud of their own creation!Dylan went straight for Percy's eyes..
I was hoping for one of those 'chocolate-covered-kid' shots, but he didn't make much of a mess.Dylan is the best gift ever. Happy Birthday sweet boy...

Fun in Lethbridge

2008-10-05T15:19:00.003-06:00

It was great to see everyone one in Lethbridge in the beginning of September. Even though it was a heart breaking reason to go.. My friends in Calgary had lost another baby, at 21weeks, and Natalie and I went up to the funeral.
Dylan going for a walk with Oma Arnoldussen.
Wading in the river.. it was such a hot day!The boys all had so much fun at Aunty Evelyn's playing with Josh... thank you again Evelyn!
Dylan getting wet.. but having so much fun!
Trying on the deer horns at the Nature Center. The antlers were the actual weight, and were heavy!You are the cutest deer I ever saw Dylie bear!

Poses with the Roses

2008-10-05T15:08:00.003-06:00

Individual shots by my roses in August.

Camping in Meota

2008-10-05T14:54:00.007-06:00

We had a blast camping with Mom and Dad Van Ee over the September long w/e. The weather was cold but we had fun!The neighbour in Metoa grew some produce for Mom V. Very sweet neigbours!
There were hundreds of apples that were picked off the tree. We spent an afternoon making applesause.
Out to pick chokecherries. They were abundant! Dennis is in the process of making his own chokecherry wine!
Having a hoot with Opa and Oma Van Ee
Captain Dylan.
Our serene boat ride.
Three Van Ee generations..
Sword fight anyone???
Hey what's with the long faces??
Now that's more like it!
Getting the snowmobiles ready for use this winter!
The boys were tired out after all the fun they had and fell asleep watching a movie.

Summer Camping

2008-10-05T14:51:00.003-06:00

We enjoyed camping with the Schmidt family a few times. Many great memories were made. Looking forward to next summer! Thank you for being great friends!
Nicolaas trying to be brave... he is getting more used to the water... one day he won't think he is "going to sink and die!" even with his life jacket on!
Noel waiting for Matthew to get on board the ship.
Danielle keeping Dylan happy...
Hey I am "Tee-ah" aren't I? I love it in this cage!!

Summer Highlights

2008-10-05T14:29:00.004-06:00

Goop anyone?? I had a brain wave and thought the boys would have fun with goop. We laid out a plastic mat, but that didn't keep Dylan on it! Nicolaas didn't want to get dirty, so he just watched, reminding me every minute what a mess it was making... So I opted for them all to go in the tub., with the goop. That confined the mess at least! There was goop everywhere! I think I cleaned up cornstarch for a few hours following. So here is a tip.. START the goop time in the tub!Nicolaas has been growing up into such a responsible, kind young man. I am so proud of his strong leadership qualities. He really wants to do what's right.Nicolaas has really taken up reading.. he tries to read all the words, but the English language is tricky. There are so many silent rules. Often he will read the word how it should sound (by the phonetic law) but I always have to explain that word is an exception too.
Nicolaas helping Noel with his shoes.
Noel didn't want to get dressed when I offered to help him. So Nicolaas sweetly dressed him. So precious to watch.Nicolaas catching Dylan on the slide. Such a great big brother.
Noel my sweet, sensitive boy. Always making sure no one is hurt.Captain Nicolaas.
The boys biked almost every day this summer. Dylan would get a ride in the car, while I pulled him with the dog leash.
Dylan enjoying Dawn's 'gaa-gaks'. He has an eye for beauty, and loves flowers!

FINALLY New Pictures!!

2008-09-29T22:40:00.005-06:00

Okay.. now that there are new pictures.. I will do some flash backs of the past half year.. thank you for being patient with me.

Kellogg's Kids

2008-04-07T10:20:00.003-06:00

Corn Flakes anyone? Dennis' Dad grew up in a family of 10 siblings. Dennis' youngest Aunt Sue remembers how every Sunday, cornflakes was a treat. If you didn't make it down for breakfast in time.. the cornflakes were gone! For Dylan's baby gift she gave three old fashioned cornflake bowls... (hard to see them very well in the picture) So Aunt Sue, this picture is for you! The boys had a hoot throwing cornflakes all over the living room floor. (I had meant for them to throw them on the blanket.) They were too busy eating all the cornflakes to get very many smiles...

Happy Birthday Nicolaas!

2008-03-06T11:00:00.014-06:00

Wow! Nicolaas is 4 already! The construction kids had a dump-truck load full of fun. Dirt cake was served with worms from the back of Nicolaas' new dump-truck.

Noodles were served out of the quarry, directly into dump-trucks for lunch. Sorry Moms... Hopefully the dump trucks won't be your new plates at home!

The games lasted a grand total of 10 minutes, but the kids had fun.
Spin the Bottle...

Bean Bag toss into the back of a 'dump truck' that Nicolaas and Noel painted..
Couldn't resist putting in these pictures of the boys painting the bean-bag toss game.. They had a blast and by the end, Noel could have joined the Blue Man Group.
So many fun new games and gifts.... Nicolaas wants to say thank you to everyone, Oma, Matthew & Logan, Haylie & Logan, and Tyler & Jayella who came to help make his birthday fun.

My Helpers

2008-02-11T14:08:00.000-06:00

Daddy and his three sweet boys... Dennis is such an amazing Dad... The boys have a great role model to live up to!Dylan loves his food.. even when served by his brothers... a little too much.. or not any.... Dylan is eating a huge variety of foods already... he likes the chunkier stuff and finger foods. He is completely done nursing already.. The other boys were almost a year, but they weaned themselves too. He was only in the morning for a while, but when I had my surgery, we were done. He loves his cup, and does so well with it. He is by far my biggest boy. Has a few extra rolls than the other boys had.
I love Noel's way of feeding Dylan. "Open your mouth Di-din. Here comes 'Queen Cachow, cachow.. here comes Charlie Checka, get show back on de road! Open your mouth Dillie!" Then he gently rubs Dylan's check.. oh what a sweet kid! So cute!

D.J.

2008-02-11T12:47:00.000-06:00

Dylan has a new nickname.. D.J. (Dylan Josiah) We try to remember to use it. We didn't think that 'Dillie' would be very masculine when he went to school...
He is such a happy content little guy. He loves being in the thick of everything with his brothers. He loves to watch them. They love him too... so I know they will be close friends.
My baby is growing up! 7.5 months already!
There is a picture of Nicolaas in the midst.. can you find it?

Nose Surgery Anyone?

2008-02-11T12:37:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know you all are wondering about the gauze taped to my nose. I do look a dreadful sight... I tell you I felt the way I looked... TERRIBLE! I had my deviated septum fixed, and little spur shaved off my bone. It was poking in my sinus and causing a lot of mucous and eye irritation. I also had a old scar for, my tonsillectomy cut and fixed as well. Double whammy! There was a cancellation, and I was in with in 4 months! I think that is a record time! They were right that I would be a couch potatoe for a week.. I was totally out of it. It felt like someone took a sludge hammer to my nose.... At least I didn't bruise b/c it was an internal fix. I couldn' t lift more than 10 lbs.. poor Noelie.. didn't now what happened to his Mommy. Thank you to all that brought meal. We appreciated your thoughtfulness. Of course a BIG thank you to my most amazing husband, for being like a 'single' parent for a week... I appreciate all your work. I couldn't have survived the days with out having Mom V, Juanita and Danielle coming and looking after my brood for me... I love you all.

Welcoming Jayella Carolyn Funk

2008-02-11T12:17:00.000-06:00

Tyler loving Dylan and getting ready for his little sister to come. We are looking forward to play dates soon!We are so excited to announce the arrival of little Jayella on Feb 1st, 2008. Congratulations to Katrina and Stefan! A little sister for Tyler and and a new cousin for Nicolaas, Noel and Dylan to play with. We thought that the boys could give the little pink pig that was for Dylan.. since he came out a boy! We wouldn't want it any other way by the way! I am very blessed and happy with my three BOYS!

Brag Moments

2008-02-11T11:11:00.000-06:00

Sweet little feet... so many paths to take. So much joy running through our house!

It has been a long time again...

Christmas has come and gone, and it is already February. I'll figure out how to add the file of Christmas pictures.
It seems Like the boys are growing up over night. Since Noel's Birthday, he has been talking so well. He's talking in complete sentences already. It is so precious it hear him and Nicolaas dialogging back and forth. They are definitely best friends. Noel's favourite 'joke' is to sing "Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder if Nicolaas is a pot of honeeey." (honey in a quiet sweet little voice.) and then he laughs and laughs. My Noel is now walking around the house with a fanny pack! So hilarious! We named it a car-pouch though... he has so many favourite little cars and trucks that he needed something to carry them with. Dennis thought a fanny-pack would be great! Noel has pretty much potty trained himself now.. Just today he has been asking me to go (I go myself, K Mom?) so far the pants are DRY! He has been peeing in the potty since Christmas time... now we just have to convince him to get on the potty to do his big job... (I poop in the baffroom K? I not poop in the potty K? Funny Bunny." He gets to hold his wrapped present while he tries... oh well. It will happen one day. I am not too stressed. I traumatized Nicolaas with potty training. I was determined to take a different approach with the next boys. With my nose surgery, I couldn't lift Noel out of his crib. So Dennis dismantled his bed, and put a mattress on the floor. Well, it was a disaster for the first few nights. Hard to fall asleep. he would rather sleep with Nicolaas. but Nicolaas needs sleep, not his little brother jumping up and down beside him. Now Noel can get out of the bed.. maybe he;s Nicolaas' little accomplish.. maybe a scape goat... But I can hear Noel "Door open a bit? door open a bit Nicaliss? How come Nicaliss?" Next thing we know he's running to the living room to get some toy for Nicolaas. "Mom, Dad! Noel's out of bed! Now he has to go in the playpen!" Not Noel's favourite reality discipline! The other problem with the floor bed (bunk-beds to come), is that Noel only sleeps maybe an hour at nap times, and the first couple of nights woke up at 5! Nice!The above picture... snuggling in the little bed Opa made at Oma and Opa Van Ee's. Noel kept rolling around, and really the bed was too small. So we told Noel if he didn't settle he would have to sleep in the playpen. A little while later, Noel was in the playpen. He was pretty upset, and was crying dramatically from the room, "I NOT a baby!! I NOT a baby!!". Poor kid. We never told him he was. I guess in his mind babies sleep in playpens.Okay! I am so proud of Nicolaas. He has such determination and self-control. We worked out a deal, that he could pick out any toy he wanted from the store (with-in reason) if he could stop sucking his thumb for a week. Well just like that. He stopped. He got to open his present a week later, and even though he still holds his puppy, the thumb doesn't sneak into his mouth.In the middle of the week Dennis asked him how long it would be before he got his present... "Hmm well It is 7 days and it has been 3.. so there are 4 days left!" We were pretty surprised. I have been working on addition and subtraction with Nicolaas, but wow! Maybe it was a lucky guess. He was DRY this morning as well!!! He finally got to open his present! Poor Noel thought he should open his too... I hope Nicolaas will be able to stay dry now.. I read before that the synapse from the bladder to the brain doesn't always develop till 6 years old at times.. It's just that when asking Nicolaas for his prayer request, he told Dennis that he wanted God to help him to stop sucking his thumb, and that he would be dry in the morning so he could get his present. My heart just squeezed for him.. So far God answered his prayer for his thumb.. now his being dry...
Nicolaas is a thinker... Nicolaas has figured out a new way to get the toy he wants to play with. Instead of getting mad of stealing it away, he just says well Noel, then I will play with 'Queen or Dynoco". Well then Noel can't give up his favourite cars, (even if he isn't playing with them) and he gives the coveted toy over to Nicolaas. I hope Noel catches on soon. Poor kid.
Oma Van Ee started Nicolaas off with learning how to set up the chess board. Next followed her version of 'hokey' chess. :o) Nicolaas loves playing games. I have FINALLY found someone to play games with me. He loves Chinese Checkers (mostly he says he's bored with that one now.. but it's just a little too hard yet), Mancala, card games, Board games, and now Chess. I am so proud of his positive attitude, and never gets angry or frustrated with losing. He's maturing into such a sweet young man!

Noel's 2nd Birthday!

2007-12-21T15:21:00.001-06:00

HaPpY BiRthDaY to YoU Noelie Bear!
The green garbage truck excitement. I now have little bits of ripped up paper strewn occasionally through out my house. But Nicolaas is really good about tidying up.... he knows all the pieces will be in the real garbage if he doesn't!The excavator tractor! (that's the name Nicolaas dubbed it.) I had a towel over it in the garage, and when I brought it in, I did the big unveiling. Heather said Nicolaas was so surprised, he almost fell over backwards. So cute.Poor Noel. He had a double ear infection, so he was not too happy most of his party. He lay on the floor with his elephant watching the kids play. So I moved him to the couch.
Thank you to everyone who came and made Noel's party a success! Noel is very blessed having so many little friends.

Dylan's Dedication

2007-12-21T15:18:00.001-06:00

Dylan was dedicated to the Lord on Novemeber 25th, 2007.
Opa Van Ee and Great Grandpa...
Oma Van EeUncle Andy came up from Calgary..
Aunty Heather..Opa and Oma Arnoldussen came from Lethbridge and surprised us....
Well after Mom and Dad had been in the house a few minutes, the doorbell rings. There stood Duane and Nat. They thought they would surprise us too! Thank you for coming everyone!

Crafty Boys

2007-12-21T15:16:00.001-06:00

Hot Chocolate mustache smile.
Nicolaas decided one day that he knew how to colour in the lines, and now always does. He is a very bright boy, and is always ready to learn new things. He has almost mastered Phonics and is able to read most three-four letter words. It's so fun to watch him grow up. He is a real blessing in our house. He takes good care of his little brothers, as well as instructs them how to play... Much to Noel's dismay. He loves listening to the Bible Word and Song CDs, and has many texts memorized from there. He was showing Noel how to use the toilet one day, and I heard from the kitchen," Noel! Depart from your evil ways!"Noel is a sweet, smiley joy to have around. he is very tenderhearted and hates to see his brothers crying. He always tries to comfort them by handing over his favourite car and a hug. Noel's a bright little boy. He is talking a lot now and making 2-4 word sentences, and always trying to say new things. He loves trying his 'ACB's', counts to 10, knows his colours, and is very attentive to detail.
Okay. I am so proud of Noel. He has been off the soother for almost a month now. One day I decided it was the time. he had been asking for it all day, so I took it to the sink and snipped the top off. I was laughing when I showed the broken soother to him. He gave this laugh of disbelief, "Oh no.. sue-sues all broke!" So he ran to his room to get his other one out of the crib, so I grabbed that one and cut it discreetly too. He walked around all day, "Oh no... whiiite sue-sues all broke... boo(blue) sue-sues all broken." Poor kid! He's doing very well considering.

Mommy's Helpers

2007-12-21T15:13:00.001-06:00

Daddy's Birthday party with Great Grandpa. The boys are pyromaniacs.

Dylan & Friends

2007-12-21T15:11:00.001-06:00

Dylan (5.5 mo) with his cousin Bekah Boot (6 mo).
Logan Schmidt snuggling Dylan.
Cousin Tyler Funk getting some practice in before his baby brother (or sister) arrives.
Seth Rietdijk (6.5 mo), Emilio Rodriguez (6Mo), and Dyllie(5.5 mo)So many boys!!!

Dylan Growing Up

2007-12-21T14:24:00.000-06:00

Dylan's happy smile at 4 months.. and Yes to all you who replied to the Who's Who in the Zoo. You are all good at guessing.Checkin' out the trains with his brothers. (5 months) They all love playing together. Dylan loves his toys, and everything has to be brought to the mouth for the taste test. The last time Dylan was weighed was Nov 22.. at 14lbs 4oz and 25in long...(5mo)
Dylan's favourites. His blankie and monkey. In that order too. He's such a sweet easy going boy.
The toes aren't the only thing Dylan is eating. He loves his rice cereal and bananas. Just this week he's started on peas. Solid foods here we come!I still supplement Dylan with formula as well... and he's doing pretty good on his sippy cup. He likes the bottle at nights though. I'm so blessed to have Dylan sleeping till 7-7:30 in the morning. The mornings Dylan sleeps till 8 are the mornings I can't fall back to sleep after the other two boys woke me up.. But hey. Who am I to complain? I get sleep!

Who's Who in the Zoo?

2007-11-01T23:19:00.001-06:00

Well the contest is on... who can guess which baby is who? They are all at 3 months of age.

Of course one is a give away....

I'll put Dylan's photo shoot on in a couple of weeks for the answers!

Mommy's Birthday...

2007-11-01T22:48:00.000-06:00

A surprise cake at the Van Ee get together! Thanks again Katrina.Opa's feeding Dylan...wait! He's feeding himself.
Nicolaas got to blow out all the candles before I even sat down! Thank you Mom and Dad for the amazing birthday lunch!
Aunty Hever, a.k.a Heather snuggling Nicolaas.

More Cute Kids

2007-11-01T22:28:00.000-06:00

Of course Noelee has his hand on his 'de-bah'! A.k.a Big Haus, the name for the semi truck off of Mighty Machines. Noel is saying so many things. The other day Dennis was getting Nicolaas to quote the 23rd Psalm, and Noel finished off the last words of each line. Smart little fella!Ahh, Mom? Can you feed me instead of taking my picture? It's not your imagination.. Dylan has the same hair colour as his Daddy! Finally!Nicolaas wanted to be in Dylan's photo-shoot too! Cute kid! He loves getting his picture taken.. and taking pictures too!The snow can finally come.. My yard is winterized! Finally!! Nicolaas was helping by mulching all the roses and trees. I told him how grateful I was for all his help. "It's because I love you Mom." Melt my heart!Sweet little happy boy. 4 months old already!

Family Fun

2007-10-26T16:48:00.001-06:00

It's too bad the boys weren't smiling on these re-takes.... The colours are pretty though.Noel's new joke..
"Knock-Knock...(Who's there?) Mom!" Of course we all laugh, because he is so cute!!

Fun Facts

2007-10-26T16:07:00.001-06:00

Waiting for the Garbage Truck. A Thursday high lite!Dylan is only 3.5 months and decided he was strong enough to sit and stand on his own. Briefly.
It's too bad summer is over.. We now have the perfect stroller setup! Oh where is Dylan?
Yep behind the seat.
Noel and Logan watching their big brothers learn to skate.Nicolaas the red marshmallow. (Black helmet) He is still learning to get up on his own.

Dylan's Growing Up

2007-10-26T15:48:00.001-06:00

Smiling since a few weeks old.

3.5 months, and showing off his muscles! Sitting with a bit of help.

Just like his big brother Nicolaas.. he found his thumb. We mostly try to encourage the soother. He likes to project it across the bed though.
Four Months old today!! We've been having some tummy issues, but on the whole Dylan is so happy and easy going. His brothers love to charm him and get him to giggle. He sleeps well through he night too, so that is a blessing.

Family Pictures

2007-09-18T16:41:00.001-06:00

Lethbridge Fun

2007-09-18T16:38:00.000-06:00

We visited the Corn Maze which also had a petting zoo. The cow train was a big hit!

Many Faces of Nicolaas

2007-09-18T16:36:00.001-06:00

Phew! Wonderful dog breath to accompany the ride home from Lethbridge.

Nicolaas is a very helpful boy. the latest is cutting down the weeds with a scissors. The prairie was so dead in Lethbridge that you could just break it off. But it made a cute picture anyhow.
Can't get this grinder working...
Well it's sorta working now...
Yep and I am cute! Nicolaas is growing up so fast, and has become quite the thinker. Question of the day. After reading the story of Abraham and Isaac. "Why can God only kill?" Also. What do you want for your birthday Nicolaas? "Let's talk about Heaven again Mom. Can you go there for me and get me an animal that doesn't bite?"

Visting Uncle Joel's Resting Place

2007-09-18T16:34:00.001-06:00

"...For the Lord Himself will descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words."
1Thessalonians 4:16-17.

Lethbridge Trip

2007-09-18T16:26:00.000-06:00

Oma Arnoldussen and Dylan. Thank you for taking such good care of us all when we were in Lethbridge. We enjoyed our time there! We love you and miss you.
Dylan giving Opa Arnoldussen a ride in his car. uhhh Opa's car!

Josh Arnoldussen with the boys. At least Josh understands Noel. he was so cute listening intently to all Noel had to say. There was an aaah-HA moment at Jonas and Evelyn's. Noel calls all cars and vehicles Geeen. Even if it isn't green. (He knows the colour green) Noel came out of the room holding up a Lightning McQueen car and said "GEEEEN!!!" AAAAH-HAAA!! The mystery is solved. All vehicles are Lightning McQueen and Mighty Machines.
Second cousins all 2 weeks apart. Kornell VandenHoek, Dylan and Beckah Boot
Kayla and Nicolaas trimming down the prairie.
Oma helping Nicolaas paint a macaroni bracelet, while Noel does his own art work.

Three Muskateers

2007-07-28T14:19:00.000-06:00

Dylan is 1 month old already!

New Buddy

2007-07-28T14:14:00.001-06:00

Dylan and his new playmate, Logan Shae Cunningham born July 10, 10lbs 0.5oz. Exactly 2 weeks younger.Big brother and sister, Nicolaas and Haylie.

Sweet Friends

2007-07-20T20:38:00.000-06:00

My sweet oldest brother Nicolaas loves to have me play with him. I was helping him build a tower. Mommy is still so amazed at how much I look like Nicolaas as a baby.
Nicolaas is Mommy's big helper, and he even fed me my bottle... Mommy had to show him how to tip it up, cause I wasn't getting anything!

My sweet second cousin Bekah Willene Boot, born June 9. 7lbs 5oz. Cute shorts outfit eh Aunty Natalie?My friend Owen thought I was pretty neat to check out.
Me and my almost twin buddy, Colin Wayne Sawatzky. Born June 29th, 7lbs 10oz.
By the way, Annalisa you were right, Dylan DOES have thrush! So no sugar (attempt..) and acidophilus here we go!

Snuggle Time

2007-07-20T20:26:00.001-06:00

Dylan, 3 weeks old, snuggling with the puppies. The puppies thought he was one of them, and just cuddled right up to him. He was smaller than the puppies, and not as heavy! Dylan was 8lbs 7oz on Monday the 16th! So he is growing. He is my first son to reach a higher percentile than 5! He is in the 32nd percentile for weight! Those few extra ounces a day of formula must be helping!

Sweet Little Dylan

2007-07-14T15:49:00.000-06:00

4 days old
4 days old
Mommy thought she'd better update some cute pictures of me. The Health Nurse came on Monday (9th) and I weighed in at 7lbs 13.5 oz. So a whole ounce more than my birth weight... The Nurse said that I was doing alright because I was a little over my birth weight and I was two weeks old. So I am still pretty tiny. But I take after my brothers. I think Mommy doesn't have whipping cream for milk. My stools were greenish, so Mommy is supplementing me a couple of ounces of formula every day. I take a bottle no problem.

My brothers adore me, and I have smiled at Nicolaas. He thought that was pretty special. He loves to come and talk to me, and Noel loves to come a give me kisses (a.k.a gentle head bonks) which he learned from his brother Nicolaas. Nicolaas thinks it's pretty neat that I look like him. He tells everyone that I have his head.. I wonder where my head went to???I am sleeping for Mommy almost 7 hours a night and she thinks that is pretty great. I only really cry when my tummy is sore. But my plumbing works real well, so when that is all taken care of, I always feel better.My sad face after my first bath with my brothers. 1 week old July 3rd.
Aunty Natalie reading to all us boys!
Swimming at Meota only 9 days old!
Nicolaas, Noel, and cousin David.Yep, and I am so cool, sporting my new hat. 2 weeks old

BIG Correction On Weighing In!

2007-06-27T21:20:00.001-06:00

On my way home from the Hospital with my Monkey.
Well, it's me Dylan... the newest Van Ee. I am doing okay with my complex already. Mommy was so excited that I was a boy after all. Even though I have been called a girl my entire hidden life in the womb. I am actually NOT 9lbs 12 oz as all of you have read. My dear Daddy was so tired when he wrote the blog that I was weighed in bigger. I was actually 7lbs 12.5 oz. So a great little size, considering how big Mommy's belly was. I came home today and Nicolaas and Noel were so excited to have me home. They made sure that I had my Monkey (who Nicolaas named Curious George), and that I had lots of kisses from Noel and head rubs from Nicolaas. I even held Nicolaas' finger and watched his amazing puzzle making ability. I want to be just like my older brothers. I already look identical to Nicolaas as when he was a baby.God gave me 10 perfect toes and 10 perfect fingers!

Its a boy? wow.

2007-06-26T22:37:00.000-06:00

Well Nicki and Nicolaas were convinced that our baby was a girl...I guess sometimes mothers (and brothers) intuition are not always correct. We are SO excited to announce that we have been blessed with a baby boy. Dylan Josiah Dirk Van Ee. 9lbs 12oz. Born June 26 @ 5:16AM.
Proud brothers Nicolaas and Noel...They gave Dylan a stuffed monkey as a present...I don't think it was intended to foreshadow his behaviour.

He loves to snuggle...we have more details to come once we have some sleep...

Count Down!

2007-06-18T13:46:00.000-06:00

Almost 38 weeks!

Well, we were shooting for a Father's Day baby, but that day has come and gone. I am hoping to be early, but of course the baby will come when she is ready! We will let you all
know as soon as the big day arrives!

The next postings will be of our little one!!

Cute boys....

2007-06-18T12:39:00.001-06:00

Enjoying some Summer sun! The first day in the pool, and we loved it!

Noel is growing up so fast! He loves trying out new words. Lately everything is the colour green!
He knows the green things, but he thinks he'll be cute and call all the colours green!Noel takes after his brother in being allergic to mosquito bites! He was out little alien child earlier this week. At first I thought he had bumped his nose on the wet steps outside. but it proved to be two nasty mosquito bites. With in a couple of days his right eye was swollen shut, he puffed up so bad! Don't mind the peanut butter and jam! :o)
Daddy is starting to frame the basement! A long-haul project has begun! Nicolaas went with Daddy to the dump on Saturday, and then went and picked up the lumber. He is quite the helper!

Ten New Puppies!!

2007-06-18T12:35:00.000-06:00

Well, I am sure you are all aware of our new puppies! They are growing up so fast! There are lots more pictures of them on Teirra's blog (on the right hand side). Mommy is hoping to have a lot of them sold before the new baby comes! We think they are pretty cute, but Noel likes his cars the best!

Cousin Visits

2007-06-18T12:27:00.000-06:00

Oma Arnoldussen came to visit us with Darian, Grace and Dominic. We had such a blast! Thank you for coming out. I hope we can see you again soon!Dominic and Nicolaas watching Curious George. I think we sorta look a like!

Then May long weekend, Aunty Natalie, Uncle Duane, Kayla and Kelsey came to see us too! That was very special.Kayla reading the new Curious George book to Nicolaas. Thank you for the new book Kayla!
Uncle Duane reading a story to Noel and Kayla
Cute little Kelsey growing up so fast!

Us Three Kids

2007-04-23T11:40:00.000-06:00

Wow! Mommy's belly is sure growing! Noel loves to lift Mommy's shirt and poke his finger in her belly button and say 'Baby!' He thinks that's where the baby is. When ever Mommy walks by I love to rub her belly. "The baby is sure getting big eh Mom?" Mommy is almost 30 weeks! Just a little over 2 months to go!! The baby will be here before we know it!! We are so excited to meet our little sister (or possibly brother)!

Us Boys

2007-04-23T10:56:00.000-06:00

Spring is here!! The weather has been a little cool lately, but it's great to get out for walks when we can. Otherwise we make our own fun inside. Playdough is a real hit! We could play with that for hours. Noel is pretty good about not eating it.Great news is that Noel is finally walking too. He started walking a couple of days before Mom and Dad came back from their cruise. He was already doing 6 or 7 steps, so at least they didn't have to miss that! His vocabulary is growing too. It's so cute to hear his attempts at words... he says Tiko for Nico, so I think that's pretty cute. Mom and Dad think it's pretty cute when I ask Noel to say words. Noel loves to help out with the dishes too. The further he can get into the sink the better. He is a water fanatic. Just like me I guess. I taught him all he needs to know!! ;o) Noel is still crazy about cars, so when Daddy set up my new race-track, we were so excited. Noel loves to stand there and make the cars zoom around a hundred times. I don't think he will ever be tired of it! When we are a little older then Daddy will add all the other parts of the track.Uncle Andy was here this w/e so, we had lots of fun with him.. I kept saying that Aunty Andy was coming.. He thought that was pretty funny.

Cruise Expedition

2007-04-22T16:32:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been some time since we've been back from our 5 year Anniversary Honeymoon now. The time just slips by.The ship in the background with me on the beach, and the inside of the ship. There was a grand staircase with 4 glass elevators to the 13 floors.
Dennis and I were treated by my parents to a Cruise to Mexico. It was a wonderful experience. Below: My parents in one of the fancy dinning areas flr the Captain's Dinner. We attended the Marriage Seminars put on by Family Life, and were able to stop at four different ports along the Mexican coast. The conference was refreshing and had so many neat insights to our marriage. Swimming in the Ocean was amazing, and we were able to go snorkeling in Cabo San Lucas with my family. Dennis below, pretty much engulfed by the waves.The ship had 2,800 passengers, not including the numerous staff. Apparently Norwiegan Cruise Lines is coming out with a bigger ship in 2008 that takes on 5,000 passengers. I think the 2,800 passenger one was large enough! The food was incredible and wow, could you ever eat there! I am pretty sure I was almost ready to roll home. Our baby probably gained a couple of pounds in only 8 days!! The boys stayed home with Opa and Oma Van Ee and had a blast there, (Thank you so much again!!) Opa even made a special little partition wall and cubicle rooms, decked out with a little bed for Nicolaas. So cute! They didn't miss us too much. I am sure I missed them more. But I knew they were in good hands. Below: My sister Joella and her husband Brad were also with us.

Nicolaas' Accomplishments

2007-03-05T16:52:00.000-06:00

Well, you all may be wondering just what is on my head?? Well, since I am potty trained, I wear big-boy underwear all day! I just had to try some other usages for these cool new underpants. I even go all by myself now too. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of me. My present basket is almost empty, and my sticker chart is right full! So I guess I am quite the big boy now! Almost every morning I beg Mommy to make fresh squished orange juice. I get all the parts of the juicer out, and put it all together too. I can do it ALL by myself!! Mommy just has to peel the oranges, and turn it on, and plug it in... It is the best orange juice you have ever tasted! Thank you Aunty Joella for the great juicer!! It's been great growing up.. I love learning new things too. My imagination is great. I drive around downstairs in my orange car, and go to the store for Mommy. She loves my blueberries, turkey, tigers and elephants. Mommy always asks me what I want for lunch or supper.. My answer is always the same.. TURKEY!!! I love to use the phrases that Mommy (oh dear) uses on us boys.. "Oh come on child!" Except I wanted Oma to come downstairs to play.. she wasn't coming quick enough.. oh come on child I said to her. Boy was she surprised.. she said she didn't remember being called a child for a long time!! I love putting puzzles together, and I am quite the whiz at it Daddy says. Any craft activities are high on my list too. Mommy and Daddy think I am pretty special, and sweet as pie!

Noel's Chatter

2007-03-05T15:50:00.000-06:00

Were you wondering who this alien, cool, hip, punk baby may be???? Yep you got it! It's me Noel!! And yes I do have hair!! See???!!!! Mommy is considering on cutting it.. but she is a little skeptical of me changing my baby face to a older boy face... Did you notice my lovely teeth? I only have 5 right now.. but another is working it's way out.. I just wish they would hurry up about it! They really have been bothering me.. I drink like a fish.. and am up in the night.. sigh. But on the brighter side, I am LEARNING to walk. Everyone kept telling me I needed to learn because I am getting to heavy to carry. (Pretty much 21 pounds I think) I took a couple of steps a week ago, but on Nicolaas' birthday I took 6 steps to Oma. Then this morning I was banging on the door for Mommy to get out of bed (I do this to her every morning) and when she opened the door, I took 7 steps to her! She thought it that was pretty neat to get out of bed for! The gate from the stairs has to be closed though.. Mommy likes to supervise me.. About 3 weeks ago I learned how to go up and down the big stairs. Mommy was proudly videoing while Daddy watched. I sat up in the middle thinking I was done, and proceeded to tuck and roll backwards the rest of the 7 steps.. Mommy even has it on video! I will go up on my own some days, but going down is still a little scary now. Maybe I should be in gymnastics!
Yep, I am car crazy!! I saw this while Nicolaas was mini-golfing and just had to go in it. I used every word and action I could think of for please.. yep.. I got in! I can say pssss-psssss (please) and sign please. My favourite thing to say is 'It's stuck!" as clear as a bell. It pretty much started at Oma's when the cars on the race track kept getting stuck.. that got everyone running to help me! :o) Yep I am sooo cute! I love to charm, and I know it! I love making elephant sounds. Pretty much spit ends up in anyone's face that is close by, but it's pretty neat. Especially since I love my stuffed elephant so much! Oma and Opa Van Ee got me this cute elephant towel for Christmas.. My new thing is really chattering. It is so cute. I make all these great sounds, with a few words I know spicing it up. I am trying to tell a story, but i am not sure if everyone gets it right away.. They just copy me, and I laugh and laugh! Tonight at supper Mommy blew off the broccoli for me, so I was telling Daddy about it.. when I started to blow, then everyone understood.. that was great! I think I am going to start a new language club!

Double Fun!!

2007-03-05T15:22:00.000-06:00

Making sweet music to Mommy's ears with the recorders from Oma Van Ee. Noel can actually blow pretty good! Very cute!
We love to be pulled around in the laundry cart.. the more times the better!!
We found this cool car at the Mall.. problem was it didn't drive. I think we would have been terrified to drive it anyhow. It was fun to jsut sit in there since Noel is car c-r-a-z-y!!Mr Doctor Nicolaas making sure Noel is doing well...
Yep you are Noel, here is a kiss to make sure about that.
Drivin' through the town, going up and down with Noel, driving in the car (From Noel' s music)
Noel really does drive his own car.. he is safer there!Well Mommy had built us a fort.. but she isn't really an engineer, so when Daddy came home he made a safer one.. Boy we love forts. The more cushions off the couch, the better!! Noel thinks it's great too, cause he can actually climb on the furniture then with out any effort!!

Happy 3rd Birthday Nicolaas

2007-03-05T13:40:00.000-06:00

Wow!! Time sure goes fast! I just turned 3 on Saturday! Happy Birthday to Me! I sadly asked Mommy why I would never be 2 again. But we all grow up and get older I guess. I woke up and when Mommy said happy birthday I was excited that it was finally the day. I helped Mommy bake my cake and ice it, now I was excited to finally eat it!!
We decided to have a Lightening McQueen theme party. This cake was Mack, the truck that carried McQueen. I love trucks and trailers. I love to drive my little orange car around downstairs and pretend I am Lightening McQueen. Noel always chases me in the little red car. Mommy has to pull him with a rope... (a.k.a Daddy's housecoat belt.) But the best of all, was Daddy came home from Philadelphia. He was home in the wee hours of the morning, 4 am!! Not so fun! He was stuck there b/c of the bad weather in Toronto. Mommy had us boys on her own from Monday to Saturday. Daddy was supposed to come home on Thursday already. Mommy and Daddy even missed their 5 year Anniversary on Friday. But at least Daddy was safe in a hotel across the country. Any how, we had such a fun day. Daddy made my new puzzle with me in the morning, and then I got to play with my new 24 colours of play dough. Then we went mini-golfing!! It was so much fun. A few of my friends, Haylie, Avery, and Matthew, along with Great Grandpa, Oma and Aunty Heather, met us there. I had been once before, and now I could wack at that ball like a pro! I think I am going to be a pro golfer like Opa Arnoldussen. I only threw my ball in to the water a few times. I even got a hole in one!! Otherwise I would hit at the ball a few times and move it closer to the hole. Right on Par. Noel tried golfing too. But he was mostly interested in holding the ball and trying to throw it.
When we got back home some more friends joined us. Stefan, Katrina and Tyler and Opa. Jonah came and even brought his brand new, 3 day old, sister!! So cute! I wonder if my little sister will be that tiny too?? Thank you everyone for coming, and making my day so special!

Grow baby, Grow!

2007-03-05T11:18:00.000-06:00

Well, I am sure you are all saying "it is about time!!" Instead of the boys perspective, I thought I would write a little something. Life has been full of blessings, excitement, and business. God has been very good to our family. Our new little member... even though still well protected and growing, has been an exciting addition so far. I love to have my hand over her as I sleep.. I know I should be on my side .. but she doesn't mind being on the back yet... I will call the baby a 'girl' even though we really don't know. The heart rate has been average 150, and the boys were 140.. so maybe this baby is more active, or maybe it's a girl. Nicolaas is still adamant that the baby is a girl... Q1 Q Q QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ ( A side note from Noel) Noel loves to crawl up to be and lift my shirt... I think he is curious why my belly is growing. ;o) Nicolaas has been raising interesting questions of late too.. "Does the baby come out of your belly button?" "The hole is too small for a baby to come out." "Where does the baby come out of you?" "The baby is under your skin?" (Oh for wisdom) Welll..... The baby comes out by Mommy's legs... "OH!! " He inspects my legs... " I don't see any holes in your legs!" Well, God will help the baby come out, I told him. That seemed to satisfy him for now... It's been so amazing to feel this precious little baby moving around. Little kicks here, little punches there. So far she seems quite calm too. Maybe she will be just as easy going as her older brothers.Here is our sweet little peanut at 18 weeks... Dennis was checking out the ultrasound for certain parts... he was sure it was a girl. He didn't see any appendages. ;o)
My baby belly at 20 weeks....
I am now almost 23 weeks, and my belly circumference is 99cm across the belly button. Very close in range as I was with Noel at this time. Of course I think I look huge... but the snow is melting, and I can pull out the double stroller once again. That should keep me from gaining in the wrong places.. of course it would help if cut out allllll unhealthy foods too. I was only a bit nauseous in the first three months. So I can eat what ever I feel like. Now I really need a nap every day, or I am pretty much drained.. Maybe it's the interrupted sleep, or maybe it's just having two other little ones... I definitely am more tired this time around. If I don't get my sleep I am, shall I say a little, or a lot irritable! But we are sure excited on meeting our sweet baby this summer.

Exciting News!!

2006-12-18T15:43:00.000-06:00

Well, Nicolaas and I have some very exciting news!! I am going to be a big brother, just like Nicolaas. We even got to hear our new baby's heart beat at the Doctor on Friday. Mommy was pretty excited! Nice and strong at 150! So we will have to see what this baby's average heart rate is!! Mommy is due right around our big Van Ee reunion! So that should be exciting. July 4! So hopefully our baby comes a little early so everyone can come and visit. Uncle Derek and Aunty Dani will be here from Toronto too. So that will be perfect! Nicolaas says he is having a baby sister, but we will have to see!

Happy First Birthday Noelsters

2006-12-18T15:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I have reached the grand age of ONE on December 13! It really is not much different. I don't feel any older, and I still only have ONE tooth!! But I am sure the other ones will pop out soon. I am starting to climb up on things. and I can get on Nicolaas's little yellow chair by myself!! I come off backwards headfirst, but hey, I am learning!! I had a great Noah's Ark birthday party! I got to dig into the cake that Mommy spent hours decorating. Daddy put on an amazing Turkey dinner for everyone, so it was tons of fun. Nicolaas even helped Mommy make all the Rice-Krispie shaped animals! Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate with me. Opa, Oma, Aunty Heather and Great Grandpa, Stefan, Katrina and Tyler Funk, John, Evelyn, Zach, Jenna and Jayden Boot.

Best Buddies

2006-12-01T17:16:00.000-06:00

Well Nicolaas wants to say "I love my Puppy". He loves helping out in the kitchen. "Making squished pizza dough" was a hit for a week! It's so fun being brothers. Nicolaas likes to teach me how to do things. I am too scared to climb up the stairs yet, and Mommy doesn't have to worry about me falling down them either. I am pretty cautious. I love to climb up on everything, but I am NOT even slightly interested in walking yet. If Mommy holds my hands to help me, I promptly buckle my knees and want to crawl. It's hard to believe that I will be one pretty soon. I finally got my first tooth a bit ago. Hopefully that's a sign that the rest will be healthy. My favourite trick is to close all the doors. I also love throwing my soother over my crib, and my elephant. Lids are now fascinating, and I try to put them on.. but they never fit right. Hmmmm

The Van Ee Zoo!

2006-12-01T16:20:00.000-06:00

The cutest little animals ever. Noel wasn't too sure about having a Tiger on his head, but Tyler and I sure didn't mind. Aren't we all so cute??

Snow Much Fun!

2006-12-01T16:03:00.000-06:00

So much fun??? Or is it really? Mommy was excited to get us three boys outside for some snow fun. Well, mistake number one was it was Noel's nap time. He was not impressed with the idea. So by the time everyone was all bundled up, everyone was in tears. So we all went outside for less than one minute. Mommy was worried the neigbours would think we were being mistreated. So we went back inside, all the parphanelia came off, and everyone went to bed. Ahhhh!
But Mommy took me out a few days later and we made the coolest snow chicken. Mommy was aiming at a snow man, but it turned out to be more like a chicken. Tierra thought it was great that we were outside and she raced around in circles the whole time. Before we knew it, she had our carrot too!
When it wasn't too cold out yet, Daddy and Mommy took us boys for a long walk. Noel started by sitting up in the sled, but lying down was much easier. Maybe one of these days we can go out again on all the snow drifts in our back yard! We have an amazing amount of snow!

Our Sweet New Little Cousin!

2006-11-08T22:03:00.000-06:00

Praise God little Kelsey Rayanne Indenbosch arrived safely into the world, October 18! 9lbs 12 oz!!!! She is such a cute little baby. Congratulations Nat and Duane! She is so precious. We loved being there!!! Kayla was excited to have a new little sister. She knew Kelsey's name before she was born, so when people asked her what the baby's name was, she would say. "I can't say it's a surprise..... But it's Turtle." It's too bad we live so far away. We were so excited to go and meet her. Mommy took us boys by herself all the way to Lethbridge. It took her almost 71/2 hours to get there, but we made it. Mommy was so proud of us little travelers!! We had so much fun there in Lethbridge. Now everyday, anything I (Nicolaas) colour, draw, paint aqua doodle, it's always for "Auntie Natalie". So Momy thinks that's pretty special. If Mommy saved all the stuff I made,(which she always does) Aunty Natalie would have a whole box full!!! (Just what you wanted eh Nat? hee hee ;o) It's always so nice to go and see our Oma and Opa and all our Aunties and Uncles and cousins! Keeps us busy! Thank you again so much for looking after us so much Oma. We had so much fun at your place. Daddy flew into Calgary on Friday and so Mommy went to get him at the airport. What a disaster. She forgot to bring along his flight number... So when she didn't see Daddy's (Air Canada) plane, she started to panic. He was supposed to co me in at 2145, by 2235 she was pretty worried... I think she called Everyone she could think of to see what happened to Daddy. Then she was thinking maybe he was kidnapped.. then maybe missed his flight.... oh boy! Next time check with the other airline. He came in on WESTJET and of course the Friday night flight was late. So a piece of advice? Take FLIGHT NUMBERS along at ALL times. But it all worked out well.
Before she went to get Daddy she finally got to meet sweet little Jade Angel Lee-Wing from Aunty Amanda and Uncle Josh. She was born in September and her sweet big sister Angela Jade, went to be with Jesus May 2005 , when she was only 7 weeks old. So it was pretty touching to meet little Jade.

Twin Cousins

2006-11-08T21:49:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been a while since we blogged you. But we are enjoying having our cousin Tyler here twice a week. Noel and Tyler are pretty much twins, and they have so much fun together. It's neat how much they look alike. Tyler is walking already, so he is setting a good example for Noel to follow. I think that our wagon rides are over till next year now. It's probably a good thing though. Noel and Tyler thought that trying to hang OUTSIDE of the wagon was better than nicely sitting on their bottoms. But they were fun while it lasted.

We had loads of snow today so hopefully we can all go out for a sled ride tomorrow. Possibly Mommy could hook Tierra up to the sled and we can have a 'free' ride. Mommy thinks we would all land in the snow head first if the dog pulled us. I (Nicolaas) made a sorta snowman with Mommy, but the snow wasn't very sticky. Besides the dog kept racing around and tearing into our 'snow man' and trying to eat his nose. Well maybe she will like to chew on a carrot instead of Mommy's Malus Crab Apple tree and the Cedars. She literally chewed the tree down to the ground. I guess she thought if there were no sticks, she'd find some. Well all the trees are burlaped now, and covered in snow.
Mommy is also excited that Noel has finally mastered signing 'more'. He waves his his hands together and smiles.... so proud of himself. Noel has taken to snuggling the floor too. When ever he wanted Mommy or Daddy to pick him up he will put his head to the floor and curl up in a round ball. Such a cutey. I make sure he has his elephant at all times now. I am trying to make him super attached to 'Peanut' as I have named him, just like I love my puppy.
Noel has taken to standing up on things all the time. When we came back from Lethbridge he thought standing in his crib was the greatest trick. Only problem? He couldn't get down! He learned that in a big hurry!

Our Fun Visitors

2006-09-24T15:29:00.000-06:00

Well, it was almost a month ago now, but my Oma and 3 cousins came to visit us for Lethbridge! We enjoyed having them so much! It's too bad they son't live closer. It was Darian, Gracie and Dominic's first visit, and I can't wait to have them back again. We went swimming, went to the zoo, and jumped on my bed (Mom said she didn't mind.. I think ;o) My Oma is so great too. We can't wait to see them all in Lethbridge when my Auntie Natalie has a baby girl!
Noel just got over the same spots he had a month and a half ago.. must have been the same viral thing. He ended up with a both ears infected too. Poor kid. But he still is my happy little brother, crawling around the house. I take good care of him. If he crawls over to the steps in the front entry I yell, "Careful Noel, careful Noel. You're gonna fall and bump your head!!" So far he has made the fall twice already. Mommy usually comes running... This morning I was yelling for him to be careful not to fall down the stairs.. (but Mommy could hear him playing in the hall with the doorstopper) I was trying to get Mom and Dad out of bed.. too bad my trick didn't work!
My buddy Tyler is coming on Monday again, and maybe Mommy will take all three of us in the wagon again with Tierra. It works pretty good for walks.

A party to celebrate my grand entry into the big boy world of potty training!!

I thought I should go in and pet that nice tiger, but Daddy said that would be pretty scary!!

Our New Family Addition

2006-09-14T14:11:00.000-06:00

Everyone's eyebrows are probably being raised... Well we have a new dog!! Tierra is a real beauty. I tell everyone she's a Chocolate Lab. Mommy and Daddy wanted to get us boys a puppy from Tierra a while back, but our yard was never ready. Well Tierra is 5 1/2 years old (just as old as Mommy and Daddy have known each other)and is still as playful as a puppy. She was Elina Indenbosch's dog. Elina took such good care of Tierra and trained her. So we are pretty blessed to have this dog. Thank you Elina and to Maurice and Henriette as well. We are so grateful...
Tierra has attatched herself to Mommy, so if anyone else is holding her leash, she pretty much drags them to get over to Mom. Mommy has been having fun trying to teach me to take care of Tierra. I get to feed her and give her treats. I make her "siiit..siiit...siiit.. then staaaaaay...staaaay... good girlul... and even if she is listening I make her wait longer. Mommy tells me not to make her wait so long.. poor dog. She is drooling so bad by the time I drop her food in, that she has pretty much filled up Mommy's sandel on the patio. We always take her out ot the backalley to do her business. I make sure that I tell her to go poop, and then proceed to hunker down and watch her. Poor dog has no privacy. She loves playing fetch too. I through her red ball for her. She doesn't always like to drop it for me, but she does give it eventually. We left it out for her and she must have been mad we weren't playing.. so she chewed the ball to bits and ate some of it! Mommy even found the evidence in the back alley! Mommy sees me outside all the time playing with Tierra. Noel loves her too. He starts bouncing up and down and touches her nose. Tierra always licks him... Mommy and Daddy always get a laugh out of me. Last morning (as I always say)I was playing with Noel in my room while Mommy and Daddy were trying to sleep in a bit.. (6 o'clock is pretty early sometimes)Mommy almost split a gut. She overheard me telling Noel "siiit..siiiit...siiit...staaay...staaaay...good boy Noel, Good boy! Go get it Noel!!!" Mommy had to tell me my brother wasn't a dog, and I am sure didn't want to play fetch. I our mosy favourite thing to do though, is go for walks. Mommy would take us almost everyday in the bike stroller to the 'lakes' (a.k.a. big ponds)here in Martensville. Tierra loves to swim and play fetch! I get to throw the ball for her, but she doesn't get much exercise.. Mine drops right at the edge of the water usually, or in her mouth... Then she proceeds to dance up and down with excitement and get us all muddy and wet. But she is starting to listen pretty good to me. Mommy is trying to teach her to watch us boys. One day she will. She would rather follow Mommy around though. She takes my tricks. Mommy found me covering her with sand one day. (poor dog) She was sadly just looking at me. ummmm I don't think I will do that again. Mommy wasn't too happy.
The other day Daddy went to get his breakfast and he heard Tierra crying. Silly dog was stuck under the shed!!! She loves to dig (Yep Henriette she digs here too :o)) but I don't mind b/c it hasn't been in any of my flower beds (yet). She had been digging under the shed for a while and Mommy had to pull her out once before with her leash. Mommy thought that would have cured her.. Nope!! Maybe she was just trying to get out of the rain. But she was stuck pretty good. Daddy had to dig her out in the pouring rain! Well that didn't work, so he had to get the jack out and lift the shed! Crazy dog! I think the next step is her doghouse. Daddy already made her a kennel on the side of the house with concrete blocks on the ground so she can't dig under the fence to the other dog.. Well, hopefully one day we can get some puppies from her. We will forever be indebted to the Indenbosches for such a wonderful addition to our family.Can you find Noel?? Hint... look for the little elephant's nose. :o)
Did you notice our new Mini-Van in the background?

Summer Fun

2006-09-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

Well, it's about time Mommy updated this blog of ours. It looks like the Summer has left 2006. The rain and cool days have arrived. It was a beautiful Summer though, and we enjoyed every day of it. It's hard to believe that it went so fast! We were in Lethbridge in July visiting all our family there. We weren't feeling too well though. Mommy thought Noel had the measles, but the walk-in-clinic doctor said it was probably some viral rash... weird. It seemed like all the symptoms. So that put a little damper on our visit. Opa and Oma built a pool at Uncle Jonas and Auntie Evelyn's house. I usually love swimming, but I was only in a short while. Hopefully next summer. We went up to Golden, B.C. to meet with Daddy and Mommy's dear friends from Abbotsford. They brought their sweet new baby Eden along!! I think we'll be great friends. Noel and Eden got some great shots together. Daddy took our purple car up this very high mountain road. People go para-gliding off there.I kept counting the numbers on the way up and then would end with 20!! Daddy said he sure hoped it wouldn't be 20 Ks! Well we finally got to the top and it was well worth the ride up. Very gorgeous view of the valley. The only sad part about that, is it put our car in a bad spot. On the way to Lethbridge for Golden, we had to stop every hour almost for Daddy to dump water on the radiator. Oh dear... Long story short? We drove home to Sask in a new mini-van. When anyone asks I tell them Opa drove the purple car to the auction because it was broken. I am very particular on telling people it is a MINI-van when they ask. I am pretty good with my vehicles. Opa and Oma Van Ee bought a lot to build a cabin up by Meota Lake in North Battleford. We were walking to the Lake, and Mommy asked me if there were any cars coming as we were crossing the street. Nope I said... Just a Jeep. (Yep it was a Jeep Liberty too)Smart boy! Make my Opa Arnoldussen proud!
Noel has taken to crawling all over the house now. He loves to explore and when he comes upon Mommy.. JACKPOT!!! He is eating so much food! He loves it. Not sure where he puts it all, but it's fun watching him with finger foods. I always tell Mommy when he is going to the two steps int he front entry. Our cousin Tyler comes now 2 days a week, and he fell down twice in one day!! poor kid. I guess Noel just wanted to copy him. Mommy think she was going after the football that rolled down. it's fun having Tyler over. He is such a sweet boy. He is only 8 hours older than Noel, so now Mommy is having a taste of twins.

Forgotten Guest

2006-07-20T21:23:00.000-06:00

Mommy can't believe that she forgot to mention the unwelcome guest in our cabin. There were lofts on either side of the cabin. Mommy was lucky to lay under the overhang that was infested with critters. The first night there, she hear this scurrying back and forth a couple feet above her head. So she switched sides of the bed with Daddy.. (She didn't tell him that was why... ;o) I slept at the head of the bed.. Well techinally I was supposed to, but I managed to stay between Mom and Dad the whole trip! Lucky us all on the double mattress. Mommy checked the cabin corner the next day, and there was a hole there that something could get in... Oh dear. The scurrying continued, but seemed to die off in the day. All 14 of us probably scared it off. On the third day there, Mommy was trying to have a nap with Noelsters. She had a blanket over her head to ward off any mosquitoes that thought her blood tasted good. By now there was a sheet on Noel's playpen too. The scurrying started up b/c all of us were down at the Lake. Mom thought it sounded awfully close so she bolted up and a gray ball of fur ran across her bed under the bunk. Ehhhhh!! That was no mouse!! That looked like a rat!! So after frantically pushing a broom under the bunk beds the rodent was no where to be found. By then Mommy thought she was going to lose her breakfast, so she got ready to join us at the Lake. She was worried the 'rat' would jump in Noel's crib. (They can do that you know) While Mommy was running around, she looked up at the rafters and low and behold, there were two SQUIRRELS squeaking down at her in terror. Ahhhhhh at least it was no rat! Opa filled the holes good and proper with a whole can of insulation foam!! Hopefully the next visitors won't encounter any 'rats'.
Side note.. When we were leaving, Daddy was whispering to Oma. The mice had helped themselves to the fluff in the mattress that we were sleeping on. It had a big chewed up hole...

Muscle men!!

2006-07-20T16:16:00.000-06:00

Well us two cute dudes sure are best of friends. When I am playing in the living room I always ask Mommy for Noel to come play in there too. Mommy reminds me to be careful, but we (I)love rough housing. I stand above Noel and drop the couch cushions on him. Noel just giggles and laughs, so Mommy supervises.. I like to bodyslam too. Sometimes Mom hears Noel cry a little and I have just finished bodyslamming him. I am pretty careful though. I can't wait for him to grow up a little. I throw the ball at him, but it just bounces off his head. (Poor kid) "Noel's too little to catch it. Noel has to grow up first." Noel loves to chase me around the house with Mommy. A few weeks ago I was running to get away from Noel and I hit my head on the corner of Mommy's dresser drawer (I should keep them all the way closed) Mommy though maybe I needed stitches, but in the end Mom and Dad decided they didn't want to put me through the trauma of getting the needle before the stitches even came! Mommy put a butterfly bandage on it, and it healed nicely. Since we came back from the cabin, we haven't been feeling too well now. I had a fever for 4 days and ended up with a cough. Poor Noelsters broke out in the measles!! Hopefully he's better before we go to Golden the first week of August!

The Van Ee Clan

2006-07-20T15:49:00.000-06:00

I think Noel was trying to tell Aunty Heather something.

Best of Friends

The Whole Van Ee Clan

How tall do you think we can go? Uncle Derek is 6'5'!!

It seems family pictures were on the menu the last couple of weeks. We enjoyed playing with Elizabeth, Sam, Jayden and David during their two week visit. I wasn't sure about these cousins playing with MY Oma at her house at first. But I was okay I guess. It's too bad they don't all live closer. A year is so long in between visits! Thanks for coming out to see us!

A Mosquitoe's Feast

2006-07-20T15:27:00.000-06:00

Summer has been so wonderful already!! We’ve enjoyed the sun in Lethbridge and at the cabin last week. Our whole Van Ee family went to Heritage Lake for 5 nights! Oma and Opa brought lots of yummy food, and we played games and swam. The Lake was perfect! Sand everywhere. Noel and I swam and floated in our turtle. Mommy didn’t know what a horsefly looked like. Now she sure knows. They were buzzing around and quite vicious. There was a huge, gorgeous log cabin that housed us all. Minor problem? It leaked real bad. There were mosquitoes sneaking in everywhere!! Maybe it was the fact that the flush toilet was outside, and the door was opened a million times. Or maybe it was the holes we found in the screens. Mommy and Opa used almost a whole roll of duct tape to seal it up!! The next renters will like the added gray décor. I, Nicolaas slept between Mom and Dad so I think they didn’t have a great sleep the first night. There were mosquitoes buzzing around our head, so most of the night was spent swatting. All of us looked pretty bad a couple days in. I had bites everywhere. Mommy kept me sprayed and creamed up, but I think they like my blood. Poor Noelsters woke up the second morning and Mommy thought he had the chickenpox! He had over 31 bites mostly to the left side of his head! Poor kid. Mommy thought they didn’t like him, but the little vultures proved her wrong! The first night everyone thought it would be too dangerous to light the coils and citronella candels in the cabin... by the 3rd night.. We NEED it!!
I had lots of fun, and I think once we are all laughing about the mosquitoes, we'll go again!

Our cousin Elizabeth helping us all swim.

Aren't I a handsome little guy?

Boy this is the life! I could live in a Lake!

Daddy reading to David aka 'Davey Crocket' and us boys.

Big Shoes to fill

2006-06-21T13:59:00.000-06:00

Hi It's me Nicolaas!! It's so great that Summer is here! I just love going outside, and checking out the yard! Mom and Dad are planning on putting a fence up in the next few weeks, but I'm pretty good at not going into the alley. Mommy says that it is too dangerous. Daddy built me this great sandbox last year. I sure have a special Daddy! Well, I'm off drivnig in my little red car now. Mommy found me a new orange one at a garage sale, and the side door even opens!! It squeaks so loudly, Mommy can even here me upstairs!! But I sure love giving the boys a ride. (a.k.a puppy the salty dog and teddy.) Honk-honk for now!

All Smiles

2006-06-21T11:41:00.000-06:00

Well, hello there. It's me Noelsters. Mom thought she'd help me type this one out. I am 6 months old already, but I have a little trouble using the key board yet. My skill in the keyboard area consists of leaning forward, and proceeding to suck on any key that is near by. Daddy does want a new computer one day, but I think my chewing it up won't help. I think some teeth are working their way out, but I still have nothing to show! I love it when Mommy feeds me pablum tho. I can chew on the spoon!! Oh yes, that orange stuff they call carrots?? Well, I wasn't too sure about them at first, but now I love them!! I open my mouth wide and just grin at Mom every time she puts a spoonful in. Little does she know that I am hoping she will leave the spoon long enough for me to gum it down... hmmm
I am slowly making my way around the living room. I have mastered the rolling, and the other day Daddy found me by the book table having a great taste of one of those. Except cardboard isn't the greatest tasting stuff... I have it figured out when Mommy and Daddy put me under my play tent or in my chair that I am going to have to wait for something... I don't mind playing, but it sure is better when my big brother Nicolaas is there to entertain me. He sure is good at that. When I wake up, Nicolaas comes bouncing in my room like a tigger and boos me. I giggle and giggle and then proceed to continue smiling.. and then he disappears... I guess when I can run, I will chase him around the house. Daddy 'helps' me chase Nicolaas and boo him too. I love having a big brother... I know he loves me too!
Mommy and Daddy say that I am such a friendly happy little guy. When ever I see them I break into smiles.. I guess I want then to know that I love them so much!
It's so fun when I get to go to the park with Nicolaas. We ride in the bike stroller together... I think Nicolaas' glasses, helmet and juice cup are pretty great... I am working at getting them away from him, but I haven't quite mastered it yet.. Even though Nicolaas lets me do what ever I want, Mommy is always reminding me to play with my stuffed lion.. well.. I think glasses are much better! Especially when they come off of Nicolaas! The best part is when we get to the park. I love going in the swing and 'catching' Nicolaas when he comes down the slide. He says he likes to do it himself, but I think it's fun... We went to a neat park with a wading pool yesterday! I put my feet in the water, but I wasn’t too sure about it. I can’t wait to go to the the lake!!
Well, I guess that’s about all for my story now.. my elephant Awesie (Nicolaas used to call elephants that) and I will type again some day..
I love you all. Nicolaas says hi too.. We are both sleeping right now.. but Mommy can read our minds. (She thinks) :o)
With lots of love and slobbery kisses,
Noel

Testing Testing 1 2 3

2006-06-21T10:38:00.000-06:00

Well after a number of other solutions were considered, a blog seems like the easiest platform to keep others in the loop. I am sure that Nicki will keep this site full of pictures and messages from the stars of the show, Nicolaas and Noel.
-D