Kailee and Anika are pointing out an addition to our mantle this year. Anika called it "the mouse stocking." Rather than confuse anyone, we thought we better label them. 
We are looking forward to exciting events in 2010! God's blessings abound.
A new toy of Dan's - his chain saw. Good thing this tree was already dead. He probably would have cut it down anyways, just for fun.
We were all hoping (from inside the house) that this tree would fall the right way. 
It did
We made and decorated Christmas cookies as part of our preschool time this week. I was quite impressed with how well they did. I guess it's just like play-dough except edible! 
Anika was treated to Grandpa painting her toes. Now it's not only dad that paints toes at our house! 
We had a very eventful early Christmas party at our house last night. It started with graham cracker houses, a wonderful dinner and decorating houses in between, then ended with presents. What a fun, memorable evening! 
Three houses were constructed. Two of the houses were completed quite quickly. . . look whose house is still in pieces. (He blamed it on the cheap Walmart crackers - - - excuses, excuses.) 
Not surprising that Cinderella wanted to build a castle.
Meticulous Daniel
Helping Grandpa and Grandma open their small presents
If anyone needs a tree cut down, you now know who to call. 
The finished products
Presents from Grandma
One of Kailee's Christmas presents was the game Sequence for kids. Both girls loved it and it was hours of entertainment. 
View from our room
Anika's gift called Find It. Dan was entertained for hours. He would come in the room and sit down and work on this. One piece has yet to be found. (Although Dan claims he saw it.) 
Swimsuits in December
On the beach (obviously not in our swimsuits) with hotel in background
The beach to ourselves - very nice! 
One night we ate out at a local restaurant. It was great food. Kailee fell asleep on Grandma before her food arrived. (Food is NOT a priority on her list.) 
This is a pier close to our hotel that you could drive your vehicle on. A couple restaurants are located at the end of the pier. Local wildlife (pelicans and sea lions/seals) compete for the food as well. Many sea lions were under the white fenced area. Grandma was not at ease with them being so close to us.
We went to our first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party last Saturday. These 3 were some of the worst, although all were pretty bad! And, yes, that is John in the middle in his very feminine sweater. 
Matt and Kristy came up with some great games that night. One of them was to wrap a present blind-folded as fast as you can. It didn't have to be pretty, but covered. It got pretty interesting! 
My neighbor girls helped me pass out little Christmas goodies to give to our other neighbors. 
We went to the Visalia Christmas parade a while back. It was a little cold and plenty long! 
For some reason, most ornaments were placed at her height. A mysterious tree fairy came and evened them out later that night.
It was one of my more fun birthdays since I could be home. (Can birthdays over 30 be fun?)
Clean, clear air! Wish I could take it back with me! 
Cousins Natalie and Devan
The work horse
Massive icicle! 
Out for pizza with my parents and Uncle Vern and Aunt Pat. 
Bridger Mountains near Bozeman
Dan with Bryce (2 months old already!)
We visited Wyatt and Savannah (my cousin's kids) on Monday morning. Savannah loved having other girls to play with in the house. 
Anika tried on a flower girl dress for my cousin Mindy's wedding next May. The problem was I couldn't get it off of her without a small battle. 
Before winter hit - jumping on the trampoline with bare feet. Now the trampoline has a foot of snow covering it. 
We celebrated my niece, Natalie's, birthday together. We were a few days late, but none of the kids cared. 
Thursday morning - The first whole day Dan was here. (ha, ha! Some you know how much Dan loves cold weather. . . not!) Dan went hunting with my dad and brother while we tried to dig our way out of the driveway. 
Yesterday we had the opportunity to get together with 2 of my high school/college friends, Jodi Venema and Mary Kimm. Our time was much too short; we had a wonderful time. 
2 kids each (Mary is due in May!)
Dan plowing. . . the yard? 
My Mom set up "Fox and Geese" game in the backyard. We got our exercise for a brief period. 
A little birthday party for me. I stressed to NOT make a big deal. My great uncle and aunt joined us for cake and ice cream. 
My dad planned a day with other tractor fanatics to plow near Churchill. They were even interviewed and seen on TV later that evening. 
Both girls loved sitting on one of Grandpa's tractors. 
My mom and dad built this house for another couple this past spring. It turned out beautiful. I could easily move right in. It's located just 2 houses away from my parents. 
Craft time with Grandma
We ventured out to the bluffs yesterday morning. We looked for deer, but didn't see any. Hopefully there are a few for the guys to hunt when Dan comes. 
My new LITTLE nephew Bryce - he is now over 5 lbs and doing great! What a miracle from God. 
Here the 1st CRC youth group in vans off to the annual beach treat over the Oct. 30 weekend. The guys did have fun with Halloween pranks, candy, and masks.
We had a church family come up and cook/organized the camp as host/hostess. We ate very well. Thanks Wallens!
Jordan Taylor and his wife Leslie really did a lot of work to keep the ball rolling. Here Jordan takes a load of rental boards to be sacrificed to the waves.
A few brave girls and one leader, Melanie, took to the waves.
View of Morro rock from our main surfing stage for the day. Waves were kind of small, but nice temp of 78. Totally needed wet suit to tolerate 56 degree ocean. It took minutes for your feet to go numb.
Couple of guys riding a curl- or ripple in this case.
Large guys need large boards to float our carcasses. John Schaap on my right was athletic and intellectually astute. 
The guys got worn out later as the waves got choppy/small with some wind. Food, sea gals, and mischief ensued. 
These guys are getting the pains of surfing corrected. 
Hearts for those wondering.
Elaine is holding Fact or Crap, a fun game played numerous times as groups milled around relaxing by the fire. John Doornenbal is pondering the plausibility of some obscure question.
This morning we went to Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch near Reedley with Kevin, Sharon, and Emily. It was a beautiful day. The girls loved the corn, pumpkins, and train.
Anika contemplating life. . . I guess tasting her hair helps.
Our growing girl: those legs are getting long! 
Riding the train
Kailee's version of Ariel. She was disappointed when I wouldn't tape her blanket to her.
We had an extra princess in our house Friday and Saturday. Norah Kostelyk was an angel. She fit right, enjoying all our girl stuff!
It's the end of October, but never too late to put on a swimsuit and eat a cupcake outside!
Nothing too exciting over here. We are enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Dan planted new flowers last Saturday. Our grass is like green carpet right now. . . Dan's doing, of course.
Anika and Allison being very silly while I was trying to get ready.
Anika helping me on the kitchen counter, like always.
Kailee was creative by putting a white skirt on her head for the veil. She is getting ready to marry daddy (again). 
It's raining today!!! We love it! We haven't seen rain like this. . . well, we can't remember. Was it May? Kailee was outside before she ate breakfast. In fact, she woke me up, saying, "Mom, I hear something outside!" 
I'm not quite sure where she found the blue. . . but she obviously knew where to put it! 
Sidewalk chalk in swimsuits: October 11. 
Kailee and our neighbor, Savannah
Neighborhood Gang
We had a great pumpkin patch exploration on Friday. My friends, Sharon and Tena, and I tried to keep track of all these kids. 
Picking out their pumpkins
This is what occurs when she knows I would like a nice picture of her. . .
Anika and Sarah
This is the only boy she may kiss for many, many years. (besides Dad!)
This is the best idea I've had in a while! Savannah WANTED to learn how to iron. Have at it! She did 10 of Dan's shirts. 
Meanwhile, her sister was self-teaching herself on the piano.
We had a great weekend with the Fichers, Zylstras, and Pausmas. The kids loved playing all around the campground. We enjoyed a little boating as well. (in October! Not something I would do in Montana or Iowa.)
We did a lot of this - sitting around the campfire talking. It was relaxing especially because the kids entertained themselves so well. 
Jonathan was thrilled about eating. Anika was grumpy.
Jason and Ashley
Crazy girl
Anika's first tube ride ~ she yelled, "Go faster!"
3 giggling girls
8 adults and 10 kids
Dan doing well on the wakeboard. 
Our days are still HOT but our mornings and evenings are enjoyable. Dan took these pictures a few days ago on our street. 
Ballerina Kailee
Dan's book order this week. I'm still working on Atlas Shrugged, the book he recommended last spring. He either has more time on his hands or just makes time. It's still to be debated. 
Kailee and friend Emma at Boingos
Sisterly love. . . sometimes
This was my project this week. My mom and dad gave us a dresser and rather than just paint that I decided to paint the whole room. Kailee loves it. Now if only it would always stay this neat and clean. 
Saturday evening excitement at our house. . . not so much. But we are loving our new suburban! We're glad it fits in our garage (barely!) and we love the extra room it has. We are still getting used to the fuel bill though. . .
Officially California licensed. (I did give a sigh of relief when I completed this process yesterday.) For those of you confused, you can read our blog around September 12.
We went to the Tulare County Fair last night, taking our friends Zach and Alli along as well. It was quite crazy, as always, but I think the kids enjoyed it. 
Saturday morning craft time
Kailee and Zach
Alli and Anika
Zach and Kailee loved this ride, but the younger 2 were a little more hesitant. 
Alli clung to Dan the whole time. Anika was quite mesmerized. 
The highlight of the evening: Dan showing his mighty strength. :) To him it was worth the $5. To me, it was not worth the huge Dora we have in our house now.
Imitating dad
Preschool morning at our house
Kailee and I made a trip to Utah Friday morning, exchanged vehicles with my parents, then came home on Saturday. It was kind of a whirlwind trip, but it went really well. I was glad to have Kailee along. She traveled well and it was nice for a little conversation along the way. When I was quite sad about my Maxima leaving with my parents, Kailee said, "Mom, you cannot have 2 cars." She was quite right. "And," she added, "you'll see your mom and dad again in a little bit." Wisdom from a 4 year old; just what I needed. 
Short but sweet time together
Very sweet!
A little tired. . .but we perked up after our morning coffee.
It's been quite the car saga over here. To make the story short: our car wouldn't pass the smog test. Rather than put a lot of money into it we decided to get a different vehicle. We couldn't sell our car legally in CA, so DAD to the rescue! My dad found this suburban for us at Danhof Chevrolet and was also willing to drive it halfway to us. Montana will take our non-smogged car. (Sigh. . .) I know we will really like this bigger vehicle though, especially when family/visitors come. Hint, hint!
Enjoying the roomy drive back home
Kailee colored for hours. She didn't want to drink anything because then we would have to stop. I ended up being the one who needed to get out and stretch. 
I watched for the space shuttle, but just missed it. Bummer.
Dan's "prize" from my parents for surviving without his wife for 2 days. :) It's Hunter Dan (who actually looks like Dan quite a bit. Weird!) Now he can play barbies with his girls. 
Anika's gift from grandma. She was glad to see us again.
Anika is a "band-aid freak" lately. I have to hide the boxes or they will all be gone. One time I thought, 'wow, she's really playing so nicely in her bedroom.' Only to find 20 band-aids all over her body. In this picture her nose hurt. Amazing the power of band-aids! 
"Mom, this is what princesses do." (How long does this stage last?. . . )
Enjoying the local park last night. It was beautiful weather. The girls had fun running through the water and playing on the playground. 
This morning some friends and I ran a 5K to raise money for the Christian School athletic teams. We were the "stroller crew." It's sure a lot easier to run without a 77 lb. load to push, but it was worth it. It made eating at the pancake breakfast even more enjoyable.
After the race: finally getting out of the strollers and running around.
Playing on the playground at the Christian school.
My good friend Alicia VanderTuig and I are going to teach our preschoolers this year. Her daughter, Renee, and Kailee are about the same age and have very similar personalities. We will meet once a week, taking turns at each house. Should be fun!
The first day: they were SO excited. They kept saying, "This is so fun!" back and forth. 
Using an apple to print on paper
Representing "1"
Recess Time
Anika helped Dan wash his truck the other night. The sweatshirt does NOT mean that it was cooler out. I'm sure it was still about 95 degrees, but that's what she wanted to wear. 
Dan likes to come home for lunch and make a coffee drink. If he's not watching Anika will help herself. He goes back to work feeling better: I get left with a little girl that refuses to nap. 
Kailee drawing. . . again. 
Playing with neighbor Brooklyn Robb
It was a lucky day: we bought ice cream from the truck that comes by almost every day. Usually I'm the "not-so-fun" mom that gets popsicles out of our freezer IF we've already eaten dinner. 
The other ice cream bar always looks better. . 
So sometimes you just have to try it! 
Anika loves to "help" me bake. 
Obsessed with the princesses? Kailee is doing something with princesses most of the day.
Kailee with her pre-school buddy, Renee. They can't wait to begin soon! Renee's mom, Alicia, and I are going to team teach them both this year. One will teach and the other will keep the other siblings under control. Should be fun!
Emily enjoying the park too
Kailee practicing her ballet moves. . .
We celebrated Dan's birthday this past Saturday. We had many friends over and the weather was beautiful! We could eat outdoors comfortably - no bugs or oppressive heat. With 12 adults and 10 kids, there was a lot of activity at our house. I think Dan enjoyed his day. . . even though a few gray hairs are coming. (I keep saying it's a sign of wisdom!) 
On Saturday Dan and I attended the wedding of Stuart and Tessa Hall. Stuart and Dan worked together for 2 years at the clinic. Stuart now works at another clinic in Exeter, CA where he works on other animals besides just dairy. 
The wedding itself was longer than Dan and I are used to, but it was very nice. The reception began about 2:30 pm and lasted till. . . ? Well, we're not sure. We had to leave at 7:00 pm to travel the 3 hours home to rescue our friends (from our children)! 
It was a very unique wedding because Stuart is from England. A lot of his family could participate or attend the wedding. We loved listening to their accent and also enjoyed their sense of humor. 
Anika and Kailee on a normal day: dressing up. 
Anika must not know about the water shortage problem we have here in CA. She bypassed the pool and decided to just put water down the drain. Oops!
Anika entertaining the neighbor girls. They need to watch out or she will just jump on them. 
All the girls
Happy First Birthday, Emily!
We continue to use our little pool, daily. It's how we survive the 100 degree heat. 
Dress up time at our house - even for Nathan. :) 
Kailee and Anika helping me bake bars.
Couple's Bible Study pool party
Saturday we went to Cayucos for the day. We ran into our good friends, the Fichers, there. We didn't know they were vacationing at the same spot. We also ran into our pastor and his wife. Seems like we weren't the only ones who needed to get out of the hot, dry valley! 
This picture was taken at Jackie and Ted's waterfall/pond made by Dan's dad. It's really pretty. The kids love to throw rocks in the pond, which I don't know if the goldfish like so well. 
They heard 'if you put your heads together, you can accomplish much.'
Grandma insisted on celebrating Kailee's 4th birthday . . . only a month late. Tinkerbell was a hit on this cake specially made from Casey's Bakery in Sioux Center where Grandpa works. Anika was a little confused why Kailee got another birthday party. (You can't fool her anymore!) 
Having fun with Aunt Hannah on a walk by Caleb's house. 
Ted and Jackie's acreage from a distance
We enjoyed the All Seasons Center in Sioux Center. The kids could have spent many more hours there!
We were at a park in Orange City one evening and saw a beautiful hot air balloon take off. This is not something our kids see very often. 
We spent one fun Saturday evening with my brother Corwin, his wife Carla, and kids. Here Kailee and Anika are sitting with Allison and Karissa. Jordan was off playing with Dan, I think. 
Home, sweet, home. 
How fun to have a vacation within a vacation! (For me, anyway.) Dan enjoyed the conferences while I enjoyed free time with no children. Dan's parents were so wonderful to watch Kailee and Anika for the 3 1/2 days we were gone. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan was a lot cooler than what we are used to in July, but it was a great relief from the 100 degree California sun! 
We enjoyed dinner at the "Berry Barn" one evening. Saskatoon is known for growing berries very similar to the blueberry, but a bit smaller and more tart. 
We found it a bit humorous that this sign read, "Beware of falling ice" in July. To us Californians, it felt quite reasonable. 
This was our hotel that we stayed in. It was built in 1931, but has been updated. Quite fun. 
South Saskatoon River going right by our hotel. The city has great running/biking trails. We took advantage of that one morning before it starting raining again. 
A local church that I thought made for a fun photo.
This picture was before we left for Iowa - but it was the beginning of fun with Aunt A-M! We had such a good time with her out here for a week and enjoyed a couple more days with her in Iowa. 
Aunt Anne-Michelle was a huge help on the plane. It was so nice to have her sit by Kailee and I could entertain Anika. Kailee colored the whole time. She loves flying, especially all the special gifts I pack along in their backpacks for the trip. Who wouldn't, right?
Our first stop in Iowa was at the Bleeker house near Sioux City. Kailee and Jaron used to be good buddies while they lived here in Visalia. We miss the whole family! It was great to see them again.
Uncle Ted and cousin Caleb were around - and that always meant fun!
Bonding time with Grandma!
Kailee and Caleb were good buddies. They played hours together. Anika played too, but added an element that didn't always work with theirs. 
Kailee and Caleb loved the firecrackers, but Anika's ears were a bit more sensitive. 
There's trouble. . .
Although it was much too brief, we saw our wonderful friends, the Bentz family, as they were making their way back to Minneapolis from a family reunion. We had Sunday dinner together at Grandpa and Grandma Hoogland's, then they were on their way.
(Aunt A-M showing the kids how to fly the kite.)
We also had the opportunity to meet Anne-Michelle's boyfriend, Marc Pedersen, this weekend. He fit in very well. We went for an early morning run on the 4th, took lots of pictures, (Thanks, Marc, for ALL these pictures on the blog!!!) and enjoyed his piano playing. It was great getting to know him a little better!
Anne-Michelle with Caleb
Ted and Dan finding trouble on the roof
We've spent lots of time making LARGE bubbles. 
We had Sunday dinner at Grandpa and Grandma Hoogland's. What a blessing to have this time together. Grandma still loves to feed a large group of people and she makes wonderful food!
This is what summer is all about: enjoying the beautiful sunset with family. Anika is still trying to recover from a few firecrackers that Dan and Ted set off. 
Our whole Altena family -
Montana girls that married Iowa brothers
A surprise attack!
It was HOT today, so the water felt great! We enjoyed this beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Clovis water park. I think most of the Fresno population joined us today as well, but we still had a good time. We lathered on the sunscreen, sipped water, and tried not to lose Kailee and Anika amongst the hundreds of other kids. 
This park is wonderful for children. Anika, being true to her nature, would try anything, go anywhere, giggle as she went. Kailee was very hesitant at first, but by the end of the afternoon went everywhere Anika had gone in the first 1/2 hour. (Who says the oldest always leads?)
We loved spending yet another day with Aunt Anne-Michelle. What a blessing to have such a wonderful sister/aunt!
