Speech

I just had to share some exciting news with someone and no one is here right now, so I thought I could just put it on the blog. Carter was recently re-evaluated for his speech progress and is using 5 word phrases with 70% intelligibility! Wow!
I knew that he was improving and to be honest I have always been able to understand him. I used to have to interpret constantly to family and friends what Carter was trying to tell them. I did notice that others were understanding him quite easily, but the numbers are just a really awesome confirmation! Way to go Carter!

EASTER 2011

Easter in Leota



The most lovable and cuddly little Kensie had crazy amounts of attention by all the cousins. She was held almost constantly and I even set the timer for holding privileges.

All "Vis" cousins

The Zeinstra Farm

Carter and Taylor were so brave with the cows! I was shocked!

Mud soup with rocks

Carter was impressed with the Easter spread at Teresa's house.

Palm Sunday

Grandma Miedema was able to spend a long weekend up in the Twin Cities! Carter not too happy about picture time before the Palm Sunday Service. Carter and Taylor's Sunday school class started off the service with waving palm branches and two praise songs. Taylor was a pro, but Carter used his palm branch for lots of different things---all from the top row next to the pastor.

A Sioux Falls Trip

The process of searching for a job for Mike has begun. Mike will complete his Cardiology Fellowship next June 2012! It is incredibly exciting and stressful all at the same time. Our first stop was in Sioux Falls, SD at the Sanford Health System which is conveniently located in the same town as "Baby Kensie" (Carter's language). It is also within 1 hour to the rest of both of our families. We packed a lot in during our visit and Mike spent all day with various Sanford Cardiologists and administrators talking about what a position there would look like. The kids and I mainly had fun all day! Kensie's first swimming experience! Carter loves loves "Baby Kensie"

The Sertoma Butterfly House minus Taylor. Taylor got whisked away by the Walhof's for two nights while we were in Sioux Falls where she and Makenna spent some quality "sister" time together.

To make our weekend even more eventful we headed to Rock Valley, Ia where Mike and my brother competed in the first annual Culinary King's competition to benefit the Rock Vally Community Hospital. We assisted them in making 125 Korean Barbecued Pork Spring Rolls with spicy peanut sauce that were served in bite-sized portions to over 400 people. They were pretty disappointed that they didn't win first prize, but received rave reviews on the spring rolls!

The next month involves looking at two other Cardiology positions here in the Twin Cities and a trip for Mike out to Boston where he is going to interview for a possible 1 year training in Preventative Cardiology through Harvard University. Needless to say, it is a time where we as a family covet your prayers as we make some big decisions for our family.

Another birthday for Gwen

You may be thinking: who's Gwen? That's OK, it is Hailey's American girl doll. She declared again this year that it was Gwen's birthday on April Fool's Day. I guess I shouldn't be surprised; events, parties, especially birthdays are very important to Hailey. I do however feel like the April Fool is on me. I am the one that goes along with the last minute declaration and is running around making a cake and getting out candles for Gwen. Not to mention that I during the event am expected to get her an actual gift and I am referred to as "Grandma!"

Mike rarely takes pictures, in fact, I'm pretty sure that the children will have no memories of me doing anything with them because I am always behind the camera taking the pictures and never on them. This was one of the times where Mike ran to get the camera and of course it is because it was something ridiculous.

Spring Break at the Dells

We are home and recovering from a fun filled trip to the Wisconsin Dells. We had a condo-suite at the Chula Vista Resort that easily accomadated the three Newton Ave. families that moved in Sunday evening. We were able to cook our meals there and then walk through an underground tunnel to the Lost Rios water park. The kids loved every minute of the tube slides, body slide, mat slides, and the lazy river. Getting them to sleep at night was an easy task. We went out to the famous Moose Jaws Pizza place one evening for a night free from cooking. Over all it was a great success!

Carter's first love

Today we had the opportunity to reunite long lost loves as it seemed to be. Carter and our little Stella that we used to care for regularly shared a hug as only little friends can. Stella was a regular at our house for almost 2 years until recently. The two were so cute together. Carter is the leader and Stella so willingly follows him around in admiration.

Carter's 1st Dental Appointment

Carter had his first dental appointment last week. He entered the office and stated that "I do not want a shot in my mouth." I'm not sure where he got that idea, but my guess is that it may have come from one of the older sisters prior to the appointment. He was very brave and very apprehensive when the chair got tipped back but allowed a full polishing. Great job Carter.