Harvard Graduation

Michael completed his Masters in Public Health at Harvard University!

Congratulations!

The Van Essen Visit!

Our college friends, Matt & Ang with their 3 kids, from NW Iowa arrived all ready for an east coast adventure last week.  They began their trip with a bus trip from Boston to New York City on Wednesday/Thursday where they navigated the city with three kids and successfully saw the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, Rockefeller Plaza, Central Park, Time Square, and Lego Land.

On Friday we began to tour Boston by conquering the Public Garden and Freedom Trail.  The rain was off/on most of the day, but it allowed us to have the gardens and trail to ourselves.

The swans are nesting in the public garden

The city is absolutely beautiful right now as it is in full bloom.

Carter was in heaven with having two boys around.  There was lots of pushing, wrestling, hoops, and baseball.

One of the highlights for the kids was climbing the Bunker Hill Monument

Above is the entrance to Harvard where the overhead states "Enter to Grow in Wisdom"

On Memorial Day the sun decided to shine bright in Boston after 3 days of dreary weather.  We took full advantage of the sun by taking everyone kayaking on the Charles River.

We also did some hiking west of Boston in Purgatory Chasm

The girls were so very busy doing hair, putting on shows, and playing all weekend. I 

We had a "ladies" pedicure treat one afternoon while the boys had yet another baseball game out at the field.

 A Fantastic Visit! Thank you for coming Van Essens'!

Newton Central Spring Sports

 Taylor's season is in full swing as part of the "Golden Bears" softball team.  Her team is made up of 9 girls from grade 1/2.  Taylor is a big hitter and has a good arm, but sometimes is a bit shy when she is in front of a crowd.

Carter plays for the Blue Jays T-ball team.  He plays every Sunday afternoon; they practice for 45 minutes then play a game for 45 minutes.  It is total chaos and very entertaining.  He loves every minute.

 Hailey plays for the "Red Storm" 3/4 grade team.  She loves to play 1st base.  Batting has been a huge change this year because they girls pitch windmill and balls/strikes are called.  She keeps improving every game.

An Unexpected Surprise

 This past Sunday I received a message from a mom of one of Hailey's classmates in the twin cities that she was on choir tour with her students to Boston and that she had Hailey's friend Ilse with her!

So, after school on Wednesday, Hailey and I took off for the evening for a fun night out with girlfriends down town.  We treated them to some Boston classics: Mike's Pastry and Giacomo's in the North End.

 We toured the Charleston Navy Yard and climbed the 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill Monument.

 What a treat it was to reunite friends after almost a year apart!

Anna Liv and Ilse have been touring with their Mom on the Bethany Lutheran College Choir tour since they were little and told us that this was one of their best trips.

Auntie Julie, Brittany, and Grandma Miedema Visit!

 Julie, Brittany, and Grandma arrived late Thursday evening for a New England weekend visit.  It was an extra special visit because we were able to help Brittany celebrate her 23rd birthday!

 Along with some of the typical historical sites of Boston, we discovered the Boston Museum of Fine Art.  An amazing collection that was impressive and overwhelming all at the same time.

After the museum, we made an appointment at VOWS Bridal in Watertown for Julie.  Vows is in TLC's "I found the gown"; a show the girls and myself love to watch.

We watched Julie try on about 20 dresses.  It was so fun and we cannot wait till July 26 of 2014!!!

 A night out in Little Italy is always a must.  It was the craziest we have ever seen because it was graduation weekend for most of the universities in town.

(Check out who we were watching on TV....Twins vs Red Sox!)

On Sunday afternoon we brought them to the kids' softball and baseball games.  They were faithful fans as it was very cold by later in the afternoon.

Thanks for coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mom and Dad Visit #2

 My Mom and Dad were able to fly out for a 2nd visit this past weekend!  This time we took it a bit easier on them and were able to hit a few new spots on the visit.

The above picture is shot aboard the USS Constitution which gives a fabulous view of the city from the Navy Ship Yard.

Just blocks away from the Navy Ship Yard is the Bunker Hill Monument.  We also visited the museum across the street which houses an incredible diorama of the battle. 

 Carter mastered biking without training wheels just in time to show off for Grandpa and Grandma!

 Grandpa and Grandma took in a lot of softball and baseball while they were here.  They got to watch a game of each kid while they were here.  The weather was fabulous!

 On Saturday afternoon, we made a day trip to Newport, RI and picked up cousin Heidi on the way.

We enjoyed the scenic ride on the bridges of Newport and walked the Cliff Walk which allows you to take in the coast and the mansions of Newport.

 Mom and Dad took the first Duck Tour of all of our guests and loved it.  The tour guide was great and we learn a so many new things about Boston and the history within.

 This is a shot of the Longfellow bridge while aboard the duck

 A long standing tradition in Boston is the Swan boats in the Public Garden.  Mom and Dad took a romantic spin around the pond.

 On Monday evening we took the train to Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox take on our own Minnesota Twins!!!

 It was a long game and we ended up leaving after the top of the 9th.  The Red Sox ended up taking down the Twins by a run in the bottom of the 11th.  

 On our final day we went to the Marathon Bombing site to pay respect to the victims that lost their lives due to the horrible act of hate just three weeks prior.  The finish line remains painted on the street and the memorial is stacked with notes of love, prayer, and respect.

 Just across from the memorial site is Boston's first Public Library which houses some of the most amazing art, architecture, and archives.  It is truly something to see!