Happenings of the Vandenberg Children

Ethan loves to make things. He is always creating something. Today he decided to use the craft box and create things that go (ie, train, bus, car,etc). He really is very clever.

This is Izzy making a funny face and wanting me to take a picture. Crazy girl. :) She always makes me smile!

Apparently Elizabeth was hungry. That's what I get for not cleaning up after breakfast. Who doesn't enjoy Marshmellow Matey's for lunch (and dinner).

Grandma's Annual Easter Party

I love my mom. I love that she is always creating and keeping traditions. From the Annual Pittman Campout to the Grandkids Sleepovers and everything in between, she is constantly creating these wonderful memories for her grandchildren and strengthening family ties. Today was the Easter Party at Grandma's House. The kids eagerly look forward to the yearly Easter Candy Hunt...and I am sure my mom does too actually.

The Pyramid of Grandchildren...ready for the hunt!

My kids had a good time finding their little hidden treasures around the backyard. Thanks Mom for another great family tradition!!

Breanne has Surgery...yet again!

My niece, Breanne, had her final surgery (hopefully) on her little hip. (She was born with her hip out of the socket.) She did such a great job and didn't even have to stay in the hospital overnight. They dropped by my house on the way home from the hospital and I was thrilled to see them. I couldn't believe they came over!! Breanne was in a lortab induced coma at first, but quickly emerged when we brought out the Barbie's. What a trooper she is...and her family for having to endure this trial. The fact that everything went so beautifully today was truly an answer to many prayers!!

She Loves Being a Girl

Isabella is all girl! She loves having her hair done and wearing pretty things. However, she has refused to put her earrings in for some time now. Those little earring holes are definitely closed up. We will just be paying to have them pierced AGAIN later on. Oh well.
Today she would not got anywhere without her little pink "princess purse". I love the way she holds it...just like Mommy.

McKayla

This is my sweet niece. I was messing around with my camera and took some of the prettiest pictures of her...it's not hard because she is incredibly photogenic. Talk about beautiful!

My Izzy B is almost 3

Isn't she beautiful?!
Look at those huge brown eyes. They are always aware of everything around her. Izzy has always been right in the action. She's never left out because she wouldn't stand for it. She's also a very imaginative little girl. Izzy spends alot of time with her dolls (and even Ethan's toys) playing pretend. I love to listen in on her conversations with her Barbies. They usually consist of Barbie #1 saying, "I'm so pretty." To which Barbie #2 responds, "No, I'm so pretty."
Look at that hair...somedays it looks really blond...other times it looks more red...either way it's gorgeous. Izzy is very good to let me do her hair. She sits at the sink and soaks her feet or brushes her teeth. Sometimes she sucks the water out of the spray bottle and says, "Aah, so good." Without fail however, whenever I get done she hopes down and says hunts for her Daddy. Looking very flirtatious, Izzy says, "How my look?" I hope she always thinks herself so beautiful.
And look at that mouth...those Spongebob teeth, those darling lips! Those teeth and lips may be little but let me tell you, some HUGE sounds come from those thing. She has a fabulous pair of lungs. Maybe all that crying from colic as an infant helped with that. Izzy makes her wants know. You never have to guess how she is feeling. It's not just that she can yell either. Her laugh is contagious. Especially when she is laughing at/with Ethan. Izzy likes to be happy, but she also likes her own way. If you are not playing "it" her way then she is NOT happy. As much as I complain or whine about Izzy's stubborn streak, I am grateful she has it. Believe it or not, I think it helped her survive birth and the NICU. I believe that determined little personality came down with her from our Heavenly Father. That stubborn streak will certainly help her be a follower and achieve her dreams. I speak from experience!

Isabella is an amazing little thing. I love her more than I can express here. I prayed for her for 4 years and, boy, was she worth the wait! Whatever the future holds for her I know it will be glorious because she wouldn't have it any other way!