Meeting His Peeps

Adam got to meet some very important people while he was in Minnesota. It was so good to see friends that I miss so much!

Adam was very excited to meet Shana (Auntie H. Bag) for the very first time. Shana made the drive from Eau Claire to see us. She brought Adam a new telephone that has wheels and lights up AND a Wisconsin Badger outfit, which Adam will unfortunately probably never wear :) I mean really, what was she thinking??? At least it wasn't Packers.

We got to see Laura and her sweet girls. Alice is her oldest and we met Emilia for the first time.

We did some playin' at Beth and John's new house. They had just closed that day, so that's why there's no furniture or anything, but it was so fun to see it. It's a pretty sweet place. You can also see their new dog, Chloe, playing with B in the bottom right corner. You can sort of see Adam playing with his new phone, too.

It's hard not living down the hall from these girls anymore - or at least in the same state! It's amazing to see how each of our lives has changed so much in the last few years with weddings, home-ownership, moving around the country, dogs, and babies. I am so lucky to have these girls!

Adam and Nora sitting in a tree...

We were so glad to spend some time with my friend Kitty and Adam's girlfriend, Nora, while we were in Minnesota. It's difficult to maintain their long-distance relationship, so we were so relieved to see that their relationship is in fact progressing. I mean cripes, he slept through their first date and she spit up all over herself...it doesn't get much worse than that.

Adam snoozing away on their first date around Christmas time, 2008.

Their second date was much better. Look at him checking her out! We met up with the Gormans to watch some horse races and celebrate Kitty's sister-in-law Heather's birthday.

The next day we met up for some playtime.

"So you see, Nora, you link these things together and it's cool."

They're pretty excited.

Here's a flashback moment for you...Kitty and me pregnant. I think I was about 16 weeks and Kitty was about 24.

Now the babies are on the OUTSIDE! Much more fun :)

Four Generations

Adam and I had a couple of very cool photo opportunities while we were in Minnesota. We got to see both of my grandmas - Adam's great grandmas. We made sure to get a four generations photo with both of them. They are both wonderful grandmas and I feel so lucky to have them both in my life. It was really fun to see Adam enjoying them as well.

Four generations: Grandma, Mom, Me, Adam

This was Adam's first time meeting my dad's mom - it was so good to visit her and she was so excited to play with Adam.

Four generations: Grandma, Dad, Me, Adam

Showering Jess

I am excitedly anticipating September 18, because that is the day that Jessica will officially join our family! I am so proud of my brother and so thankful that he has chosen such a beautiful woman to bring into our lives. I've had so much fun getting to know her, and was so happy to honor her with a shower with the rest of the Vanden Boom women during our family reunion.

Matty and his bride-to-be.

The yummy dessert I made. I got this great and EASY recipe from my friend, Kelly. You can get the recipe by clicking here.

My mom and aunts made a beautiful arrangement of food, gifts, and party favors.

Everyone shared a recipe with Jess along with a memory of Matty. It was a great time with lots of laughs. Then it was time for gifts. Matty and Jess were very excited about their matching duffle bags.

Matty even got a couple of gifts. A saw from the Uncos.

He was so happy he got his silly (I mean awesome) hot dog maker from his sisters. Who else would buy that?

We are so excited for your big day, Jess! So glad you will be a Leibrock soon!

Grandma's 80th

We had another very special celebration at the reunion this year - Grandma's 80th birthday party! She is such a great grandma and it was so fun to honor her.

Check out the SWEET crown that she got to wear!

This was probably one of the best cakes I have ever tasted. It came from the grocery store in town - who would have guessed?

The aunts thought of some really neat games. Here is Ben pinning the cherry on the sundae. There were two other games that were more "grandma-centered" and were really sweet. The kids got to name one thing that Grandma is really good at (super cute!).

This was her favorite gift. She really wanted a frame with all her grandchildren in it. There are twenty-two of us - plus Phil and Jess - and one great grandchild, Adam.

Happy birthday, Grandma! We love you!

Where the fish are always biting...

I'm sure all you anglers out there are dying to know where this magical place is! You may find, however, that this kind of fishing is not quite what you expected.

Every year at the family reunion (for as long as I can remember), one of the most anticipated events is the fishing pond. Grandma sits behind the blue tarp (the lake) and hooks small gifts (fish) for us and then tosses them back over the tarp (we reel them in). It's kind of a big deal. Aunt Bethy always sends the reminder - "don't forget your child's fishing pond gift!" I must admit, it was really weird for me to roam the isles at Target looking for a fishing pond gift for MY child this year. Each kid gets one gift from Mom and Dad and a little something from Grandma (Usually 5 $ wrapped in little paper fish. This year she distributed them from a minnow bucket - how cute is she??) BEHOLD - Adam's first time at the fishing pond!

Here's Grandma behind the "lake" with some assistance from her oldest and youngest kids. I wish I had the picture from last year where they jokingly put a bike helmet on her since the clothespin kept hitting her on the head when it came over the tarp.

A little how-to from Unco Matt.

Some extra advice from Mama - an experienced angler at the pond.

And then, we were fishing!

Ooooo, what did we get?

Unco Matt helps Adam unhook his catch.

He got a toy that lets you pretend to drive with lights and sounds from Mama and Daddy, some bath toys from Great Grandma, and some books from Unco Matty and Aunt Jess. It was so nice of them to get him a gift! One of the books was a big hit with the adults...it was a book that teaches young people about sex. Obviously a joke - Jess claims it was all Matty. Knowing Matty, I believe her.

Of course everyone crowded around to see Adam with his new books and toys.

Looks like Daddy's got a big one! (A new shirt)

Mama's turn. (spatter guards and some lotion).

How's that for a fish tale?

Boomer Reunion 2009

We have much to share from our recent travels to Minnesota and Wisconsin! I don't even really know where to begin - we had so much fun!

Once again, the Vanden Booms gathered at the cabin in Hayward, WI, to celebrate...well...US! Laughter and love abound when we are all together. This year was special for several reasons: All of my mom's brothers and sisters were there, which is becoming harder and harder with kids' schedules, there were a couple of special celebrations, which will be appearing in separate blog posts, and it was Adam's first family reunion.

My mom with her family:

Aunt Paula, Unco Jimmy, My Mom, My Grandma, Unco Matt, Aunt Mary, Aunt Beth, Unco Kris

(We call our Uncles "Unco," just so you aren't confused for the rest of the post - it's not a reoccurring typo.)

Cousin Shawna and Me

Cousins Claire and Shawna and Me - I love these girls MUCHO!

What to do with all these kids running around? Obviously, have a Christmas tree drawing contest. Note Grace's interpretation of a Christmas tree in the bottom left.

Adam and I were so glad that daddy could get away from school and come join us at the reunion for a couple of days.

Phil had some good time out in the boat and some good game time with cousins.

Some good chats, here with Unco Bob and Unco Matt.

Some good time with Adam.

Speaking of Adam, everyone was very interested in whatever Adam was doing. He always attracted a crowd. Then again, it may have been the box of chocolate donuts sitting in the middle of the counter...who knows?

Adam got tons of love during our trip from his Unco Matty and soon-to-be Aunt Jess. He LOVES them!

Adam also spent quality time with Great Aunts and Uncos. Here he is with Great Aunt Paula and Great Grandma.

First boat ride! You can tell he's not a fan of the life vest.

And they're off! Once the boat started he had a great time. Thanks, Unco Bob, for a fun ride!

Adam even logged some time behind the wheel! Shhhh don't tell - he's a little under age.

Dinner at the Beechmore. Always a good time.

First time swimming in a lake. It was a bit colder than he's used to in the pool, but he did pretty well.

We had a great time! More posts to come from our Minnesota/Wisconsin Extravaganza!!!