Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

Yesterday we finally checked out Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park with some friends.  What a neat place and the weather was perfect!  First we took a little wagon ride around the grounds to check out some of the bigger animals. BRWAP has zebras, peacocks, porcupine, bison, lemurs, tortoises, antelope, emus, ostriches, camels, geese, sabels, donkeys, llamas, numerous reptiles and birds and MORE! The cool part is how close you can get to the animals. The kids loved feeding the birds in the aviary, holding the baby chicks and ducks, petting the llama and goats, and even checking out the alligators.

 A white peacock:

 A beautiful African Crowned Crane:

 Louie the Llama:

 

Mother's Day

This year Nana and I had the privelege of attending a Mother's Day Tea at Sydney's preschool classroom. Nana helped Sydney decorate a flower pot, Sydney showed us around her classroom, we had a special treat and then listened to the class sing a few of their favorite songs. What a special morning -- especially having Nana join us!

 Sydney with her special teachers Mrs. D and Mrs. VandenBosch:

 Sydney with her best preschool friend, Evalyn:

 On Mother's Day we had beautiful weather and spent the time between church and lunch outside having snacks. I feel so blessed to be the mom of these three special, smart and beautiful kids!

Tulip Time 2012 - Pella, IA

Yes, you're right...I am way behind on this blog but we'll just jump right back in since there are probably many people curious about our activities and whereabouts these days and in the coming months. So many changes happening in Vandenberg Life! Anyway...

After a smooth 8-hour drive, we arrived in Pella on Thursday afternoon to visit our good friends Frank & Mindi VandenBosch and their kids, Madi & Will. Pella was tulip-less already this year after a warm spring, but we had a wonderful time just hanging out with each other and attending a bit of Tulip Time's festivities. The kids played so well together too and we always look forward to our next visit!

Friday's afternoon parade was so hot but everyone [lethargically] enjoyed themselves anyway!

The kids were so hot after the parade that they enjoyed every second of their dip in the 60-degree pool water!

Saturday's nighttime parade was a huge hit!  Cool weather + lighted floats + up past bedtime = excitement!