Buddy

Jungle

Welcome to the jungle, baby.

Game

Elizabeth: Let's play a game. In this game, Ariel the doll will be Ariel. Dad, you can be King Triton.
Caleb: Who can I be?
Elizabeth: You can be a crab who doesn't talk much.
Dad: And who will you be?
Elizabeth: I will be someone who rules the world.

Awake

Sam I Am

Samuel Jeremiah VanDorsten

Born June 29, 2011 at 10:06pm - 7lbs 8oz, 20.25"

"Now the young man Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man."
~1 Samuel 2:26

After a grueling 22 hours of false labor, induction, and actual labor, Sam joined our family at 10:06pm on July 29! He's a pretty calm guy and is eating and sleeping well... so far. Caleb is super excited about his new little brother. Elizabeth is slowly warming up. Mom is recovering well and happy to be home from the hospital. Dad is just happy to not be sleeping in a chair. Welcome home, Sam.

Penguins

Elizabeth: I dream in penguins.

Sign

Dad: (reading a roadside sign) "Free King Bed" ...huh.
Caleb: Dad, what in the world is a "freaking bed"?

New Bedroom

Elizabeth got a bedroom redo with a new big girl bed. Says Beth, "I love it!"

Trees

Caleb: Dad, can I paint the trees in the backyard white? All of them.
Dad: Mmm... no.
Caleb: But why not?
Dad: I don't want my trees painted white.
Caleb: Well, they are actually God's trees, since He made them. So they're not really yours. And I don't think He would mind if I painted them white.

Zoo Buddies

Good times at the Columbus Zoo with our Zoo Buddies!

College

Elizabeth: Dad, I don't even know if I'm gonna go to the college yet. But I have time to think about it since I'm only three.

Toast

Dad: Here's your cup, Bethie. We're going to make a New Year's toast.
Elizabeth: Will you put some butter on my toast?

Cozy

Happy New Year!

VIDEO: Christmas Eve Eve

Christmas Eve Eve

Leaves

Here's what raking leaves with the kids reminded me about laboring for the Gospel.

Thanksgiving

Dad: Caleb, do you know what Thanksgiving is all about?
Caleb: Sure. It's about Programs and Indians.
Dad: I'm pretty sure you mean "Pilgrims" and Indians.
Caleb: Well, I'm pretty sure I don't.

Halloweenies 2010

Bank

Elizabeth: Look, Dad. I found some money.
Dad: I think that fell out of my pockets. Can I have it back?
Elizabeth: Nope. I'm gonna put it in my piggy tank.

Doors

Uncle Jeremy: Caleb, do you like The Doors?
Caleb: On which house?

Ring

Pop: So, did you carry the ring in that wedding?
Caleb: Yeah, I was the ring barrier.

Wedding

Elizabeth: Caleb, do you think you can marry me at a wedding?
Caleb: Ummm, I don't think so. I'll probably marry Mom. Sorry.
Elizabeth: Okay. Well, I have a pretty dress.
Caleb: Yeah, and I got this suit. And I look way better than Dad.

Bikes

Elizabeth: My bike is so fast, I can ride like the wind.

More Birthday

Tall

Caleb: Mom, I'm getting really tall now, aren't I?
Elizabeth: I'm getting tall too. Look! I'm all the way up to my hair!