Van Steenburgh Life

Our good friends the Worleys usually visit us annually during the fall for a long weekend.  This visit was a bit different because we were not their final destination, but we had a great time despite the shortness of the visit.  Unfortunately, I failed to take any pictures of the kids (doh!).  I did capture one of the husbands battling it out in an intense chess game.  The children all played really well together all weekend.  The highlight for the boys was probably playing Splatoon! on the WiiU.  Missy and I also got the chance to do some yard saling on Saturday morning during which she treated me to a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte…yum!

For Connor’s tenth birthday this year (2015), he chose an experience over presents.  The experience was a trip to Busch Gardens, Tampa with Daddy–just the two of them.  They had a blast!  They rode all the roller coasters,  including the new free fall ride Falcon’s Fury twice, they got a caricature picture made, and they one prizes playing the midway games.  Their day culminated in cheeseburgers and shakes from Steak ‘N Shake.  While they were away, the three younger beans and I took a little cruise in Daddy’s jeep and treated ourselves to some delicious frozen yogurt (Lucy’s request).  It was the perfect weather for riding in the jeep with the windows down!

We were so happy when Aunt Lydia came and visited us for a few days.  She played lots of games with the children, and accompanied me on a trip to Bouncin’ Big with the kids.  We really enjoyed her visit.

Aunt Lydia and Tyler

When she hits adolescence, Lucy will probably be knocking down the doors of all her aunties (all my lovely sisters in Christ), asking for advice on hair, makeup, and clothing, because her mother is totally clueless.  But for now, she tolerates my efforts with a sweet spirit and happy heart. 🙂

For Lucy’s birthday last year, she requested a Frozen-themed party.  Themed parties are totally out of my league (I have other gifts.)  But I really wanted to do this for Lucy because I love her so much.  Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed, we managed to pull it off and have fun.  We invited all the girls from our CCH subgroup plus two neighbor friends.  It ended up being 12 girls…sort of crazy!  The first two pictures are of the little family celebration we had on her actual birthday.

Her party cake had ice cream in the middle, so I used the round piece of cake from the cut out for a mini-cake.

The problem with trying to catch up a year’s worth of blogging is that you can’t really remember the details anymore.  I have no idea why we were in S. FL in June last year, but it looks like we had a good visit. 😉

We joined our SC Van Steenburgh family for the annual beach trip to Hilton Head.  The video is a song that Tyler made up himself after being given my phone and told to video himself.  This song has become somewhat famous in our family.

Aunt Katherine and Campbell

Shade dwellers

Campbell and Papa

Connor and Trevor

Makayla and Lucy

Tyler, Emma, and Mommy

Sweet Tyler

Group Shot

LIttlest surfer

Our family

James and Amanda

Campbell and Grandma Van Steenburgh