Summer Is Here, 10 Years

It's already been a week that we've been on summer break, and it's flying by. We had a visit from our dear friends Sydney and Tate...such a special treat to host friends in the middle of the week.

Just this past weekend was the annual North Whatcom Relay for Life. It's such an important cause for our family for multiple reasons, and we put forth so much hard work and effort toward it. This year our efforts landed our team 3rd overall for fundraising, raising over $10,000! Our 1 family in 1 year raised $10,000 for the fight against cancer. Go Team Van Diest! I think that's pretty awesome, and love that even though it's hard work to raise money, the reward is so great! What's even better is that we all come together no matter what...wind, rain, cold...and still ENJOY and TREASURE every moment of each other's company. Thank you to my wonderful aunts and uncles who shower us girls with love and support...you know who you are. Your support means so much. It helps us remain positive.

I came across this picture of Jack...so typical of him just lounging in the yard with one of the dogs, and this one of Jovie being such a girl playing dress-up. 

Finally, Rob and I will celebrate our 10-year anniversary this week! This picture was taken back at the beginning of May at our first annual Relay for Life Barn Dance, and it's probably the one and only I will post of me during pregnancy. I hate pregnancy pictures of myself, and if you think my belly is big here...! Anyway, 10 years...we've done so much, accomplished so much, been through SO MUCH. I just can't believe it when I look back at what our lives were like at 20 years old! My, how many changes occur...my, how much shaping and molding takes place. Sometimes life is easy and we just seem to float on. More often though, life is hard and it goes on testing and trying us. Either way, we have been blessed.

Semiahmoo Field Trip

The first graders at BVE got to go on a tide pool field trip out to Semiahmoo earlier this week! I was able to join him out there and we had a great time. It was a little miserable at first...windy and rainy, but we persevered and it was worth it! It turned out to be a beautiful day and I think because of the mild weather, the sea creatures were out in full force! I can't believe all the things we saw. I took lots of pictures, but just wanted to share these of Jack. He had lots of fun and enjoyed his mom's company. I don't get to do many things at school with him because of my work schedule, but I just had to make this work and am so glad I did!

Anthony (Jack's buddy) and Jack. I was in charge of these two throughout the day.  Two very sweet boys. They treated the creatures so gently and with so much respect. They were quite the rule followers too...several times they reminded some of their classmates that they needed to put the creatures back in the water.

This one was pretty slimy and suctiony!

Can you believe this sucker? This one was hard as a rock and quite pokey! I'd hate to step on it!

After tomorrow we just have a week and a day left of school! Jack and I each have our last day on Monday the 18th. We're so excited! I can't wait for summer break. I look forward to it every year, but this year it has a new meaning. As I'm already into the last 12 weeks of my pregnancy, I'm so ready for a break from my busy and physically demanding work day. What's even better is that I've been approved for a year's leave, and won't be back in my classroom until the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year! I still can't quite believe that...I don't think I've ever not worked a year in my teenage or adult life! Well...to be honest I won't not be working. I'm hoping to do some cleaning and things come wintertime to make some extra money...anyone need a housecleaner?