VanStrien Family Website

Today was Alanna’s 4th Birthday.  It was a school and work day for Mommy and Daddy but we had a lot of fun celebrating with her when we got home.  Mommy is taking tomorrow off work to go to special person day with her at preschool.  Afterwards they plan on seeing Beauty and Beast which is back in the theaters.  Saturday will be her big party with family and friends.  She is have a craft party where all the kids will paint on canvas and make picture frames.  There will also be one large canvas where all the kids, family and friend can put their hand print on it so she can hang it in her room.

Merry Christmas!  Our family began the celebration yesterday at Grandma and Grandpa Cooper’s house.  James and Alanna had a great time playing with their cousins and opening presents.  James was very excited about his remote controlled helicopter and Alanna is enjoying her Strawberry Shortcake and sparkle shoes.  We spent Christmas morning at home as a family and enjoyed presents and a great french toast bake breakfast.  James is enjoying his new legos and “Just Dance” game (not sure how I feel about that yet)  Alanna is enjoying her ponies and her new toy puppy.  Later we’ll head to Grandma and Grandpa VanStrien’s house for dinner and Christmas celebrations.

James celebrated his birthday week with a party at home on Wednesday and a family and friends party on Saturday.  This was also the first week of school so things were very busy!  On Wednesday, James celebrated with Mommy, Daddy and Alanna and had a spaghetti dinner (his request).  Later that evening Sam and Audrey came over to play and watch James open his presents.   Saturday was the big party day!  Friends and Family were all invited to our house and we rented a large water bounce slide.  Luckily we had really good weather for it, minus the cold hose water.   The kids didn’t seem to mind and had a great time.  James enjoyed his many gifts and enjoyed great food from Mommy and both Grandmas.

2011 marks the first year where both James and Alanna are both going to school. James is starting transitional 1st grade and Alanna is beginning 3’s Pre-school. Both kids adjusted to the first day nicely. Alanna was ready to go and was very “helpful” in her first few days of preschool. James is also adjusting well except for the bussing incident where he was dropped of quite late and at the wrong place. After being very brave, Mommy and Daddy found him and treated both kids to a nice dinner.

Alanna turned three years old today. Much like her birth there was a snowstorm that helped celebrate her birthday. Because of the storm we stayed in and made breakfast/dinner with eggs, sausage and pancakes – Alanna’s favorite. Alanna is very interested in Princesses now and got her “priss-press” castle for her birthday. Sam and Audrey came over for cake and helped her play with her new toys. Alanna’s birthday party with friends and family will be on the weekend with a princess themed party in Grandville.

Christmas 2010 has been a lot of fun.  We’ve already had several Christmas parties including a party with friends and the Feuerstein Christmas on Christmas Eve.  We went to the 5:30 Mass in Belding and the kids behaved very well.  They must have knew Santa was watching.

We opened presents as a family on Christmas Day.  James and Alanna were very happy to see they made the good list as Santa left them full stockings and a couple big presents.  James was most excited about his BatCave and Alanna has been enjoying her princesses toys.  Alanna had a couple of meltdowns when she got a different present than what she thought was in the box.  After a long talk she came around as was ready to open the rest of her presents.

Later this afternoon we’ll be heading to Grandma and Grandpa VanStrien’s for the VanStrien Christmas where I’m sure they be spoiled with more toys!

Merry Christmas!

James celebrated his fifth birthday today with the start of Kindergarten.  It was a very busy day for James with his first day, presents and flag football practice.  James is really into Transformers this year, he was very excited with his presents.  We are all looking forward to his birthday party with family and friends on Saturday.

To one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, who passed away today:

Chuck, you have been one of the most important people in my life. Since first meeting you in community college you were supportive and helpful. You encouraged me to attend CMU where we graduated with our BME  degrees. I know that if it wasn’t for your friendship and encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have made it through. Your continued friendship through out the years following college has truly enriched my life. We shared so many great memories and adventures of which I will keep with me forever. Chuck you were unique because you were not only a great friend to me but to everyone you met. You can’t say that about all people. That was your special gift. You selflessly helped others and made a difference in countless peoples life through your friendship and charity work. May your legacy live on in all the people whose lives you touched. I believe that God has called you for a greater purpose one of which we can not understand, but do feel comfort in knowing that your work will continue. Good Luck Chuck, We will miss you dear friend.

Alanna turned two years old today! The time sure seems to go quickly. Although it was a school and work day for the family, we celebrated when we came home. We took Alanna to get pancakes at Lickety Split and came home to ice cream, cake and presents. James was a good big brother and kept handing her the presents. We’ll celebrate with a party this weekend with family and friends.

Happy Birthday Little Girl!