The Endeavor and Pat's Birthday Dinner

Before going across the street to the Science Center, we had lunch at USC and did the traditional Tommy Trojan picture. It's always fun to be back on campus and see all the updates they've done since we left.

The Space Shuttle exhibit was amazing. We loved the museum leading to the actual shuttle and learned about life inside the shuttle and the training the astronauts go through. Willem and Jason did a simulation of a space shuttle voyage which was really neat (I aborted before blast off). 

What made the trip extra special was that Willem's cousins Esthercita and Racquel met us there.  

 

 

 

 

Willem is still bragging about how he can lift an entire car off the ground. (I think Opa helped a bit)

From there we went over to Pat and Rands house for Pat's birthday. Rand made a fantastic meal and we had a great time catching up. Also learned that my kids love caesar salad, definitely adding that into the rotation:)

 

We are all loving having Jason home this week. 

Paradise Cove, Best Restaurant for Kids & Adults alike

Years ago we had eaten at Paradise Cove for a friends rehearsal dinner and we've always wanted to return with our kids. Opa and Lita joined us as we went to Malibu to have lunch and play in the waves. On the way we stopped in Santa Monica and Jason renewed his Dutch passport. Willem enjoyed visiting the embassy as well while the girls napped in the van.

Outdoor eating with sand under the tables, built in entertainment!

After lunch the kids played in the waves with such joy

Audrey got lots of love from Lita and Opa while the older kids played

 

 

 

 

 

Enough said

Willem at Work

When I made the decision to become a partner in my Dad's new business and go back to work I talked to Willem about how we were all starting a company and how we sell roofing materials. I wanted to make sure he and Ellie understood this was an opportunity for our whole family and they were involved. Willem took this quite seriously and is very excited to be selling roofing materials. In a matter of days we rented office space and had hired our first employee so the weekend before they started Willem and I went to Costco, bought office supplies and set up the office. He was quite excited to be assembling the file holders and typing away at the computer.

 

Audrey is 4 months old

Love how she falls asleep anywhere. She'll just peacefully lay on the bed while I'm getting dress or straightening up the room and fall asleep.

Look at those beautiful eyes!

She loves the warm water.

Storytime by Willem and Ellie, a regular part of Audreys day. Love that Audrey has inspired Ellie to "read". Most of the days she really retells the books that we read to her and other days she makes up her own stories.

Grandma is the fun bath time person in our house. She's been putting Audrey in more and more. She's getting to the point where she wants to eat the bubbles.

 

Her post bath Faux hock (not sure on the spelling there)

With Grandma home Audrey gets a lot of storytime

We're spending more time outside lately with the weather being so nice and audrey loves the swing. We put a pillow or blanket behind her to prop her up and sister takes care of the pushing.

While I'm at work Ellie takes care of Audrey:) She loves feeding her the bottles and makes sure she has her paci and toys nearby. This has been one of the blessings in me going back to work. Its really created another level of bond between Ellie, Willem and Audrey.

 

 

The famous 4 month Weiss picture for Opa

 

A New Side of the Zoo

Moms turn to ride the camels with Willem and Ellie. They were worried that I hadn't had a chance yet:)

Ellie loves being in the Ergo now. It's nice when Jason is home to hold Audrey so I can give Ellie some special attention.

Our ever adventurous Willem had been eyeing the new zipline at the Zoo and decided to give it a try. He is so brave. Just to get to the tower was quite a trek and we couldn't go with him. He never turned back and loved the experience so much he wanted to do it again right away.

 

 

 

February Family Fun

We hadn't been to the Zoo as a family in a long time, so one weekend we decided to go. Rachel and Julie had taken the kids there over Christmas break and ridden the camels with them. Prior to that trip the kids were scared to death of the camels. Well, that is a thing of the past. Now every trip to the Zoo is not complete without seeing and/or riding the camels.
 

 

Annual family tradition: Pancake Supper at All Saints

Willem remembered the festivities from last year and was really excited for the pancake race.

 

Ellie was happy to partake in the game as well and Willem was very patient as Ellie's leg of the race slowed down his time a bit on the relay.

Jason had been working a lot the previous few months so we took advantage of him having a couple weekends off and headed to the Childrens Museum. Ellie is so confident now, she does the climber all by herself and goes further and further each time. This trip was especially fun as Willem ran into his friend Valentina from school and they played together the rest of the day.

 

Audrey is great wherever we go. She keeps life exciting with regular blow out diapers but isn't fussy as long as she's well fed and being held.

Dads pool got finished and the kids could not wait to try out the slide. Luckily Rachel volunteered to catch them as the water was freezing!! Ellie stopped before hitting the water but Willem was all in. His body went into shock upon hitting the water though and tears were shed. He's still proud though that he was the first one down the slide. I think he'll wait a few months before going at it again.