Monday, September 29, 2008










Olivia and Cade









Grandma Jaci and Cade
Riley and Cade










Jackson Michael Hoekstra











Grandma Needs Sleep, But Loves Being Grandma!

Grandma Jaci makes it back just in time to welcome her 5th grandchild! After a couple weeks of non stop work and play with grandchildren on the West Coast, she takes a plane back to the Midwest.  Getting connection were difficult, but Grandpa finally picked Grandma up in Omaha Sunday evening. Grandma was thinking on the plane that she would be able to catch up on sleep a couple of days before the next new grand baby came, but at 4:33 A.M. the Hoekstra's welcomed a baby boy with big hands! Grandma will have to wait a few more weeks before she gets to catch up on her sleep, but is thankful she can help her girls out.

Name:  Jackson Michael Hoekstra
Weight:  8lbs 8oz
Length:  22 inches
Birthday:  September 29, 2008

Welcome Jackson!  




Monday, September 22, 2008

First Harvest - Cattails!








Harvest is coming up for the beans in about two weeks, but a couple of weeks ago we had a bumper crop in cattails.  The photo on the top left reminds me of  "rice patty" workers!  
We removed a wagon full of cattails.  Boy did it stink!  Joshua even threw up!  John and Brandon worked hard together trying to pull a couple of them cause the roots were pretty big.  The kids had a great time swimming with Brandon after the work was done.  Now if only there was a market for our bumper crop and first harvest of cattails.


Sunday, September 21, 2008

The Zoo!






What a great day to go to the zoo! We were pleasantly surprised when Jessa got a phone call (yes, Jessa gets phone calls--she's only 2!) from Grandpa saying they were coming to visit. It was perfect weather, and great company! Enjoy the photos that Tim took with his new camera! (We kind of felt like the paparazzi was following us around all day--but he captured great memories!!)

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Welcome to the Newest Member of the Veenstra Family!

Elizabeth and Eric had a baby boy! Here are the facts:

Name: Cade Vernon De Groot
September 20, 2008
8lbs 10 oz
21"

Pictures will follow soon!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Wisconsin happenings

Well I think it's about time to figure this blog out and let you all know about what's happening in our lives here in Wisconsin........
Happening #1-This fall Justin has started playing the baritone so we can now say "He likes to toot his own horn" . Actually I couldn't believe how quickly the notes came together to sound like a song.....though it seems each time he tries to practice he hears "do you have to practice now?

Happening #2- Last Friday Justin had his friends over to celebrate his 11th birthday. Anson did a super job with"olympic" type games for them. They all had a great time and Wes and Arlys even got to meet this rowdy bunch......We enjoyed our weekend with Wes and Arlys (sorry no pics...you'll have to wait for Arlys for that). Arlys and I found some deals with Sandy (Archie's wife) in the cities and Wes and Anson got 40+ miles in on their bikes!!!!

Happening #3- Katelyn turned 13 this August so we officially have three teenage girls in our house. I remember thinking this day was so far away when the girls were little. How fast time flies!! She is playing volleyball this year again and has been elected to Student Council.....(I forgot my camera when i went to her game...again..... so no pics yet)

Happening #4- Emily too is playing volleyball (I remembered the camera:0). She is setting and they play a 6-2 offense ...so she loves it because there's lots of action when setting and when she's front row she can hit....She is also suiting up of varsity but she and two others are there as back up in case of injury. So far the JV's record is 4 and 1. Last night they came from 7 points behind to win 26-24.

Happening #5- Rachelle is in the musical this year...called "State fair" based on the Iowa State fair. We thought it kind of ironic that she is the only person from Iowa in the play and has been cast in the only role that is not from Iowa:0) The musical is on Bernie's birthday weekend and the next Friday and Saturday (N0vember 14 & 15). Let us know if you'd like to come. The picture to the left is Rachelle and her friend Kya singing the national anthem prior to a volleyball game.