The Zylstra Family: 2008

Thursday

It's November Already!

Where does all the time go--November is here, its getting cold and all the leaves are starting to fall. I love fall and all that it brings, but it was so busy that it's hard to find time to enjoy it. Volleyball is finished--the varsity team was undefeated in regular season, we took 2nd place at a tourney of 24 teams, one tourney was cancelled and we loss our second game in regionals. We finished out our year with our volleyball party at my house with all the girls. We always have such a fun night with alot of food, playing games, talking and getting scared. The girls gave Monica and I a gift certificate to Cafe Borgia--can't wait to use it, we have never been there. I also wrote a poem for all the senior girls and they each read them out loud. I think they liked them as one girl said to me--I couldn't wait to get mine, I have seen all the senior girls in years past and now it's our turn. I also heard a freshman girl say, I hope she is still doing that when we are seniors--so it does make it worth it, as I am trying and retrying of what do put down on paper. Markets are also finished--hard to be gone that early in the morning, but grandma B. helped out alot and Jeff was home some mornings. I ended up working two days a week--and got to work with Audra, which was nice. Our family never did get to the apple orchard, there wasn't time and with Jeff roofing that filled most of our Saturdays. I did make applesauce, I only did one bushel as we had some left from last year. I couldn't believe how pink it turned out. Well, this one is getting kinda long--the last couple of days have been so nice, I hope it stays like that for awhile.

Time for some Soccer

This was Zach's first soccer game of the season that I was able to watch. This was a tournament that our school was hosting on a Saturday with a total of four teams. This was also their first win of the season. They beat this one and then were in the game for first or second. I couldn't stay for that one since I had a volleyball tourney for the varsity team.

Here is the team coming off the field after their victory!

Zach played goalie

The refs Jim Swan and Joel Norman.

Tyler got to play also--they were short players so once we got their they asked if he could play--hence the tennis shoes and not soccer cleats.

Half time

Abby's 4th Birthday September 21, 2008

We celebrated Abby's birthday with both grandpa and grandma's and all the aunts and uncles and cousins at our house. It was a nice night and the kids played outside and the adults sat outside too, until the bugs got really bad. We had dinner and then it was time to open gifts. Abby loved all her gifts and couldn't wait to play with them. Thanks everyone for coming to Abby's party.

Grandma Bleyenburg decorated the cake.

Abby's 4!!!!

Playing on the trampoline with Olivia, Vanessa and Eli.

All the cousins playing a little flag "sock" football!

Wednesday

More Labor Day Fun with the Holstege's

We spent the night at the Holstege's Saturday night and went to church with them on Sunday. Sunday night we went to Doug and Sue for supper after church. Monday we couldn't decide what to do some wanted to golfing, some wanted to go shopping so the guys went golfing and Lanae and I took all the younger kids and went shopping for a little bit. We then went swimming by the Bleyenburg's--we couldn't get a hold of them to ask, but we didn't think they would mind--so thanks Doug and Sue. We had a nice time. We left for home after dinner, thanks Joel and Lanae for the fun weekend!

Some diving practice--Uncle Joel was awesome.

Getting advice from the pro!!!

Not quite Zach, but nice try.

Tyler being the natural again--that kid has some talent?

What should I try next?

Blake and Jori having fun.

Lindsey on the alligator, see you later crocodile.

Abby just checking everyone out

Playing the toothpick game with golf tees.

Jaedyn and Jori

Spencer was a mad man that day, swimming all over the place--he loves the water!

Abby lounging out

Hey Lindsey--cutie pie

Tuesday

Labor Day Weekend in Michigan September 2008

We spent Labor Day in Michigan, we drove up Saturday morning and dropped off our stuff by the Holstege's. They had plans with friends for the night so we left Zach to babysit and headed for the Tiesenga's. We enjoyed the awesome weather and had dinner outside. Tanya made kabobs and Steve grilled them, so good. Tanya also made her first ever dinner rolls--turned out good too!

Here we are checking out the chicken coop.

Abby being brave--oh wait, that's a fence!

Blake should've been a farm boy.

Troy

Time to get the guns out--we all took turns. Jaedyn and I struggled a bit, but towards the end we got it figured out. Just call me "Annie, get your gun". Thanks Uncle Steve for putting up with all the newbies.

Checking out who hit the target.

Tyler a natural--who would've thought!!!

Campfire time

Sm ores--yummy!!

Crazy Time--they were all having a blast.

Abby are you in there somewhere?

Tyler and Troy

Thanks Tiesenga's we had a great time!

First Day of School August 25, 2008

First day of school! We are all excited even Abby who gets two more years at home with mom. With Jeff's new job he is home a little later in the morning and gets to see them off or even bring them to the bus stop--they usually like to ride their bikes to get Olivia then park their bikes and walk the rest of the way.

Zach 8th grade

Tyler 6th grade

Jaedyn 5th grade

Blake 1st grade

And they are off for another year, we will miss you during the day!!! Maybe not, Abby informed me of all the things she wants to do when they are gone!

Zach's 14 August 18, 2008

We went to Zach's favorite fast food place--The Patio. Samantha and Ben came along and the Andringa's kept Blake and Abby. I made him a blanket--which he loves, he's a big Texas fan! I can't believe he is 14 already--the time does go so fast.

Happy Birthday Zach!!!