Holland 2011

We arrived Thursday, went home to unpack, go to Ashley's ballet class and Kate to Library, then back to their home. Before going to bed Kate had to show me all the toys they were saving for their new little Aiden.

Two girls no longer fit on mommy's lap. Ashley was talking to Aiden and telling him to please come out and play with her and gave him a kiss.
Getting ready for bed has a regular routine: PJ, potty, brush teeth while Ruth and Ben sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", clean up room, choose two books or I-pad story.....
then they sit on daddy's lap for story time, scripture study, kneel for prayer, tuck into bed, lights out, and sing songs. Amazing...and they go right to sleep.

CHIMPIE CHAMP was a very fun Saturday activity. Ruth told the girls that we had a fun trip planned and would not tell her where....but Ashley said, "fun place is ChimpieChamp" and she guessed it right on. Wish you could have all seen grandpa and Ben climbing, sliding, jumping with the girls. Even Ruth decided to slowly jump on the trampoline in hopes it would help little Aiden to drop and make his appearance...seemed to work. Kate was afraid of the trampoline, but grandma slowly encouraged her and she said, "this is fun".

Kate really liked playing with the huge lego's, so the family decided to build a tower with her daddy inside. Ashley, "daddy, daddy where are you"? Then the big break through....

Saturday night Ruth was having some back pain so they decided Ben better get his haircut right away.

And a good thing as they headed for hospital just a few hours later....


SUNDAY - Even though it was Sunday, Ruth did have to labor most of the day. Little Aiden Martijn Harrell was born at 2:17 Holland time, 6 lbs and 19 inches long. That evening we were able to visit and each got to hold little Aiden.

MONDAY...Ashley was very excited about going to school today to share her valentines and heart cookies with her friends and tell them about her new baby brother, Aiden. After she returned from school Ben took us all over to the hospital to celebrate Valentines Day with Ruth and Aiden. They gave the girls special books which showed pictures of the first two years of their lives. I enjoyed holding little Aiden so Ruth and Ben could spend time with the girls. Dad was our photographer. We later returned home for a special Valenines Dinner and celebration.




Only 5 hours sleep Saturday night and 4 hours sleep Sunday night...by Monday both Ben and Ruth were a little haggered.