Canadians in Town

     For those faithful blog followers out there (eh-hmm: Aunt Ran) I wanted to share a few pics of our last few days with Mark's parents.  After his birthday party on Saturday, I'll post more pictures and tell more about Marcus now that he's TWO!

Grandpa and Marcus went out and played despite the rain.

Grandpa helped Daddy put another swingset together.

Marcus loves it when Grandma pushes him.

She teaches him all kinds of fun stuff.

He LOVES this swing.

Grandpa pushes WAY too high, but Marcus loves it (as Tori watches on).

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

     Today is Grandpa's 65th birthday!  Even though we get to see him and Grandma on Tuesday, we'd like to post it on here for all to see!  Mark was very lucky to have him as a father growing up, teaching him the value of hard work and being around your family.  Mark is following right in his dad's footsteps by getting up while it's still dark, driving a box truck, and having a laid back attitude about life.  Just like Mark waited for his dad to get home from work to throw a baseball, Marcus is now doing the same for Mark.  And since we told Marcus that Grandpa and Grandma are coming to town, he's been asking if he can throw a ball with Grandpa, too.  Yes, son.  I'm sure Grandpa will be SO EXCITED to do that with you. 

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!  We love you! 

This was the first day Grandpa and Grandma met Marcus.

Marcus' first time to visit family in Canada.

Grandpa loves showing Marcus the flowers in the greenhouses.

Grandpa is so silly!

This picture shows Grandpa's patience with one specific grandchild (eh-hmm, Marcus).

Both these boys love tractors!

3 Generations of Schuurman men!

If Marcus wants it - Grandpa usually says yes.

Walking down the hill with Grandpa.

They are always smiling when they're with each other.

Grandpa had to round Marcus up.  He didn't want to come to supper.

Checking out all the birds at the Lion Safari.

Taking it all in together.

Grandpa and Daddy took Marcus for a boat ride, too.

More tractors :)

Marcus definitely loves his Grandpa!

Our afternoon at the zoo, I mean fair

     This afternoon, Mark and I took Marcus to the Western North Carolina Mountain State Fair.  Since he's not yet two (but will be on Tuesday!!!) we didn't ride any of the rides, but boy did he have a good time seeing all the animals.  It was more like a zoo than a fair.  He saw anything from camels to cows, goats to guineas.  There were a billion goats in this place.  Nonetheless, he did see quite a few new animals and got to pet some as well.  I was so surprised at how BRAVE he was, petting the goats!  He was overwhelmed by all the sights and sounds, but walked around like the big boy that he is.  It was a quick few hours, but just enough time for us to get out and spend together.

He was in TRACTOR HEAVEN

He actually stopped and just stared.

Petting the goats with Daddy.

Marcus trying to fake smile.

This is how he "smiles" nowadays and says, "cheeeeese!"

Checking out the chicks

Sweet smile in front of the sheep

I thought CAMELS had humps.  Holy cow, this bull was HUGE!

Hook 'em Horns!

Daddy and Marcus, walking through the fair.

Our Little Singer

Gun Show Weekend

     This past weekend was our beloved Gun Show in Hillsville, Virginia.  As always, it was a whirl-wind trip as we tried to see and visit with as many family members as possible.  We saw the Hausers Friday evening, spent the night at my dad's that night, then spent all day at the Gun Show on Saturday.  Sunday morning we got up and went to church with my cousin Shad & his family, then had lunch at their home.  We left there, dropped off bread and had a quick visit with some other cousins, then headed down the mountain to eat supper and play at my mom's house.  Whew! 
     Below are some pictures that we took along the way.

Sweet baby Madison, Mark, and Marcus

My Uncle David may seem gruff & tough, but he was sweet & gentle with Marcus.

Aunt Liv made a new playhouse for Marcus

"Peek-A-Boo!"

We tried the whole nap thing in the camper, but the only way he'd fall asleep is if we went for a little walk.

Trying on the protective helmet for logging.

Reading a book with Aunt Liv.

Yearly photo

He was super well-behaved this whole day.

We have to detox the day after getting back into town because Marcus is so self-absorbed.  Can you tell why?

Playing baseball in Granddad's front yard.

This is what Marcus would do when Molly got too close.

He got plenty of Uncle TJ time, too.

Walking with Granddad to the tractor

As always - we don't know who enjoyed it better.

The sweet, yet goofy couple

First thing Sunday morning, he wanted to get up and go see Molly, the dog.

Playing with his new matchbox cars from Papa John.

He loved playing on Grandma's yoga mat.

Papa John showed him how to race his cars.

You have big shoes to fill, son.

Yet another book with more family.