The Vanderwal's: Happy Fathers Day!

Well its been a while since I've written so here I am back, yep its Kevin on here. School is all finished for the year, we were out May 22 this year, thanks to an ice storm that gave us 3 snow days. Since we have been out I've been doing construction, myself and 2 other teachers started a construction company. We've named ourselves "Character Builders" which we thought was appropriate for our line of work during the school year. Anyways I've been busy with that learning how to build houses and its been a steep learning curve but its a nice break from landscaping which I've done the past 7 years.

With today being fathers day, Happy Fathers day to my dad and to Amber's dad. Thanks for being such great fathers and for being an example of what a dad/father should be. You've taught me a lot of what a man should be. We heard a nice message this morning and he said "Any man can be a father of a child, but it takes character to be a dad."

We were able to head to Rock Rapids today and hang out with Amber's family. This was the towns Heritage Days weekend so we had church on the courthouse lawn this morning. After we headed back to Amber's parents place were we ate and hung out for the day. To top it all off we swung by urgent care to see a Dr. since Quinn had been running a temp the past two days and hasn't been herself. After that event and getting her drugs we headed home. Since it was Amber's morning with the girls I was able to sleep in since it was Father's day. Sleeping in now means getting up at 6:30 when the girls start squealing when they eat or are playing. It's a nice sound to wake up to. Yes we still take turns each night with the girls but they usually sleep through the night. We laugh now that we used to have our monitor as loud as it could, now we have it just low enough to hear them in the night.

The girls are doing well and they keep surprising us each day. Today Amelia took 4 steps to us which may seem like a small thing to you but to us its HUGE. We've also started to figure out that Quinn may be right handed and Amelia is left. We figured this all out during church today. They copy little mannerisms that we do with our hands and the tones we use. If I lay by the couch they have figured out how to climb up me and onto the coach. We have also finished our basement and while down there Quinn all of a sudden started climbing up the stairs. We looked at each other and were like "when did she learn that?"

Quinn has stared to learn how to throw a ball to me, her form is terrible which we will work on but she giggles the whole time. She is VERY sensitive, if we tell her "no" she cries and wants a hug. She is also VERY rough as she tumbles and bumps into numerous things. She is also vocal and lets her voice be heard. She still has a small fear of males which I don't mind if it carries on a few more years.

Amelia is our sweetheart. She has a soft laugh and loves to see people have a good time. If Quinn is laughing she will laugh along with her. Amelia we will also probably be our girly girl as whenever Amber has a purse out she finds it and plays with it. Amelia is also started to become more assertive, whenever she doesn't get something she been throwing small fits. Its amusing but I know its not the end.

All in all there is never a dull moment here. All the parents we have talked to with twins said get through the year and we are half a month from 1 year!!! Its crazy to think but we are excited not relieved because we know there will be more milestones that will keep us laughing and entertained.

Anyways hope all is well with everyone have a good week, if anyone knows a good hockey coach send him to the Canucks.

Amber uploaded some pictures too for your enjoyment....