Summer Vacation 2010

Here are some pictures from our annual trip to Marquette. This is by far one of our favorite ways to get away. The boys traveled very well and we had a great time visiting Brian, Lara, and Evelyn. We spent LOTS of time throwing rocks into Lake Superior and playing at lower harbor. My parents were also up there so they took the boys for an evening so that the adults could go out for dinner. We were a little lost without the kids and ended up shopping at Target. Gotta work on that :)

Life is crazy and so am I

It is finally summer and I am trying desperately to update pictures of the boys.

John finished his first year of preschool in May. His teacher was wonderful with him. John loves to read and can sound out most words. It is very shocking to come upon him reading a book or a webpage. He has become quite proficient at navigating his way around the Hot Wheels website. he loves spending time at the park or walking to the local movie theater to get popcorn.

John played t-ball for the first time this summer. He actually liked it. It was fun practicing in the front yard with old car mats for bases. James also enjoyed being able to run around during practice and games.

James is now 18 months and always on the go. At this age, John would sit down and watch a show for a 1/2 hour, but not James. He is always going to get his shoes so that he can go outside. This is great except when I have to get work done. We call him the "hurricane" because he is constantly getting stuff out to play with. If his brother is doing something, he is right there. They fight a lot and James is starting to hold his own. It is exhausting and very frustrating some day, but then they turn around and hug and kiss each other. Go figure. James is finally starting to talk. The speech therapist he has been working with is great. We have had many frustrating moments but it will be worth it when I finally hear the word "Momma". John-John was on the opposite end of the language spectrum so it is very different having a child who struggles to communicate.

We have spent time exploring Binder Park Zoo, swimming at my brother's house, wandering Fredrick Meijer Gardens, and playing at the park with friends down the street.

Daddy John was just hired as the new Director of Technology for the Ionia ISD. This is a huge turning point in his career and I am so excited for him. I have been appointed the new principal of Woodview Elementary in Belding. We had several administrative changes and I was very excited to move.

In a couple of weeks, we are off to Marquette for our annual vacation. This year we are renting a cottage from friends in Gwinn on Big Bass Lake. I will try to post pics upon our return.

They look like little gophers

Hey batter, batter. Swing batter!

Cheese!

Strike?

Cheers.

James says, "Dumb jock!"

I LOVE the slide!

Remember Us

It has been a while and I only have time to post a couple pics. I will post more on June 10, 2010.

Random Pics in the New Year

He's gonna hurt himself!

Which is of greater concern? The fact that my 1 year has beer bottle
or the fact that he is trying to open it with his teeth?

" Cheese!"

Thomas or Mafia Wars. Who knows if daddy rewired that thing.

The boys playing in the new bathtub.

Oops! Missed that window.

Note where his feet are not.

Happy New Year!!!!!

Merry Christmas

Valentines's Day is almost here and so I have decided it was time to post some of our pictures from Christmas/New Year. There went that resolution out the window. I guess I will add blogging to dieting and execising :(
On that note...Happy New Year everyone!

The Sons of Thunder

Cousin Kara and James

James, John, Reece, and Rowan



Reece and John



Meemah, Aunt Donna, John, and James

James and Reece

Grandpa and John reading together

James being attacked by Woody

Uncle Jim, John, and Carrie engaged in a stimulating game of Candy Land

That is one expensive teething toy

" Howdy Partner!"

Demonstrating to mom how to stay hydrated

Woody has no idea what he just got himself into.

Mommy has not idea what she just got herself into

Sledding

Today we were invited to go sledding with several friends. One of the best parts of my life is having so many friends with kids who are all around the same age. John-John was convinced that he did not want to go sledding. Problem with this is that he had never really been sledding. Once we got out there, he had a blast. I also took James and he loved watching all the kids come flying down the hill. It was wonderful to be outside and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Gotta do this more often!

James Turns One

On December 9, 2009, James turned one! On the 13th we celebrated his birthday with family and friends. Sorry it took so long to post pics. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it such a special day for Sweet Baby James!

Happy birthday boy!

Still needs mom's help.

The Birthday Boy ate the Bus!

"This looks like fun."

"Yummy!!!!"

"That was fun!"