My Life with Boys....

Easter Morning

2010-04-14T13:11:00.000-05:00

We were home this year for Easter Sunday. The past few years we have been in Hilton Head with my family. We always did small Easter baskets b/c we were traveling but this year I went all out!!! The boys loved it and they are still eating there candy, I am helping!! We had a wonderful Easter dinner at Chris's brothers Jeremy's house. Christie and Jeremy were great hosts and the food was wonderful!! Chris's parents, as well as the boys, have been begging to take the boys so after Easter the boys headed up north. I worked a ton last weekend and then Chris and I headed to KY to see Sara and Tommy. Libby and Ava had flown in to celebrate Jack's first Birthday. We all enjoyed Jack's birthday last Saturday and as always Sara outdid herself!! It was a wonderful party with great food and great friends. Thanks Sara and Tommy for a wonderful weekend and we'll see you in two weeks, and tell Ella this time we will bring Jack and Wade with us!!

Fredrick Meijer Gardens

2010-04-14T13:04:00.000-05:00

Jack and Wade got to go back to the Fredrick Meijer Gardens!!! Wade was so excited to see the butterflies again!!! (btw, he is still carrying around the butterfly booklet!!) This time we went with Jack's class from school. It was a perfect day and got up to 75 degrees!! I had never been to the outdoor gardens and I now that we have been I think we are going to become members because there is endless fun!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-04-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

The weekend before Easter we got together with 4 other families and had an Easter egg hunt!! The kids had a blast!! We went to our friends out in Lowell so there was lots of room outside to hide eggs. The little kids stayed by the house and found the eggs hiding in the grass while the bigger kids went into the woods and had to dig through leaves to find their's! They'll probably be finding Easter eggs all summer!!

After dinner the kids dyed eggs. Wade thought it was great and loved taking his egg in and out of the dye. I am surprised his hands were not blue by the time we left.

I am back!!

2010-03-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

I couldn't let all the the great pictures from the last year go to waste and since pictures are what people really want to see, here you go!! I have updated all events from this past year and I am all caught up! I will try very hard to keep updating and stay current!!

March 2010 Wade is 2!!

2010-03-12T11:11:00.000-05:00

For Wade's Birthday we started the day at Panera for a cookie and boxed milk, then we headed to Fredrick Meijer Garden. Wade couldn't stop talking about the butterflies!! When we got there and the butterflies were flying everywhere he got scared and cried for a bit! He warmed up to them and in the end did not want to leave. Becky and Drake joined us for lunch, I brought Jack to school and Becky took Wade to see the Butterflies one more time. We then went to Rose's where Becky and I enjoyed lunch and Wade enjoyed his birthday ice cream!! When we returned to get the truck from FMG Wade screamed "see butterflies, see butterlies". I had to tell him the butterflies were sleeping. The rest of the day Wade told everyone "butterflies nite nite, butterflies nite nite". He still reminds me everyday, "butterflies nite nite, butterflies nite nite".

Wade did NOT want his picture taken so this is the best I got!! Happy Birthday my sweet baby boy!!! Life just gets better and better! I watched to sleep today and noticed that because your eyelashes are so long they bend at the ends because you sleep on them. I only wish mine did that!! Thank you for your cheesy smile and a laugh that makes everyone turn and smile. Thank you too for your super wet kisses and your strong hugs. I love you Wadey Wade and can't wait to see what this year holds for you!!

March 2010 Wade is 2!!

2010-03-12T11:01:00.000-05:00

March 2010

2010-03-12T11:00:00.000-05:00

February 2010 Virginia/OBX

2010-03-12T10:59:00.001-05:00

We made the trip to VA this year to meet Libby and Justin's new baby girl Ava Suzanna. She was born in January and couldn't wait to get to VA to meet her. The boys think she is very special and Wade loves to comfort her when she cries, even though she hardly ever cries!! Justin and Libby couldn't be more proud of their new baby girl!

February 2010 OBX

2010-03-12T10:57:00.001-05:00

December 2009 Christmas

2010-03-12T10:56:00.000-05:00

December 2009 Jason's Uncle House

2010-03-12T10:55:00.000-05:00

Jason's Uncle loves to hunt and he has been telling the boys all about the animals at his Uncles. We finally made it out there to see them!! The boys loved it!!

December 2009 Jason's Uncle House

2010-03-12T10:54:00.000-05:00

December 2009 Baby Drake!!

2010-03-12T10:53:00.000-05:00

Baby Drake has finally arrived!! Mom and I came right to the hospital after he was born!! He is perfect!

I stayed with Becky the first night so Jason could go home and get some rest. Chris and the boys came down the next morning to meet Drake. The boys think he is great!! Wade loves the baby dake!!

November 2009 First BIG Snow Fall

2010-03-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

Took us 25 minuts to get ready....

...lasted 10 minutes outside. Totally worth it!!

November 2009 Jack's 5th Birthday!!

2010-03-12T10:49:00.000-05:00

We did Jack's birthday at MVP Sportsplex this year! The kids had a great time playing gym games, swimming and eating lots of cupcakes!!

October 2009 Halloween

2010-03-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

October 2009 Becky's Baby Shower

2010-03-12T10:46:00.000-05:00

October 2009 Orchard, Family Pictures

2010-03-12T10:45:00.000-05:00

Family pics

2010-03-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

Family pics

2010-03-12T10:41:00.000-05:00

Family pics

2010-03-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

Family pics

2010-03-12T10:39:00.000-05:00

September 2009 First day of Young 5's

2010-03-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

September 2009 The Monarch

2010-03-12T10:35:00.000-05:00

In August Oma and Jack found a monarch caterpillar and decided to take it home . Oma purchased the caterpillar it's own cage and Jack watched as the caterpillar grew, made a chrysalism and hatched. We the let the monarch go! He has so much fun!

September 2009 Labor Day

2010-03-12T10:32:00.000-05:00

August 2009 Vermeulen Cottage

2010-03-12T10:29:00.000-05:00

August 2009 Schaafsma Cottage

2010-03-12T10:28:00.000-05:00

Wade can't get enough of getting swings from his Papa!!

August 2009 The Zoo

2010-03-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

Oma, Papa and Aunt Bec took the boys to the Zoo and had a great time! They only lost Wade once, he tends to run off, but found him quickly!!

Wade has a very special place in his heart for his Papa, so does your Mom Wade!! When he sees a family picture he tends to only point out his Papa.

August 2009 The Zoo

2010-03-12T10:22:00.000-05:00

August 2009 The Zoo

2010-03-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

August 2009 The Family's Together

2010-03-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

Libby and Oma helping Wade learn how to hit the ball!!

Wade had issues remembering to keeps his eye open when it came to catching the ball!!

August 2009 Mary and Alden's Wedding

2010-03-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

August 2009 Mary and Alden's Wedding

2010-03-12T10:15:00.000-05:00

July 2009 Forth of July

2010-03-12T10:14:00.001-05:00

July 2009 Forth of July

2010-03-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

July 2009 Forth of July

2010-03-12T10:13:00.000-05:00

June 2009 Father's Day!

2010-03-12T10:12:00.000-05:00

Jane was in town for Father's Day and her ad Abu joined us for brunch at the Omelet Shop!!

June 2009 First Haircut!!

2010-03-12T10:11:00.000-05:00

Heather, who I work with at the gym came to the house to give Wade his first haircut! He did really well as long as he had a sucker!!

Preschool Graduation!

2009-06-01T15:24:00.001-05:00

It's official, Jack has finished preschool! They even had alittle graduation for the students. The hats are too cute!

Here is Jack with his two teachers, Miss Mina and Miss Sherri. If you look in the back ground that is Jack's friends older brother trying to entertain Wade for me. I don't know why I havn't learned that I can't bring Wade anywhere!! All he did was yell if I tried to hold him and if I let me run around he got into everything and just wanted to sit up front with Jack. I can't believe that Jack is finished with preschool. He had such a great year and made lots of friends. And he figured out what playdates are and wants one everyday!! He already can't wait until fall to start at his new school. They grow up so fast! I love you Jack!!

It was also Miss Mina's 50th birthday so the kids had a cake for her and sung happy birthday!! On the way home Jack asked me if he could blow out the candles on my cake when it is my birhtday. I asked him why and he said it's because there are alot more candles on my cake than his! Thanks Babe!!

Jack at the beach

2009-06-01T14:51:00.002-05:00

We had a great Memorial Day at the lake this year!! Jack and Chris even swam in the lake this year!! It was beautiful!! If you could avoid the wind on Sunday it was very hot!! And Monday was perfect and we all made it down to the beach. Jack played alittle baseball with cousin Joe and Wade tried to join in a few times.

Here are a couple cute pictures of Jack and Joe braving the water! It was so calm that even Wade put his toes in.

Here is Wade trying to get a few swings in!

Wade at the beach

2009-06-01T14:50:00.002-05:00

This was Wade's first trip to the beach outside of his carseat. He wasn't so sure about the sand or the water but I think he will get use to it as the summer goes on. And he will pretty much go where ever his brother does!

Memorial Day Cont

2009-06-01T14:48:00.001-05:00

Wade found a puzzle with all the 50 states on it and he was determind to figure out where all those states went. We'll keep working on it Wadey-Wade!

My Mom wanted to get something for the boys for the holiday since she couldn't be in Michigan and we found these cute lawn chairs and the boys loved them! I think they ate all their meals in them. Thanks Oma!

Jack eats about 10 things so we are happy to say that Wade does not follow in his foot steps!! He will eat pretty much anything. Here he is enjoying a burger, fruit and chips! Jack even tried a burger after he saw his baby brother enjoying his! Maybe Wade will continue to encourage Jack to try new foods.

Memorial Day Cont

2009-06-01T14:47:00.002-05:00

Wade was wondering around the deck with his shorts alittle too low! Too cute!!

Jack spent alot of his time but the gate to the stairs. Wade wanted to go everywhere is brother went. So if Jack went to the beach and Wade didn't get to go we had some screaming and some tears! Here is Wade screaming to his brother!

Bugs in the Backyard

2009-06-01T14:46:00.002-05:00

Jack had alittle concert thing at school called "Bugs in the Backyard". It was super cute! They sang like 5 songs and of course all the parents loved it!! Here are a few pics with some of Jack's friends from school.

Updates...

2009-05-20T20:56:00.005-05:00

Jack is just about to finish up his first year of school and loved it! He has made new friends and LOVES having play dates! He will be in Young 5's next year and can't wait to go to his new school! He is a wonderful older brother and is adjusting to Wade wanting to do everything he does. He is doing a great job at sharing his toys, too! He is looking forward to the outdoor pool opening this Saturday.

Wade is growing up way too fast. He has been walking for a while now and has no intention of slowing down! He is much louder than Jack ever was and he yells everytime he wants something! Going out for dinner isn't as quiet as it use to be! One night we had been at the restaurant for five minutes and I was already on the phone calling every babysitter I had in my phone to see if they could come and get the kids! Wade also has discovered books. He loves to have you read them to him and he has to be sitting in your lap before you can read them. He has books all over the house, too! I use to clean them up every night and take them back to his room but first thing the next morning they were all over the house again. To save myself time, I now just pile the books up in each room! It is so fun to watch Wade grow, I just wish it would go a little slower!

Hilton Head 2009

2009-05-20T20:55:00.002-05:00

It has been forever since I updated our blog and I am finally getting around to posting pictures from out Virginia/Hilton Head trip. We were not going to go to HH this year but at the last minute Chris told me to find tickets and take the boys. We found great tickets to Chesapeake so we flew in and stayed with Libby and Justin and then drove down to Hilton Head with Libby. We tried to surprise my Dad but I think he had it all figured out by the time we arrived! We got to HHI around 1am and everyone woke up to greet us. Dad was very happy to see us and acted surprised but I think he knew. The next morning Oma and Papa got up when the boys did, got Jack ready and took the boys out for a bike ride. It was great because Libby and I could catch up on sleep! Jack and Wade loved riding in the Burley!

They took the bikes down to the beach where Jack found cool looking creatures. Jack and Oma always love finding interesting animals. When we visited Washington last September Jack and Oma collected around 12 slugs that Jack turned into pets! He enjoyed cleaning the jar they were kept in, feeding them and taking them out to spray with water! The things we ONLY do with Oma! Isn't this a great looking Horseshoe Crab? Jack thought so.

Oma and Papa also took the boys to the park because Libby had taught Jack how to pump on the swing and he HAD to show Oma and Papa what he had learned! Jack & Oma climbed into the tree house where Jack posed for photos. We had a great trip as always. We wish Chris could have joined us, but maybe next year. It is always wonderful when Oma and Papa get to spend time with their "boys"!

Hilton Head 2009 cont

2009-05-20T20:38:00.001-05:00

Here is a cute picture of Jack and my dad "sleeping." Dad did a way better job of fake sleeping than Jack did. Jack thought it was way cool to take his naps with Papa!

When Jack wasn't taking naps with Papa he was sleeping on the floor next to the bed. During one of his naps, I had to sneak into the room and when I walked past his bed it was empty and this is where I found him...apparently this is where he slept at night, too.

Here is a picture of me with my Mom and sisters! Just had a yummy all-you-can-eat Dinner of crab and shrimp, surrounded by Pirates. The boys loved it!

Jack and Wade LOVE taking baths together. Whenever Wade hears the tub running he runs into the bathroom and tries to crawl in and then cries the whole time I am trying to get his cloths off because he thinks I am taking too long. The boys really enjoyed taking baths in Hilton Head because of the very large tub in Oma and Papa's room!

Party #2!!

2009-04-05T18:43:00.001-05:00

The weekend after Wade's birthday we celebrated Wade's birthday again with my side of the family. My Mom flew into town for his birthday and my Aunts drove in from Chicago. Thanks Mom, Jane and Mary for helping us celebrate!!

We tried the cake thing again, and again he wanted nothing to do with it. The cup cakes were from Costco and they were super good, so I thought Wade would get one taste, love it and then go after it, but he didn't. My Mom had the idea that maybe he just needed a spoon. Well that worked! He ate the whole cupcake which was bigger than his head and all he needed was a spoon! Who knew?

Again, Jack loving to help open presents!

We got the Little Tikes car out that Jack had gotten for his first birthday and Wade LOVED it!! His favorite part was eating the horn!! My other favorite part was when Jack was riding in the car and Wade stood up behind the car and pushed Jack around.

Here is Wade with my Mom in his super cute new vest from Aunt Bec and Uncle Jay. We had so much fun celebrating Wade's first birthday and loved it that so many people could come from out of town to help celebrate! We missed you Dad and maybe next year you can be here to join the fun!

Wade is 1!!

2009-04-05T18:32:00.001-05:00

We had two parties for Wade. The first one was with Chris' family a few days before Wade's birthday. I am uaually not into the whole t-shirt thing for birthdays, but I found this super cute one and couldn't resist!

We tried to get Wade to destroy a birthday cake, but he wasn't too into it. It surprised me because usually he will put ANYTHING in his mouth, including dust bunnies he has gathered together in the corner of the living room. But apparently the dust bunnies taste better than the cake! We were the ones who put his hands into it and covered his face in frosting. Oh well! I think Jack had more fun putting the frosting on Wade!

Jack also had lots of fun hepling his brother open all his presents! Thank you everyone for helping us celebrate!!

Wadey Wade!!

2009-03-07T09:28:00.003-05:00

This super cute onesie was in our mailbox this morning from my sister, Libby!! I just love it Lib and Justin, thanks! I don't know when we first started calling Wade Wadey Wade or who even thought of it, but it stuck and now everyone seems to call him that. Even the kids in Kids Stuff. One of my co-worker's kids carried around our Christmas card at their house calling out Wadey Wade. Her husband couldn't understand what he was saying and she had to explain!!

I tried to get a cute picture of Wade wearing his onesie, but he just won't sit still. Here are the best ones I got! Libby and Justin, Thank-you again for the onesie, I love it!! We will miss you today during his birthday party. We love you and Wadey Wade sends hugs and wet kisses!!!

Highchair

2009-03-07T09:21:00.002-05:00

So a few days ago we had a very busy morning and Wade was being great!! When we got home I fed him lunch and called my Mom. He was behaving really well, so I didn't think he was ready for a nap. I was wrong. When I came back into the living room this is what I found. He is so sweet when he is sleeping!!

Then this morning, this is what I found...

When Wade is awake in his highchair he doesn't sit still!! We have to buckle him in and he still manages to move around. This morning, Jack came running into our room and said, "Come quick, you have to see Wade!" We found him fully turned around and a few minutes later standing up in his highchair. So much for the buckle keeping him in his highchair and so much for me getting anything done. The highchair was the only place I could put him to keep him out of trouble. We are going to have our hands full!!

Wade is 1!!!

2009-03-04T14:21:00.007-05:00

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY WADEY-WADE!!!

I can't believe it has already been a year! My sweet baby boy is all grown up. He has been such a blessing in our family's life and I don't know how I ever lived without him. Sometimes I wish he was still brand new and all he wanted to do was cuddle with his Mom. It seems like yesterday I was holding him in my arms for the first time and now, a year later, I can hardly keep up with him. He is a crazy one-year-old today and is trying so hard to keep up with his older brother. He has the cutest personality and thinks everything is funny, including the vacuum! God has truly blessed our family and I can't wait to see what the next year holds for this little boy.

"You are the poem I dreamed of writing,

the masterpiece I longed to paint.

You are the shining star I reach for

in my ever hopeful quest for life fulfilled.

You are my child.

Now with all things I am blessed."

wade sybrant 4 days

wade sybrant & his big brother

wade & his mom

Virginia

2009-03-02T21:07:00.002-05:00

We finally made it to Virginia to visit Libby and Justin!!! We have been wanting to get down there to see them and see where they live and we finally made the 13 hour drive with the boys over Valentine's Day weekend. We made it to VA on February 10 and stayed until February 17. We also drove down to the Outerbanks with Lib and Justin where Sara, Tommy and Ella joined us. We were there over the weekend and had a great time spending Valentine's Day weekend together!! Here is our trip...

Here are Lib and Wade in the morning after we arrived. We got there about 1:30am so the next morning we all took it a little easy!!

Libby and Justin had gifts for the boys and the towels were the cutest!! Thanks Lib and Justin!

We took Libby and Justin out the first night we were there and Wade enjoyed his first french fry. I don't think Jack had a fry until he was like 2, funny how things change for #2. Wade thought it was great and screamed when we tried to take it away so he wouldn't choke!!

Virginia cont.

2009-03-02T21:06:00.003-05:00

On Thursday morning Chris and Justin went surfing and Libby and I took the boys to get haircuts. I finally caved in and got Wade's haircut!! He looks so grown up now. He did so well. He just sat on my lap good as can be and let the woman cut his hair. We were done in like 10 mins and both the boys looked great!!

In the afternoon we drove to Norfolk. Justin, Chris and Jack went to see the USS Wisconsin. Jack thought it was pretty cool and loved the big guns! Libby, Wade and I went to a mall nearby that had a Starbucks and did a little window shopping.

Outerbanks

2009-03-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

On Thursday evening Libby and I drove to the Outerbanks. Libby knows someone with a house in the OBX and they were gracious enough to let us stay there for the weekend and it was beautiful! Chris and Justin joined us Friday night and Sara, Tommy and Ella joined us around 2am on Friday after a long flight. Saturday morning we woke up to a full house of people and children!! Jack and Ella are about 4 months apart and were too cute together. Wade hardly ever gets a bottle, but loves them, so he had to keep an eye on Ella while she had her's and I had to keep an eye on Wade so that he wouldn't take it from her!

Here is Wade cuddling with Aunt Libby. Libby had so much fun with the boy's and Ella. I think Libby and Justin enjoyed having their niece and nephews there for the weekend.

Outerbanks cont.

2009-03-02T21:04:00.002-05:00

Here is the house that we stayed in. It was so wonderful and relaxing; I wish we could have stayed longer!! On Saturday (Valentine's Day) the boys stayed with the kiddo's while Lib, Sara and I went and had mannies and peddies and did a little shopping, well, actually alot of shopping!! And when we got home they had dinner waiting!! They had grilled steaks and they were wonderful!! What a great Valentine's Day. Thanks Chris, for everything. It was a wonderful Valentine's Day and I love you very much!

On Sunday we went and had lunch and drove around. We stopping in a little fishing town to take some pictures. You can also check Sara and Tommy's blog for more pictures http://www.tommyandsara.blogspot.com/

We had a great trip and can't wait to go back. Thank you Libby and Justin for opening your home to us and for letting us take it over for a few days!! The boys had a great time with their Aunt and Uncle and they miss you lots. Chris and I also had a wonderful time! Thanks Lib, for being a great baby sister and I wish we lived closer! I love you!

Chicago

2009-03-02T21:02:00.001-05:00

Becky and I decided to take the boys to Chicago in January to visit Mary and Janie. We always have a great time visiting, but now that Wade can crawl, it's a whole new adventure!! Wade is into everything and I think his favorite thing was eating the dirt out of the plants!! Wade eats EVERYTHING!! He even gathers dust in the corners of Kids' Stuff and eats it! We have to be so careful and I really hope to make it through this year without having to give him the Heimlich. We were in the apartment alot seeing that on Friday moring we woke up and it was -17, and that wasn't including the wind chill!! So we had to find things to do inside!

One of Jack's favorite things to do is to pretend to be a lion and crawl around with Wade and roar! Here they are playing, the big lion and his cub, as Jack calls Wade.

Jack loves to take baths and has been begging to take a bath with Wade so here is their first bath together!! Wade thought it was great having the big tub to take his bath in. Now whenever we give Wade a bath, Jack has to join in.

On Saturday we took the boys to the Museum of Science and Industry. Jack loved the sub and it was hard to tear him away! There was also a children's part where there were hands on things for kids. Jack had lots of fun playing and the museum was a great place to be when it was -10 outside!!! We had a great trip to Chicago, as always, and Jack is already wondering when we get to go back! Thanks Mary and Jane for everything and thanks Bec for helping me get the boys there.

Christmas

2009-03-02T20:39:00.001-05:00

We had already celebrated Christmas with my family over Thanksgiving, so we spent Christmas with Chris' family. We had Christmas morning at our house with the boys which was the first time we were able to do so, and it was great!! Jack and Wade got a Wii for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa Thompson so Chris and I got the boys Guitar Hero World Tour which Jack has been begging for!! I think he just wanted it so he could walk round playing the guitar! After opening presents, we loaded the car and drove to Chris' parents.

We brought Guitar Hero to Chris' parents so that we could all play after opening presents. Wade got an early start and threw a fit when we tried to take the drum sticks away!

Wade with Grandpa...

Wade with Grandma.

Hockey Game!

2009-03-02T20:31:00.001-05:00

December 2009
We took Wade to his first Griffin's Hockey game at the beginning of December. I had received four vouchers for a game from work and we took advantage!! Of course, Jack loved it!! He told me the other day that he needs to start playing more hockey b/c he was a hockey player and the only way he can get better is to play. I told him he could play hockey if he gets a part time job to pay for it!! Wade also loved the game! I thought he might not like the noise when they score a goal but he thought it was great and laughed everytime!! Looks like we will have two boys who love hockey! Papa should be happy about that!! Dad, Jack is wondering when he is going to a Wings game?

The Family

2008-12-21T11:25:00.002-05:00

We had our annual family pictures taken last month and here are a few pictures from the shoot. If anyone knows how I can post more than just 4 pictures per post, PLEASE let me know!!

All of Us

2008-12-21T11:23:00.001-05:00

Wade

2008-12-21T11:22:00.001-05:00

Jack

2008-12-21T11:20:00.000-05:00

Christmas Tree

2008-12-05T15:01:00.007-05:00

I really need to start posting some of the funny things that Jack has been saying lately. He has great stories to tell and they are usually well thought out. Last week Jack and I went to Costco to get our new Christmas tree. (I am allergic to Christmas trees so we have to have a fake one, and come on, they are way easier!!) There were a couple different trees to pick from but I wanted the 7 ft prelit tree with white lights. Jack on the other hand had a whole different idea, he wanted the 7 ft prelit tree with COLORED lights. I had to tell him that I really don't like colored lights on Christmas trees, my apologies to those of you who have colored lights, and explain that we were getting the one with white lights. If you have ever tried to explain something to Jack and he does agree, it is usually followed by 20 negotiations to get his way. After a few tears and a few screams of "NOOO" in the middle of Costco, we walked out with a 7f t prelit tree with white lights. I won this negotiation!!! Our Christmas Tree

The next day Jack was telling Oma (my Mom) all about how he wanted the tree from Costco with the colored lights and just didn't understand why I didn't like colored lights. She told him that white lights were more in style and that is why I liked them better. He responded, with a great sence of relief "So then maybe some day colored lights will be back in style and then my Mom will like them and we can get them then." He saw that there was still a chance that someday he could have his colored lights!! So my Mom, who seems to help me solve a lot of things, came up with the idea to surprise Jack with a small Christmas tree from our basement. She put colored lights on it and put it in his room. He LOVED it!!! He turns it on every night and it has now become his new night light. Then a couple days later he brought up this whole situation with my Mom again and told her "Someday, when I am big, and my "Mom" (meaning to say "wife" :) love that!!) tells me to get white lights and I will look and look and look and when I can't find them, I will bring home colored lights." That's another way to get what you want, tell her you just can't find them!!!

Jack's Tree

more Christmas #2

2008-12-05T13:29:00.000-05:00

Wade wanted to be Santa and hand out the presents but he was over ruled by his big brother Jack! Wade does look pretty cute in the hat!!

The boys got matching rolling duffle bags from my parents. Here they are opening the gift which Jack thought was great b/c then he had a place to put all the rest of his gifts in.

Doesn't everyone say you really don't have to get kids a whole lot b/c all they really want to play with is the box...well that was true for Wade. He sat totally content in the box his gift came in while we opened the rest of our gifts. It was a great start to our holiday season and we can cross of 2 Christmas's from out list. We will miss Mom, Dad, Libby and Justin during the true Christmas season but we look forward to spending Christmas with them some where next year. Mom and Dad have not determind the location yet!!

Christmas #2

2008-12-03T15:22:00.001-05:00

On Sunday morning we met at my sister Becky's house and had another Christmas before Libby and Justin and Mom and Dad left for home. Here is Justin trying to teach Wade "scary face". It all started when Jack was little and Justin decided to teach Jack a new facial expression and they called it "scary face". Now when ever we see Justin or I am on the phone with Justin or Libby Jack calls out to tell them he is doing "scary face". I guess Justin is just getting an early start to teaching Wade these valuable things.

It was an early morning Christmas so we all went in our PJ's to Becky and Jason. Here is Wade and me before we started opening all out stocking gifts. I think Wade and Jack had the most presents in there stockings. Lucky!!

Here are some pictures of the boys with Becky and Jason's dog Dutch. Jack LOVES playing with Dutch. Good thing Labs are so good with kids. Dutch takes all the loving very well!!

Early Christmas

2008-12-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

Saturday we celebrated Christmas early with my Dad's side of the family. My parents were here from Washington, Libby and Justin were here from Virginia so while we were together we had Christmas early. Jack got a football which he loves but too bad it is a Lion's football!! Ha ha ha!! Wade loved chewing on it and laughed hysterically when Jack would throw it!!

Wade got a new book but he was more interested in eating the book than having me read it to him!

Jack got this great Michigan sweatshirt from Aunt Janie!!! Hopefully next season is better for Michigan!!

Wade ended his first Christmas the same way Jack did 4 years ago, asleep on someones shoulder!! Wade is wearing his "My First Christmas" outfit Aunt Janie gave himand it was so comfy it put him to sleep! It was a great start to Christmas celebrations!!

First Biscuit

2008-12-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

We have had a few first lately!! Last week we enjoyed our first biscuit!! They make such a mess but boy did Wade love it! And it was great for me, I could make dinner without having to pick him up!! He was so proud of himself! He is also saying Ma Ma Ma and Da Da Da and I love it. I usually only get to here Ma Ma Ma if he is hungry or sleepy. He also got his first tooth!!! He was 8 1/2 months!! Jack got his first when he was 7 months. I am so use to him not having teeth that I forget sometimes and let him chew on my finger but once he bites down I am reminded!! Wade will be 9 months tomorrow and I can't belive how fast it has gone. He is getting on all fours and rocking back and forth so crawling should happen anyday and then I am really in trouble. Jack was such a calm baby and hardly grabbed for anything, Wade , on the other hand, can't keep his hands off things!! He is going to be into everything once he can crawl. I will probably have to set up the pack-n-play in the living room just so I can get things done around the house.
Mama loves you Wadey-Wade!!

Louisville

2008-12-03T14:47:00.001-05:00

After all the presents were opened and most of the guests had left Wade made himself comfortable with all of Ella's new toys. He sat there for about 20 minutes just taking it all in. I think he thought he might be able to take a few home with him.

Here are the boys together playing with all the new toys. Jack had to show Wade how a few of them worked, but Wade didn't care how they worked as long as they could fit in his mouth!!

Wade enjoyed his first in the sink bath. He loved it! I think he ate most of the bubbles and enjoyed splashing his Mom!!

Here is a cute hair due that Jack and I always give Wade after his bath. Jack finds is very entertaining!!

We had another great trip to KY and it is never long enough. We had lots of celebrating with Ella's party and Libby turning 25 and it was so good to be with everyone. Sara, Libby and I enjoyed alittle shopping on Sunday afternoon and that night we had a great steak dinner to celebrate Lib's birthday. So good to see you Libby and Justin!! Thanks again Sara and Tommy for a great weekend!!

Isabella's One!!!

2008-12-03T14:36:00.001-05:00

The weekend of Novmeber 15th Chris and I and the boys drove to Louiseville, KY to visit our friends Sara and Tommy and their daughter Isabella who was turning one!!! Libby and Justin also flew in from VA so it was also a great chance to see them and to help Libby celebrate her 25th birthday on Nov 15th. We had great time helping Sara get ready for the festivities and all gathered for Ella's party on Saturday. It was a great celebration! Sara, as always, out did herself with all the decorations and food!! No one went hungry.

Justin and Wade

Libby and Wade

Here is the happy birthday girl!!

Love her Birthday hat!!

Jack is 4!!!

2008-11-20T15:11:00.001-05:00

How does life get so busy!!! I am FINALLY posting pictures from Jack's 4th birthday on the 4th of Nov. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!!! We celebrated Jack's birthday that day with Chris' side of the family. Jack wanted to go to Red Robin and it turned out to be a great place to have a party!! Here is a picturs of two of Jack's cousin's, Emily and Brooklyn. They all had a great time!!

After dinner we went over to our house to have cake and open presents. Jack got a new winter coat, puzzles, books and money for his college fund--he'll be thanking us later for that!!!

My Mom and Dad arrived the Saturday after his birhtday so we had a party with my side of the family on the Sunday following Jack's birthday. Here is a picture of the cute Reeboks that my sister found. She found them in Wade's and Jack's size, how cute!!! I don't think Wade thought they were as cute as Mom did!! He also got a new 2-wheel bike, Marble Works, books, clothes, and his favorite gift, a fishing pole from GeeGee and Papa. He now asks everyday when we are going to go to the cabin so we can fish.

Happy Birthday Jack!! It's amazing how fast 4 years have gone. You are such an amazing little boy and such a great helper. I thank God everyday for you and what a wonderful son you are. You are so smart that sometimes I can't believe you are only 4. I can't wait to see what the next 4 years bring us. I Love you so much!!!

Wade at 6 weeks

2008-11-20T14:59:00.002-05:00

My dear friend Sara took pictures of Wade when he was 6 weeks old and I am finally getting around to posting a few of them. They are so beautiful and it is hard for me to imagine he was ever this small. He is almost 9 months old and I keep asking myself how I could have possibly missed him being so small. He just grew up too fast. I think he even tried to sayMama today. Maybe it is me just wanting it to happen, but I have heard it a few times so I can just pretend it is what he is saying and smile. My sweet, sweet boy! Sara is having her 20-week ultra sound today and I can't wait to hear that everything is good and to find out what it is!!

Wii Olympics!!

2008-11-02T20:21:00.001-05:00

Our small group from church got together last night for the Wii Olympics. The events were bowling, tennis and Guitar Hero. I think we only ended up playing bowling and Guitar Hero b/c Guitar Hero ended up being way too funny!! I bowled for the first time and bowled a 199. I was teamed up with Brad and we took first place in bowling. This is a pic of Tina bowling.

Here are Chad and Tina on Guitar Hero. Sweet shorts, Chad! I believe the shorts belonged to his wife, Heather. Please give them back to her!!! Ha ha! Can't remember what song they did but Chad was on vocals and Tina on the Guitar. I think they did Heartbreaker.

Autumn and Chris chose to do Beat It by Michael Jackson, it was way too funny! Brad even broke out the video camera. If I can get the video I will post it. They got booed twice but did make it through the third time. But the highlight of the night was Chris and Mark, with Chris on guitar and Mark on vocals singing Beastie Boys. I believe we have that on video, too. Brad, do you think you could send me those videos? I think I now know what Chris wants for Christmas. We had a great night with everyone and can't wait to do it again! Thanks Brad and Shelley for hosting!

Halloween 2008!!

2008-11-02T19:39:00.001-05:00

Finally, we have great weather for Halloween!! The last few years have been cold and rainy and this year it was pleasant and in the 60's!! We couldn't have asked for better weather. We went trick-or-treating with Autumn, Mark & family again this year. We love going with them because the kids love it and it gives us adults a chance to hang out. The kids lasted about an hour and were then too tired to continue. After trick-or-treating we stopped and saw Jane and Mike, where Chris enjoyed a beer and I enjoyed a glass of wine. Thanks Jane and Mike, it was great seeing you!!! We also went to visit Aunt Christie and Uncle Jeremy. They had no trick-or-treaters so Aunt Christie topped off Jack's pumpkin with candy. The boys did great and even Wade made it until 10pm!!!

Halloween at school

2008-10-30T13:13:00.001-05:00

Jack had another chance to wear his costume today, at school. I had to work but Chris brought Jack to school and after he dropped him off all the parents went to the social hall where the kids paraded around and sang for the parents. I am super disappointed that I missed it but was glad that Chris could be there. He said it was great! It also looks like Jack wasn't the only lil' stinker in his class!!! Sorry Mom, forgot to put whiskers on Jack, looks like the other Mom didn't forget. I'll get them on him tomorrow!

Here is Jack's whole class, 8 boys and 1 girl!!

EGR Halloween!

2008-10-30T13:02:00.005-05:00

On Saturday the EGR Middle School held a Halloween party for the kids. We met Autumn and her two kids, Eli and Stella there. The kids were given tickets and they went around and played different games. Jack loved the basketball hoop where he could shoot for prizes and all the kids loved the bouncy, moon walk thing, whatever it is called. We had a great time and it was just another way to get more use out of the costumes. Jack LOVES being a skunk! Eli is a ninja and Stella is the little mermaid. The two kids behind Stells are actually friends of Jack, Eli and Stella's from the gym! It was alot of fun and we will be going back next year!!

Here is our baby dragon!! Wade was too cute!! I took a front and a back shot so you could get the full affect!! The little wings and tail...how precious!! Wade did great all day seeing that that night he ran a 103 temp and Sunday morning I took him to the Dr. and he had a double ear infection.

31, really???

2008-10-30T12:48:00.002-05:00

As of last Saturday, I am officially in my 30's! Our friend's were going to come into town from Indiana and we were going to have a fun dinner out but plans changed and instead I spent the day with my boys and my sister. We had a great day! They took me out for lunch at Graydon's Crossing where I enjoyed Pama Mosa!! The boys did great and after lunch we met up with Autumn and her kiddos at the EGR Middle School for some halloween fun. After that we went home to watch the Michigan St vs Michigan game, where Michign lost...it's a rebuilding year!! I think I actually enjoyed the Penn St vs Ohio St game more, where sadly, Ohio St lost, ha ha ha!!! It was a great birthday and I think my favorite present was from Jack and Wade. Chris took Jack to Bath and Body Works and told Jack he could pick out whatever he wanted to give. He smelled all the smells and picked out a black raspberry vanilla candle and a pomogranate lotion. He did so good and I love the fact that he picked it out all by himself!! Here are a few pics from lunch where I am wearing the new scarf from my sisters. They also got me earings but the cool thing about the earings is that I get a new pair for the next 3 months, what a cool idea!! Thanks sisters for the great gifts!! I love you!

Tuesday

2008-10-20T13:21:00.004-05:00

Tuesday was our last day in Washington. We were going to take it easy and I was going to spend the day packing so Mom took the boys first thing in the morning to go to the park...& Chris and I got everything ready for our trip home! That gave us a free afternoon for some more fun. Here's a cute picture of Jack at the park!

When Mom got home with the boys we had lunch and then went to the Belle Acres Orchard. Jack had fun picking out a pumpkin! He took the first one he found. Last year he kept picking them and then finding one he thought was better, this year was a lot easier!!

They had golf carts you could take to drive around the Orchard. Jack thought this was great fun. We saw all the apple trees and a few horses. There was also a great view of Mt Baker, or Mountain Baker, as Jack calls it, but it didn't turn out as clear in this picture.

Tuesday

2008-10-20T13:20:00.003-05:00

Jack had been telling Papa that he wanted to play tennis all week, but we kept having other things come up. Finally, on the last night Papa took Jack out for his first try at tennis. (Lindsay, I think we'll have to take you up on the offer of tennis lessons!!!) Jack thought it was great and didn't want to leave. Dad, we'll get some court time at MVP for you and Jack when you are here in November!! Jack didn't do so bad his first time out! He certainly got an A+ for enthusiasm.

Jack got it on the racket!

Looks like he might again.

Tuesday

2008-10-20T13:19:00.002-05:00

Our last night in Washington we went to the Semiahmoo Resort to have dinner. Mom, Dad, Jack and I had gone there before when Chris wasn't with us. It was so beautiful that I wanted him to see it before we left. We got there just before the sun started to set and had time for a few good pictures.

The lights are White Rock, Canada, in the distance.

Here we are at dinner and Wade does so well at restaurants. He was entertaining the table next to us.

Here is Jack with his pumpkin that he picked out at the orchard. Mom used a drill to write Jack's name in the pumpkin. Great idea!! No knives needed!!

At Oma and Papa's

2008-10-20T13:16:00.002-05:00

Wade is finally sitting up on his own! Jack learned to sit up while visiting my parents when they lived in Utah and Mom wanted to teach Wade while he was visiting. He is still a little unstable but we are getting the hang of it. The more tired he is, the more he topples.

Before we arrived in Washington my Mom had captured a few slugs and had told Jack that she had a surprise for him when he got to their house. Jack thought the slugs where great and spent all week searching for more slugs every time it rained. Oma and Jack got lots of books about slugs at the library and read all of them. He loved taking them out of the jar and putting them into a plastic dish pan while Oma and Jack cleaned out the jar and gave them new food. One night we got so occupied with dinner that we forgot the slugs were out and left them in the dish pan. In the morning Jack couldn't find the slugs anywhere!! We looked EVERYWHERE and we could not find them. Finally, around 10 am one slug came crawling out from under the stove and probably 10 min. later the other slug followed!!! Slugs need water so they were pretty shriveled up but we put them back into the plastic tub and sprayed them with water. Jack was so relieved that the slugs had not died!!!

Monday

2008-10-20T13:15:00.002-05:00

On Monday, my Dad took the day off and we all drove up to Mt. Baker. It was probably the nicest day we had while visiting which made it great for being outside and for being able to see the mountains clearly.

oma, pap, wade and jack, mt baker

allison and chris

papa, jack, and katers hiking

jack throwing stones with Oma and Katers

Monday

2008-10-20T13:14:00.002-05:00

The one thing that Jack knew about mountains was that there is snow. Two years ago Mom and Dad took the whole family to Whistler for Christmas. Jack loved all the snow there so I think he was expecting a little more snow than what we found but he made due with what was there. We had borrowed a sled from our cousins (Thanks Shelly!) and Jack was all set. He would lay on the sled while Chris or my Dad flung him around on a small patch of snow. Chris and my Dad got a pretty good work out! Jack said he never wanted to stop!!

Here are a few more family pictures on Mt Baker...

This one is better of the mountain than the family-but wanted you to see how beuatiful is was.

Monday

2008-10-20T13:12:00.002-05:00

...more pics from Mt Baker...

allison, chris, jack & wade & the SLED!

papa & wade

papa, wade & oma

jack the hiker & his "Mountain Baker"

Saturday

2008-10-20T13:11:00.003-05:00

Saturday we all drove up to Deception Pass. We took the boat tour which was great and Jack pretty much loves any chance he can get to be on a boat. It was a little chilly out on the ocean but the boys did great!!! We even got to see a few dolphins (actually porpoises, but Jack did not agree with this information) which Jack thought was way cool!

Here are a few facts taken from the Deception Pass Tours website.

At peak current at over 8 knots (9.5 mph) almost 900 million gallons of water pour through Deception Pass. That’s 50 times more flow that all the rivers in the Puget Sound. You can see why there is a 4.5 foot height difference in the water level from one side of the pass to the other!

The bridge, one of the scenic wonders of the Pacific Northwest, is actually two spans, one over Canoe Pass to the north, and another over Deception Pass to the south. Construction began in August 1934, and the completed bridge was dedicated at noon on July 31, 1935. The Wallace Bridge and Structural Co. of Seattle, Washington provided 460 tons of steel for the 511-foot Canoe Pass arch and 1130 tons for the 976-foot Deception Pass span. The cost of construction was $482,000.
In September 1982, the bridge was declared a National Historic Landmark. It cost more to paint the spans in 1983 than it did to build them in 1935. They were painted again in 1997.

Friday

2008-09-28T20:59:00.002-05:00

Friday we hung around Lynden. We ran some errands in the morning and on the way home we passed the farm where Jack's Great Grandfather grew up. This is the Great Grandfather Jack is named after and the farm was sold recently and may be torn down. Mom thought it would be great to get a few pics of Jack by the old barn and farmhouse to send to Great Grandpa.

After errands and lunch, Jack begged to go to the pool so Oma took him for a swim. Jack had a great time and didn't want to leave. Oma asked Chris and I how long we thought Jack would swim if let him decide when it was time to leave. We told her she would be there all day and even then he wouldn't want to leave!! After swimming Jack showered. Mom turned the water off after a few minutes and Jack looked at her and said, "Oma, I am not done showering, you forgot to soap me up!!" Once soaped up and out of the shower, Jack decided to play a little soccer in the locker room showers! Friday night we hired a babysitter and Mom, Dad, Chris and I went to a great restaurant called Chuckanut Manor. It was a lovely little restaurant over looking the San Juan Islands. It was a perfect night and the seafood and wine were amazing! I am really good at taking pictures of the boys, but not so good when it is just Chris and me...next time.

Thursday

2008-09-28T20:46:00.001-05:00

Thursday we drove to Bellingham which is about 30 min from where my parents live. Our first stop was the Marine Life Center. Here Jack could see all the animals that live in nearby tidal pools. Jack held a purple starfish, an orange starfish, a pink starfish, and a hermit crab. He also touched a few sea anemones. There was also an octupus named TONK in a tank that Jack loved seeing!! Below, standing under a plastic dome, he can see a tidal pool from the inside out.

Here are Jack and Chris standing by the Bellingham Harbor.

Thursday cont...

2008-09-28T20:32:00.001-05:00

After we visited the aquarium we went to the Children's Museum in Bellingham. Jack thought this was the greatest. There was a boat that Jack loved playing on. He rounded up all the animals, fish and whales and put them in the "water" around the boat and then fished over the side of the boat with the fishing nets. He caught this octupus and and the killer whales. He also enjoyed making a meal below deck with Oma.

One thing cute that Jack did while fishing was to take care of any baby animals he caught. At one point he caught a mommy, daddy and a baby killer whale. He hauled them on deck and then threw the mommy and the daddy below deck but carried the baby killer whale down the stairs and layed him carefully next to his mom and dad. He said he did this because you have to be very careful with all babies!!

Jack also found a bunch of boxes with different games and toys inside but he stopped looking through the boxes when he found the marbles!!! Jack and Oma had so much fun building and rebuilding the track for the marbles. Later we took Jack to the Dollar Store to send one dollar and Oma secretly bought some marbles. She found some wrapping paper and paper towel cardboard tubes and Jack and Oma built their own marble track at home.

Wednesday

2008-09-28T20:15:00.001-05:00

Today was a slow day. In the morning Jack, Oma and Chris went to the Lynden Tribune and watched the paper being printed. I'll finish updating this day later...

Tuesday

2008-09-26T16:07:00.002-05:00

Tuesday we went back to the Greater Vancouver Zoo in Canada and it was great weather!!! The cheetah was one of Jack's favorite animals at the zoo and he was a very comical cheetah. There was a long path on the side of the cheetah's cage and when Jack would run down the path the cheetah would chase him. Jack thought this was great and continued to run up and down the path while the cheetah played chase with him.

At 1pm the zoo had a lion and tiger feeding. We made sure we were there for that. They place the meat high on the fence and the lions jump up to get it. I think that was Jack's favorite part!

Alot of the animals at the zoo had baby's this year. The giraffes were proud parents of a 10-month old and Jack just adored it! The baby would not get close enough for a picture but it's Mom and Dad did. There was an overlook and when you got to the top it was like looking right into the giraffe's eyes! Did you know that giraffe's only sleep 30 min a day!!!

Here is a picture of one of the two baby wallabees. It was enjoying a ride in it's mother pouch. I think this was my favorite animal at the zoo. The baby's were so little and cute!!

Tuesday Cont...

2008-09-26T15:50:00.004-05:00

We also took a train ride around the zoo. This way we could see all the animals again and get a rest from walking!!

The zoo also had a park and Jack couldn't leave without playing there. He climbed the monkey bars and went swinging. After that he found this interesting ladder but when he got to the top couldn't figure out how to get onto the platform so Oma had to climb up and rescue Jack. Jack and Oma then slid down the slide together. Jack thought that was pretty cool. The zoo was a huge hit with Jack and he never got into the stroller the whole 3 hrs we were there. We thought for sure he would crash when we got into the car but he didn't. When Papa got home from work Jack even played kickball for a while. 3 yr old's just go and go and go...Jack was in bed by 7:30pm and slept in until 9am. Love it when they sleep in!!! Here is the tricky ladder where Oma performed her heroic rescue: (She wondered who was going to rescue her once she got up there.)

Monday

2008-09-26T11:26:00.001-05:00

Monday we stayed in Lynden and went to a few shops downtown. We went to this little shopping center where they have a stream running through the middle of it. Jacked loved seeing the fish and wondered if we could fish for them. We also purchased some post cards that we then sent to Jack's class in Grand Rapids. He had so much fun picking them out! (However, Jack wanted to keep them so was sorry to see them go out in the mail.) I think we ended up with post cards for Grandma T, Grandpa T, Great Grandma T, Great Grandpa T, Bec and Jay, and Lib and Justin.

When shopping with Oma it usually means there are treats involved. First we went to a little candy shop and shared a carmel apple, which was delicious, then we went to the shop to pick out the post cards and they had ice cream but they weren't serving it yet. Jack then found this ice cream cone made of fudge and Oma thought he ought to have it. He pretty much liked the chocolate part on the outside and then Oma helped him finish off the raspberry fudge on the inside. We are learning Cooperation & Sharing!

Ever since we went to the zoo on Sunday, but then got rained out and had to return home, Jack has been wondering when we will go back to the zoo. Oma decided Jack should build a zoo of his own. Jack & Oma found all the animal toys and build little cages for them. He has rebuilt the zoo two or three times and in the newest version there is even an aquarium with an octupus in it. He even has a bunny that tends to escape once and awhile and then we all have to search around the house to find the bunny!! What a great imagination he has!!

God is Great and God is Good...

2008-09-22T13:13:00.004-05:00

Jacked learned his prayers awhile ago and everynight he asks to pray. Even if someone else wants to pray he has to pray first and then they can.

I pledge allegiance...

2008-09-22T12:28:00.007-05:00

So I think I figured out how to load video's onto the blog. This is a video of Jack after he learned the Pledge of Allegiance. Oma was here and whenever Jack spotted a US flag she would recite the pledge. He listened a few days and soon could say it all by himself . I thought it was pretty cute!! Enjoy! And instead of saying "and justice for all" he says "and Justin for all", after his Uncle Justin.

Sunday

2008-09-22T12:20:00.001-05:00

Sunday we went to church and Jack loved going to Children in Worship. Mom dropped him off, he took off his shoes, hung up his jacket, and sat on a carpet square and never looked backed! After church we had supper and watched the Ryder Cup. After the Ryder Cup Dad and Chris went to play golf and we layed Jack down for a nap. Mom and Dad live across the street from the 13th hole so when Dad and Chris made the turn on the 13th they came over and picked Jack up. This was Jack's first golf outing with his Dad and I don't know if Chris will be able to golf without him again. When Wade woke up from his nap Mom and I went for a walk to find the golfers. We found them at the 18th hole. If was a par 5 and Chris was on in two shots but had a few problems putting. I am sure that having Jack there to give Chris advice had nothing to do with it!!

More golf...

2008-09-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

Saturday

2008-09-22T11:40:00.008-05:00

Today was a little rainy but not terrible. We decided to go into Canada to go to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Mom and Dad live about 3 miles from the Canadian border and the zoo was only another 15 min drive once through customs. By the time we got to the zoo it had decided to pour!! So we loaded everyone back into the car. There is a wave pool in Canada that we are going to take Jack to, so we decided to go and check it out. Jack thought it was great and really wants to go back when we have our bathing suits. There were also kids (girls!) playing hockey at the rec center so Jack had to watch them for awhile. Then we drove back over the border. It took about an hour to get back into Washington. We got home just in time for the boys to take naps and for Mom and I to get to the grocery store. We had a low key night and I made Pomegranate Martinis (Sara, wished you could have been here to enjoy one with me!). We also watched the Ryder Cup and a little college football.

Friday

2008-09-22T11:40:00.007-05:00

Friday was another lazy day for Chris and me. I think b.c. the summer was so busy our plan for this trip was to do the least amount possible. We usually start our day around 9am when Wade gets up, we have a cup of coffee, breakfast and then another cup of coffee, a little Sportscenter for Chris, Today Show for me, and Playhouse Disney for Jack and then another cup of coffee for me!! I think by around 11 or 12 I am ready to get dressed and start the day. Good thing that Oma is here to entertain Jack so Chris and I can be this lazy!!

In the afternoon on Friday I went with Jack and Oma to Rod and Carol's dairy farm and to no ones surprise--Jack loved it. First we went to where all the baby calves were. There was one little calf that had been born 1 hour earlier and was getting it's first bottle and learning how to walk. Here is a picture of the other calves and boy where they interested in us. Oma let one of them suck on her finger and when we asked if Jack wanted to do the same he was not at all interested in that adventure.

After visiting the calves he wanted to go and see the donkey. In Rod and Carol's family there are 3 boys: Jon, Jeff and Mark. On the night Mark was getting back from his honeymoon at 2am, his brothers had parked Mark's truck at the entrance to his driveway so they could not get in. There was a note on the windshield telling him that the keys to the truck were on the donkey's neck and if he wanted to move the truck they would have to catch the donkey. I thought that was a pretty funny story!! Now the donkey lives at Rod and Carol's and Jack just had to meet that donkey.

After the donkey visit Jack had to go back and check on the calves, then he had to go and check on the donkey again and then one more trip back to the calves. He wanted to check in one more time to see if the new baby calf had learned to walk. He was pretty disappointed when we left but we told him we would come back to visit. (The donkey is the white one.)

Thursday

2008-09-22T11:21:00.003-05:00

For some reason a three hour time change and 12 hours of traveling does not affect a three year old. So Thursday, while Chris and I recovered from the travel and time change, Oma took Jack to the Library and the Park. I think he checked out every book in the library. Good thing Oma took her Costco shopping bag with her to carry all the books. He did discover "Where's Waldo?" and now that is the only book he wants to "read" before he goes to bed. Too bad it can take even the adults 15-20 min to find Waldo. He LOVED the park!! They just put this park in and it is great!! I think it took three phone calls to Chris, & Papa showing up, to finally convince Jack it was time to go. We have all these fun things planned and I think if we just took him to the park everyday he would be totally happy.

Jack also got to pick out new barn boots from Oma & Papa and here they are. He also loves throwing stones into the creek by the park so the boots came in very handy!

WA Trip Wednesday

2008-09-18T11:52:00.000-05:00

Our first day in WA was pretty uneventful seeing we were all pretty tired. We ran some errands in the morning and Jack got to pick out some new barn boots. I'll take a picture and put it on in the next couple days. They look like cowboys boots and he hasn't taken them off since he got them. We went into Bellingham and did some shopping and also got the boys holloween costumes. Wade did have an eventful day, his first taste of baby food!! It is also an eventful day for me, he is now not soley dependent on me for food!!! He tried sweet potates and did really well!!

Jack also tried something new for lunch, hotdogs!! Jack is a VERY picky eater and when he tries something new we all get very excited. My Mom made him Octupus hotdogs!! Anything to distract Jack from what he is actually eating. I think the funnest part for him was that he got to cut off each octupus leg and eat it!! Here are a few pictures.