Rained Out

We had plans for another trip to St. Joseph, MI with our friends, but were rained out.  We had one of those wonderful, unexpected free days so we painted, made granola bars, had "coffee" and all four of us napped together in my bed!  It was the best - and quite an anamoly!

Here are my artists at work, while Gia napped.

 [July 1, 2011]

Mommy and Caden at the Zoo

While Lily was at farm camp, Caden and I decided to take an adventure after swim.  We had a blast at the zoo checking out all of the animals, riding the train, and visiting the butterflies.  One of my highlights was Caden running up to the tiger enclosure and telling me that the tiger was sad because he didn't have anyone to marry. : )

Here is Caden petting the goats.  He was calling the white one his "little lamb".

 It's tough work, but somebody has to do it!

[June 28, 2011]

Farm Camp

Lily, Elliott and Liam spent a week down on the farm.  It was really sweet.  They picked fresh berries and made muffins, made butter, went on tractor rides and played with the animals.  Definitely an annual!

 [June 27 - 30, 2011]

Day at the Lake

We spent the day at Troy and Mary's enjoying the lake.  Unfortunately Lily was not feeling too well, nor was I for that matter - which was diagnosed the next day as strep '_'

[July 26, 2011]

Grandma Great

We made a trip to Chesaning to visit family and spend some time with Grandma Great.  At 94 she is a true inspiration!

Norm and Caden playing hide and seek : )

[August 24, 2011]

Silver Beach

"Artistic Renderings" of some adorable kids at Silver Beach.

 Lily and Elliott at the top of the stairs in the Discovery Zone.

Gia's very first carousel ride!

 Ms. Stacey and adorable Lyle enjoying their umpteenth carousel ride with the crew : )

 The series of shots that are too cute!  Taken at the bench outside of the Silver Beach pizza place.

[June 24, 2011]

Beautiful Gianna Lucille

[June 20, 2011]

Chicago Trip

We set off for a weekend in Chicago with Uncle Tom, Aunt Missy, Blake and Marlee. We had a big agenda to visit museums, Lego Land, American Girl Place, shopping, and to see the Peter Pan production at the 360-degree theater.  Believe it or not, we did it all.

 When we just arrived - Lily, Caden and Gia ready to tackle the windy city...almost '_'

Someone thought it was a good idea for our big party of 9 to take the bus to the museums (namely me per the REPEATED and VERIFIED recommendations of the concierge).  Let's just say we had 2 long bus rides, and never made it to our targeted destination.  We did end up some other great places though!  Like the Museum of Science and Industry and Millenium Park.  Below Lily and Marlee "dozing" off on the long ride.

 Gia decided she did not want to dip into her bank account to pay for a seat to see Peter Pan when she couldn't actually sit in it!  So instead she took me to Intelligentsia and Nordstrom Rack : )

 Lily LOVES sleeping in hotels!

Gia on Fathers Day.  This is the photo she sent to her Godfather Greg since the outfit is one his little girls used to wear : )

 Shedd Aquarium - Caden was SOOOOO excited.  He sprinted for the big aquarium and kept saying, "Wow - it's so bootiful" : )  They also had a special jelly fish exhibit which all of the kids loved!

 Uncle Tom getting ready to feed Caden to, er' I mean show, Caden the sharks.

 Watching the thrilling Baluga whale show. 

 Gia even enjoyed it...

Daddy and Caden being goof balls.

 And the girls.

 Lily and Marlee showing off their great periodontal health.

 The whales from the water view.

[June 17 - 19, 2011]