Our first trip to the Ocean in August

Matthew and I went to the ocean with Papa and Nana on Saturday. It was 90 degrees outside, but it felt like 100. He enjoyed the sand and surf much more on this trip (he was not too fond of the sand last April.) We have now been here for 4-1/2 days. We sure do miss daddy and Sierra!! Here are some photos of our fun beach day!

Snuggly Sweetness

Family Camp

We are finally having a restful day at home after 3 trips up North over the past 10 days! We spent 4 days at Pine Ridge camp in the Grand Rapids area with about 12 other families. This is something our church does each year, and it was our 2nd year.

Matthew had a blast in the "Tot house" with 6 other little ones. He also had acres and acres of land to run around on. He NEVER gets tired!! He was playing with the bean bag and ball games here while mom and dad sat and caught our breath!!

Here is Matthew at the Petting Farm. He was so excited to see all the animals we have been reading about up close. He loved petting the bunny (that he still called a doggie.) . He likes to point at Bunny's eyes unfortunately for the bunny.

Matthew seemed to agree with mommy though that the pigs are way too stinky (see photo) They get to eat all the leftover camp food :-) It smells much better at mealtime. He also got to pet the horse, cow, sheep and billy goat.

Greg spent some quality time with Matthew in the lake. Matthew loves to swim and splash around in the water. It was nice having the shallow water extend way out!! The water was nice and warm too!!

I took Matthew out in the go-carts, which he seemed to LOVE once we removed the helmet that was WAY too big for his head...Don't worry, I was the only one on the track, and we went really slow!!

Family photo

Trip to the Zoo with Nana and Papa

We love you Matthew!!

Water Boy

A Fun Day With my Cousins

Wednesday was a busy day for us. We spent a fun afternoon with Emily and Madison at the sprinkler park, and the evening with our new baby cousin Jacob. Here are some pictures from our fun day!!

Looking back...

One year ago today...to now.

Jacob Israel is Here!!

My brother is a proud papa today!! Dena gave birth to baby Jacob at 3:17pm today. He is a perfect 8lb baby boy!! We were the first to see the little angel (well, except for Dena's mom, who toughed it out through the whole 16 hour labor process.) Both baby and mama are doing great!! Steve is such a happy daddy, and I am one happy auntie!! Greg had the honor of giving Jacob his very first professional photo sitting.

I Love My Daddy~~

Shelter from the sun.

Here is Matthew trying to block out the blinding sun in the car the other day.

Sprinkler Park Fun!!

Last week, Corina and I took Matthew to the sprinkler park. Here is Matthew and Corina playing patty-cake. He may not have the words yet to communicate what he wants, but that doesn't keep him from speaking his mind:-)
Matthew LOVES the water!! This place is heaven on earth for him. What a great way to sepnd a day! Thanks for coming along today Corina! We love you!

Where's Matthew?

Matthew has found a fun new way to play the game "peek-a-boo." This can go on for over 20 minutes in the car. I guess it's true that kids believe you can't see them, if they can't see you. Here is one of the cutest videos ever!!

Happy 19th Birthday Corina!! We love you!

The zoo days of summer...

On Thursday, Matthew and I went to the Detroit zoo with Charisse and Brooke. It was the perfect day for the zoo, since it was cloudy and not crowded!! Matthew and Brook really seemed to enjoy each others company!! Charisse and I have been friends now for about 10 years. It's been such a joy hanging out with our kids together!!




































Then...We spent Saturday at the Toledo Zoo with Karen and Jesse. We were really impressed with all the exhibits, especially at how well you could see the animals and how active they were. It's absolutely worth the drive!! We took mostly video that day, but managed a few photos too. Thanks Karen, Jessie and baby Benjamin :-) for spending a fun day at the zoo with us!! We love you guys...and can't wait to meet little Ben.