Back from Holland

Back from Holland, MI that is, not Holland the country:-) We had a fabulous family vacation this past week. Holland is a beautiful town and is very friendly towards younger families with paved bike trails and clean, beautiful beaches off of Lake Michigan. With temps in the low 80s we all enjoyed a break from the heat. Here's some of my favorite pics.Notice anything missing? Like people? We had this fabulous house in a subdivision that had bascially a mile of private beach. The busiest we ever saw the beach was with 10 other people - paradise!

Colin awake at the beach.
Colin passed out at the beach - precious:-)
We visited a Critter Farm that advertised helping with chores. They weren't kidding. We milked goats and fed the animals. The kids loved it!

Colin's expression, "You want me to do what with the bunny?"

More fun family picts from vacation:
My 58 year old Dad coming down a slide at the Crazy Bounce House. What grandparents will do for their grandkids;-)
Cousin Caroline on the beach. Due to distance we only get to see Caroline a few times a year so it was some great bonding time for the cousins.
One last family shot to remember a great time together. Ready to do it again next year!

Beware: Gators are among us

Just because a Mommy can and I don't want to be accused of focusing too heavily on my older child I thought I would post about little man, Colin. Colin how is it that you are already 8 months old? It feels like we just got you home from the hospital and I was lugging you around with a cast on my arm (good times:-) What to report. Hmm, none of the flashy stuff. 0 teeth, not truly crawling (unless backwards counts), no clear Da Das or Ma Mas. BUT, I can say what a joy and gift it has been to be your mother. Colin you have a laid back personality and go with the flow. You have brought such a breath of fresh air into this house and any hard day has been brightened by your contagious, loving smile and infectious laugh. I thank God that he choose me to be your Mommy. Thank you for loving me so unconditionally. It is a good example for me to remember as well. I love you, my precious son.

Good ol' summertime fun

Friday was a really good day. It was also one of those experiences at the end of the day I can honestly say it will be awhile before we do it again!

Grant and I headed to Kings Island with some friends. A good friend graciously watched Colin for us so he didn't have to endure the heat, another friend got a great deal on ticket prices to get us in the door, and we carpooled to make it a very fun, affordable day. Thank you God for all the blessings that allowed it to occur!

Here are some of my favorite photos from our low 90s day...

Yes, any good day for us has to involve a train of some type;-) Grant was excited to get to meet a real conductor of a train though!
The last ride of the day and you can tell we were pretty whooped by this point.

Its funny to think of how a visit to KI has changed since prekid time. Kurt and I once rode 7 rollercoasters in one day. Yesterday we hung out in Nickelodeon village the whole time. Honestly, there wasn't any other place I wanted to be than watching my wide eyed little boy taking it all in. Sometimes getting older isn't all that bad.
After a steamy day at the park, Daddy helped Grant cool off in the evening while Mommy rested from having a MAJOR sun headache.

Mr. Kona Ice, you are not so nice...

Remember how I posted that I love living in a cul de sac with multitudes of neighborhood kids for my kids to play with, and yada, yada, yada?... Well, I retract it all! Ha, not quite but there is one thing that is turning into quite a predicament at our house. The Kona Ice truck likes to come and park in our cul de sac almost every evening loudly playing "Don't Worry, Be Happy Now". Today was the best, since he pulled around at 5 pm, when everyone is their hungriest. I caved and let Grant get a snow cone. I don't mind letting him have a treat now and then, but its hard to tell your child no you can't have one when a cluster of kids surround the truck everyday happily enjoying their ice treat. Of all life's predicaments, I realize this is small but annoying anyway. Someone once told me to teach my kids that when the ice cream truck plays music its a sign they are out of ice cream. At the time I thought that was funny, but now I am thinking more like genious!:-)

Brain freeze!

Enjoying the wild... Cincinnati style

My in-laws gave us an excellent family gift this year for Christmas - a gold member family zoo pass. It entitles us to free admission and parking, to bring guests, and my favorite part are the train rides and the carousel. We went yesterday with some friends. Kurt worked from home yesterday so he kept the baby while Grant and I got some great one on one time. It was a beautiful day to be there if not a little wet, but that helped to keep the crowds down. What is it about the zoo that puts EVERYONE in a good mood?

The goats were extra friendly and tried to munch on our outfits as well.

FINALLY! I have wanted this pic all season but the rhino has always been too hot. Thanks to the beautiful weather, Grant and Josh enjoyed riding the beast:=) Where to next? Anyone, anyone?

Home, Sweet Home

Grant wanted to make sure Daddy knew he was happy he was home so we made a little sign to welcome him. Daddy loved it!! Other than Kurt being tired, we are so happy to all be on one continent!