Wednesday, March 17, 2010

GAME TIME!

Let's play a game. Can you guess the topic of Evelyn's dinner conversation with Monkey before Mommy and Daddy can figure it out?

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Winter fun

Monkey hat? Check.
Mardi Gras beads? Double check.
Now a quick change of shoes and we can hit the town!

What is that little girl doing swimming in that puddle?
C'mon Mommy!
Demonstrating how the raindrops fall off of neighbor Dave's garage.
Splish-splash!
Splash-splish!
Lara & Evelyn made this snowman. The next day, while she was eating her lunch, Evelyn kept pointing out the window and saying, "Snowman!" We thought she was saying, "Sammy!" as this is where Sammy plays outside. Thankfully, Lara pulled out her copy of the English to Toddler Dictionary and was able to translate the phrase correctly. I know I am biased, but my girl is smart!

Friday, March 5, 2010

The Michigan Circle Tour

It's amazing how far you can drive and still be in Michigan! We were brave and took a 3 day weekend to drive downstate to visit friends and family. We drove 1,060 miles! Gwinn to Ionia, Ionia to Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids to Royal Oak, and Royal Oak to Gwinn! Whew! Makes me exhausted all over again just thinking about it. But I wouldn't have missed it for the world! So wonderful to spend time (as short as it was) with friends and family.

Evelyn fit right in with John and James. They had a great time playing together and hanging out with a babysitter Friday night while we adults went out to dinner. Had a great meal at Duke's Cajun Cuisine in Portland. Laughed so hard we cried! We had a delicious breakfast the next morning and visited a bit more before heading out to Grand Rapids to visit Lara's dad at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

We met up with Ann and David and took Dad to lunch at Hopcat's in downtown Grand Rapids. Then it was off to Costco (had to get our fix) for a quick shopping trip and then back to GRHV to see Dad's new room. He was recently moved to a different floor and has a new roommate.

Afterwards, we headed to Royal Oak to David and Becka's house. Becka cooked us a wonderful mexican dinner (including homemade guacamole-yum!) Before long, we were all headed to bed. We got up the next morning and enjoyed delicious French Toast, strawberries and sausage lovingly prepared by Aunt Becka. Auntie Ann came over just a bit before we had to hit the road again.

We didn't get to visit nearly long enough, but it sure felt good to be with everyone.
James coaxing Evelyn to join him for a climb up the stairs. Or is it peer pressure?
Come on, you know you want to climb the stairs with me!
Of course, Evelyn caved right it!
Besides, there was a train track up stairs to play with!
John-John enjoying his fresh fruit.
Oooo, Thomas the Train shaving set!
Hot Wheels!
James giving Monkey a snuggle!
John-John, James & Evelyn hanging out in the big brown chair.
Not so sure about Grandpa Clifton! (I think his wheelchair was a little intimidating.)
Having fun with Auntie Ann.
Happy girl!
Me, Evelyn, Brian & Dad
Me, Brian, Evelyn, Ann & David with Dad
Uncle David, Aunt Becka, Evelyn, Murphy & Auntie Ann