the party

We had a Thomas the Tank Engine party for Jonah on Sunday (or "Nomas Party" if you ask him). Yes, it's a couple weeks early, but we've got a busy month--you know with a new baby and stuff like that. Plus, both "gandpa and gandma"s were in town...what more could you ask for when celebrating year 2?! (and you would think I could have gotten some pictures of J with the people at his party. But I didn't...so...sorry 'bout that).

Though he's been blowing out everyone else's birthday candles for the past 6 months. He wasn't going to blow out his...no idea why. However, he has been talking about the cake, candles, and how he wouldn't blow out the candle for the past couple days...??? Kids...

New bike = proud toddler.

And our ever expressive present opener...who, among many other wonderful things, received a "JOHN DEERNNNNN!!!"

Try two on the candle thing. Yup. Not happening you crazies....

sneak peak: 2yr

We took J out to get some two year pictures of him (can you believe he's going to be two?!). Anyhoo...as I should have expected, it was a big old pregnant lady chasing a two year old trying to get him to stand still, smile, and look at the camera. Did I think that was going to work well?

Regardless, with a little help from his dad, I think we got some good pictures (and a lot of action shots). Here's a little preview...more coming...eventually.

snippets from our days

J: "Mom?!"

Me: "Yes, Jonah?"

J: "Jesus loves you."

(by all means, if your feet are cold, wear any socks you can find...even mom's!)

J, while pushing buttons feverishly on his play cell phone: "I texting."

(first horse ride. very exciting)

Ben on phone: "...so we'll just have to catch-up soon!..."

J in the other room: "mmmmmm....yummm...mmmmm"

Me: "what's yummy?"

J: "ketchup."

(not sure who was more proud about this...)

Recently we purchased what is affectionately known as 'the tent' for Jonah's bed. It keeps him in, and safe, and has provided us some much needed sleep that was lacking for a couple weeks. It's totally humane (don't judge me). Anyway, at first let's just say, it wasn't really Jonah's favorite thing. But we all got used to it and "no cry in tent" (complete with finger shake and raised eyebrows) anymore. Actually, when I went to get him out after his nap today he wouldn't get out and passionately yelled "NO! Play in tent." Paradigm shift?

(Jordans. a couple sizes too big still, but someone found them and won't take them off.)

Yes. You are funny, little man...

rite of passage

I mean, who hasn't taken a tumble down the stairs?

Really, it was inevitable--and we're mostly thankful that he escaped with just a goose egg (of which this picture really doesn't do justice) and it didn't send me into early labor (can we say adrenaline rush?). Actually, he thought an ice pack, McDonald's (I'm a softy), and a trip to see dad may have even made the unfortunate expririence--worth it?

still, no ice cream.

This one? Well, unfortunately, he's still allergic to eggs, nuts, and dairy. We spent our morning at the allergist, and after having the prick test on his back (think lots of little needles) he reacted to everything (think back full of hives). Thankfully, he's a total trooper and with some crayons, Thomas the Tank Engine pictures, and the promise of donuts--we survived the appointment tearless. Here's hoping he eventually outgrows these, but we are certainly thankful for a very happy and healthy (almost) 2 year old--despite the slight inconvenience.

what have we been up to?

Well, we've been busy. You know, lots of time outside stepping on bugs, playing with friends, reading books ("read books rock chair"), coloring--lots of coloring, wearing other peoples' shoes around the house, etc...And grandpa and grandma came to visit (on their way home from dropping off their youngest son at college) but I didn't get any pictures (sorry...they were here less than 24 hours...).

But here's what I got:

up north

Last week our family of 3 (.5) headed up to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City, Michigan for a little 3 day get-a-way. It was my first time up north (gasp! remember I've only lived in this great state for 2 years, total.) and Ben wasn't going to let another second go by without me seeing one of his favorite areas in the mitten. We hiked, climbed the dunes, ate, relaxed, read brochures (ben), toured, lived 3 days with no tv or internet, pointed out all the snowmobile trails, played at the beach, and had a fabulous time. Looks like the rest of America (so says Good Morning America) agrees with us.

lounging on the drive

the view from our abode. not. too. shabby.

this pictures just cracks me up. mini me?

Jonah desperately wanted his dad to sit by him on every chair/bench he could find.

see?

Glen Lake. beautiful.

Old Mission