Rainy Day

This picture of Blake just cracks me up. He decided to be Mr. Cool!

We were not going to let the wet, dark day keep us in. We were off to the Nature Center for a barn activity this morning. They do a different activity every Wednesday morning. This week it was "The chicken and the egg". The kids got to touch a chicken, do activities, hear a story and play a game. We managed to stay dry.

It was also a perfect day for mandatory rest time. All three children had to play quietly in their own rooms for 45 minutes. I took a nap on the couch!!!! It was a special treat.

Next was the basement. It was in desperate need of a cleaning and re-organizing. The kids helped a little and are still playing down there because I found a few toys that they hadn't played with in a while and rearranged some things. The joys of the little things in life.

Binder Park Zoo

Grooming and feeding the goats is hilarious. Of course the kids think that it would be great to have one of these as a pet. I think that we have enough for now!!!

A trip to the zoo would never be complete without a ride on the carousel and of course a trip to the gift shop :)

Blake feeding the giraffe. Caitlin would squeal when they licked her hand. Madison was a little disgusted with all the slobber.

We went to Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek for the first time this season. Wild Africa is just amazing. It is definitely worth the trip. The kids love feeding the goats and giraffes. Caitlin just runs the whole way to keep up with the kids.

I have poison ivy on my arm for the third time this summer. I have been working really hard in our back yard. I knew that I was taking a risk because it was there, but I just wanted to plant these flowers there also. Next spring it will be just amazing. I hope that you can all see it...

Crazy Days

Well, is it summer? This weather is horrible. It is definitely putting a damper on our FUN in the SUN days. Blake and Madison had their gymnastic recitals last night. They are both so cute. Blake was being silly and Madison so serious. She is getting to be quite the little gymnast. She is going to do a pre-team program this summer with a special group of girls. Of course I try to help her with skills everyday.

I have hit the road hard with running this week. That half marathon is coming soon - October acually. The bad part is that my running partner works so we have to head out at 5:30 or 6 in the morning depending on the day to run long distance together. I got a little spoiled since I haven't worked in a while. I almost needed a tutorial on the alarm clock. It has been fun all except the rain this morning. YUCK!!!!

I have also had camera problems. I lost my charger for my nice Canon and then dropped our video camera after Caitlin's gymnastic show. So, Brett is excited to buy my a new video camera. Sorry about the lack of pictures. This is so NOT like me to not be taking pictures EVERYDAY.

I also had a great afternoon with just Madison. Those who know us well know that she gives us a run for our money. I am trying my hardest to make special time for her and hopefully this will pay off with better behavior on her end!!!!! She was so sweet and only needed a few reminders of attitude. She even said several times about how much she loves me - that made it all worth it.

The picture is one of my favorites of Madison from school. This is her homemade guitar. I was going through all her pictures of school from the year and made her a photo book and came across this one.

Caitlin the little gymnast

Caitlin has been taking a parent participation gymnastic class this whole school year. Of course I think that she is talented!!!!! Today she did her little routine all by herself and received a medal. She is so cute with her stuck landing. She waved and danced when they marched in. I of course have her signed up already for the FALL in a class by herself. She took the class with 3 of her friends. What could be cuter????

First SUMMER weekend!

Summer is off to a great start. I still can't believe that the school year is over. Blake will be a second grader, Madison in Kindergarten and Cailtin to preschool twice a week.

We had a great end of the year pool party Friday. The only bad part was having to be the first to leave in order to get up to the Detroit area. Brett had a Guys night and I a Girls Night scheduled. Thanks Grandma for watching the kids! It is always great to catch up with such great friends and have adult conversations uninterrupted.

Saturday we watched my niece play soccer - Grace is awesome! All three of my kids want to play now. We also celebrated Caitlin's 3rd birthday. Oma made an amazing doll cake. Of course I forgot my camera and didn't get one picture. SORRY!!!!

We woke up this morning to the most horrific accident. Madison fell and split her nose open while playing in the basement. By the way, I am not calm with blood. As I am screaming for the kids to get Brett up, I carried Madison up to the kitchen. It looked like a crime scene :( Poor Madison was a trooper even with a few adults and 6 other kids looking on in horror as Brett was trying to get the blood to stop. She is ok and we even got it all cleaned up. Poor Madison. She often finds herself in the worst situations.

It was a great weekend and the RED WINGS rock!!!!! Blake is staying with Grandma for a few days for his "Special Time".

Caitlin turns 3

We still can't believe that our little ANGEL is 3 already. She was so excited about her birthday this year. She loved the decorations that Brett and I put up the night before. Blake and Madison woke her up in order to give her presents before they were off to school. When Madison got home from school, we were off to Target to spend her birthday money. She of course picked out Barbies!!!!! We met Brett at Red Robin for her birthday dinner. She stood up when they came to sing at the table, but quickly sat down and started eating her ice cream before they were finished. She said the sweetest little, "Thankyou" to all the singers. Here are a few pictures of her big day and one of her at one week old - it seems like just yesterday!!!! DO you remember how tiny she was? She was 5lb 11oz when we brought her home.

Life's Hard Lessons

One of Madison's sweet guinea pigs (MAYA) died very unexpectedly yesterday. It is a very long, sad story - she brought me Maya saying that something was wrong with her. She very carefully laid her down and she was dead. It has been a very hard thing for all of us. I can't believe that I have been crying about such a little thing. Madison is doing a little better. I had to bribe her to go to school this morning. I am taking ice cream for her class at lunchtime. We are making a memorial stone to place over her grave this afternoon and then burrying her this evening. Please keep Madison in your thoughts and prayers. Here is a picture of Madison with both of the guinea pigs on the day of their arrival.