Cousins

Of course we couldn't go all the way to Lansing and not stop in to see my sister and Jared, plus all my nephews and new little niece. After the rally we went over to their house and stayed the night.

Our first attempt at a picture with all the cousins together. From left to right: Asher 7, James 2, George Titus 4, Jane 2 weeks, Olivia 4, Mia 14 months, and Jadon 9. What a good looking bunch!

Elizabeth took us the next day to an Ingham County Park, Hawk Island. What a beautiful and neat park to have right in Lansing. They have a lake, a large playground, gorgeous landscaping, pavillions, and the best part, the Splash Pad!

Jadon and Asher teaming up together to spray some kids. I love the expression of childhood joy on their faces.

Both my girls loved getting sprayed with the water. Most the time they were out running through the water at seperate times, so this is the only photo I got of them together.

It took us forever to get Titus to go out and play in the water, but he eventually joined in the fun.

We had a great time visiting with the Smith Family and hope we can see them all again soon.

Seriously...Enough is Enough!

On June 24th, I loaded the girls up and we headed to Lansing for their first experience with "Freedom of Assembly." The Michigan Education Association was holding a rally on the lawn of the Capitol Building. A large bus load of teachers and families, plus a few others who drove on their own, like I did with the girls, all headed to Lansing from Sturgis. We met thousands of others concerned with the states continuous cuts to funding education all there to support the cause. It was an eye opening experience for us all and a very peaceful movement to try and show our state government how we feel about their decisions. Most of the Sturgis crew were sporting t-shirts that said "Seriously..." on the front, with "Enough is Enough" on the back. Olivia loved chanting "Enough is Enough!" It was quite cute at the rally, but later that day it got a little old.

Pictured above Olivia and Mia, Callahan in the middle and from top down on the right Oliver, Hudson, and Beckett.

My kiddos were so excited that the entire Lamb Family was all there to cheer on the cause too. I give them credit. I don't know that I would brave the trip if I had 2 more babies Mia's age, but were' so glad they did!

A view as we were approaching the Capitol

My little scavengers raiding all the snacks the Lamb's brought.

Of course I couldn't stop so close to Great Lakes in Lansing and not stop in. Look who I saw working behind the counter. My little nephew Jadon is not so little anymore.

Biker Babe!

Olivia had decided it was time for her training wheels to come off. Monday Andy started out with her and she leaned her bike so much, she was constantly falling over or needing Andy to support her. I personally thought it was going to take forever for her to learn after Monday's attempt. Tuesday, she did amazingly better and could make it about 2 house lengths on her own, before the tree in our front yard would beckon her to it. For some reason she gravitated to that tree each time she'd ride by it. By Wednesday evening she truly seemed to get it down. She still wrecked now and then, but was getting good at going by herself and stopping on her own. She even started turning and all that jazz. I don't think she's ready for the Tour de France quite yet, but maybe by this weekend she will be!

All smiles even when she wrecks!

Her proud priceless pose.

Olivia and Andy returning after going around the entire block. I guess there was one minor wreck at one point, but she hopped right back on. Andy has been getting quite a workout through this whole experience!

Land Ho!

Well, we now officially own another 10 acres in Alpena. We went up this past weekend and closed on the 10 acres that shares a property line with our current 10 acres. I think we are happy with 20 acres and will call that good. It was a very quick trip up there, but we had fun none the less. Olivia tried her luck riding a two wheeler while up there. She did pretty well for her first time and is determined to keep trying. Andy is going to work with her this week on it some more. Mia continues to keep us on our toes. She is a super happy little one, but is not content just sitting still. She has to be on the move and usually climbing or opening things up. The quietness of her is what makes it difficult. You never know where she is or if she's into something. She's a sneaky one I tell you. When she does decide to make noise she is LOUD, especially when food is involved! Mia loves to eat, and if she spots someone eating and she doesn't have any food, cover your ears. I've included a few random photos in this entry from the last few months since I forgot to take my camera up north with me this past weekend.

Mia riding her birthday gift from her Godparents the Roehrigs.

Callahan and Olivia after our bikeride.

Olivia and her buddy Adam, who drives her around in his Mustang Convertible. We've got trouble on our hands with this girl in the future.

Olivia, Piper and Gavyn dressing up when some friends were over for dinner one evening. Sorry Aaron.

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

Olivia cannot take a photo without posing.

My two favorite girls sitting in my favorite flowers, tulips.

We set up a bed in our room a month or so ago for Olivia. It is now officially her room (and Mia's), and Andy and I have moved to the other room upstairs because he has almost finished all of our remodeling up there! We are all pleased as punch with our new rooms.

Olivia gracing us with one of her fashion shows.

Mosquitoe's Revenge

Our property also came with use of an association lot on the Thunder Bay River. It's a nice sandy beach with a picnic pavilion, swing set, boat launch, and dock. We took advantage of it on a gorgeous hot and sunny day.

Mia loved splashing around at the shore and feeling the sand and water at her piggies.

Olivia was our little "Miss Priss" about how the sand felt at her feet even with Crocs on in the water. She's always been a little indifferent towards sand on her feet.

Vada had the most fun of all! We learned how much she loves the water while we were up north.

The mosquitoes were in hot pursuit all of Memorial Day weekend. We did our best to ward them off, but the girls and I all came down with a few bites. Olivia's poor eye got it the worst. The morning we went to leave she woke up and could barely open her left eye because it was so swollen from numerous bites around it. This picture doesn't look quite as bad as it was, but it never seemed to bother her.

Shipwreck Museum

If ever in Alpena, I recommend you check out the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. It's an awesome interactive shipwreck museum with free addmission. That have a life size replica of a ship you can go on that's kind ot tipsy like it's being tossed in the waves. There are tunnels you can crawl through to simulate what you see scuba diving. Not to mention to abundance of historical information and salvaged artifacts from ships lost on the Great Lakes.

Olivia looking overboard

Daddy and Mia strolling through the lower deck of the ship

Olivia outside standing by a massive size anchor

A beautiful view of St. Bernards Church - This is the church my mother was raised in and my parents were married in. Out behind the museum they have a gorgeous walking/biking trail that crosses the river and has such scenic views. I can't wait to use it myself this summer.

The Alpena Pier

Here is the first of many entries of photos from the past couple of months. We went to Alpena and stayed at our property for Memorial Day weekend. We spent a day heading in to Alpena and walked the beautiful pier. We all enjoyed it thoroughly, even Vada.

Lounging by the waters of Lake Huron

Looking out

The whole family walking the pier

Later that day we headed to the Shiprwreck Museum. I thought this was so precious watching my three hold hands walking together. It was a wonderful weekend away. More photos to come.

Welcome Baby Jane!

I know it seems like an eternity has passed since my last entry, but it is well worth the wait. I am pleased to announce that I am now a proud aunt to Jane Smith, born on my dad's birthday, June 11th at 12:45 P.M. She weighed in at 9 pounds, 12 ounces, and is 22 1/2 inches long. Of course when I heard the news I was ecstatic and on my way to Lansing a couple of hours later. Olivia got to hold her before I did since I was busy chasing Mia all around. Both Jane and Elizabeth are doing well. Her brothers on the other hand, are a little disappointed in a sister, but I know they love her anyways. James is quite adorable kissing her.

Olivia holding her GIRL cousin, Jane

Jane sleeping on her proud daddy's chest

Congratulations to Elizabeth, Jared and all the boys on their perfect little Janie!

Many more entries to come of all that has been going on in our life the past couple of months, but Jane had to take precedence.