Grand Time in Grand Rapids

Andy had to spend the weekend in Grand Rapids for a swim meet last weekend, so the girls and I tagged along. While he was at the meet, we met up with our old neighbors, Csaba, Kristian, and Zsolt, and went to the museum. They also brought their friend Rebekah and her daughter Emily. Kristian's sister Rachel, her husband Matt and their son Matthew met us there as well. The museum is hosting a special "Bug Exhibit" for kids. We had a smashing good time and it was great to run into old friends.

Isn't this precious? Olivia, Zsolt, and Matthew

Emily, Rebekah, and Olivia

I thought this looked like the steps on Sesame Street

Spider Woman

Mia chewing on Kristian's purse

Snow Fun Without Daddy

On Valentine's Day I was feeling a bit under the weather, so Andy took Olivia down to Robert's farm sledding, while I stayed home with Mia. I told him before he left to make sure nothing happened to my little Olivia. I didn't think I needed to say the same for him. Andy's sister, Jennifer and Robert joined them and they had fun playing on snowmobiles, the Mule, and being pulled on a sled behind both. Andy called me on his way home and was complaining of hurting his back when he hit a bump and went air born, while being pulled on the sled. I went to meet him at my dad's so he could use their hot tub. He could barely get out of his truck and my dad and Patty immediately sent us to the E.R. We spent a romantic 2 1/2 hours in the E.R. to be told that Andy compressed his L1 and L2 vertebrae in his back and would need time to heal. Andy went to his Doctor a few days later to be informed that he had actually fractured them. He's slowly been recuperating, but all our projects in our house are now on a stand still. He did go back to work this last Wednesday, but is doing minimal work, since he still can't bend over. We're just thankful his injuries weren't worse.

Last Monday was a snow day, so that meant a day home with my girls. We bundled up to head out and play in the snow. It was such a warm and beautiful day, we couldn't waste it. Andy however, stayed inside. I think he's done with playing in the snow for this season.

Even Mia had fun crawling around in all the white fluffy softness!

Olivia's and my snowman. Look closely, he has buckeyes for his eyes!

Olivia also enjoyed numerous jumps off the deck into the snow.

Remembering Mom

Sunday, February 21, 2010 marked the 15th year anniversary of my mother's passing. Every year on this date my father, sister, and I get together for lunch to reminisce about what a wonderful mother she was. If my sister or I happen to have a babe in arms, then of course they come along, otherwise it's just the three of us. Mia of course came, and we went with my dad to church first. Then we headed to Battle Creek to Clara's on the River to meet Elizabeth for lunch. It's hard to believe it's been 15 years already. I have never gotten over her death, nor do I think I ever will, but I have learned to go on and find joy in my life. A hard realization came upon me when I became aware that I have lived more of my life without a mother than with. No child should ever have to go through that. It's funny how age and motherhood changes one's perspective on life. My biggest fears in life used to be sharks, sharp objects, or financial issues. Now it's leaving my children without a mother. At least I always know my mother is in my heart and looking down after me. It's also nice to see flashes of her in my beautiful girls.

Mia, Dad, and I at the church altar with 15 roses to represent the 15 years we've spent without her.

I just loved Mia in this adorable dress.

Olivia was a little bummed she couldn't go with us, but daddy and her had a fun day together renting movies and playing games.

A Bridal Shower for My Oldest Friend

Sarah Ringenberg, my dear friend from when we were both still in the womb, has found her perfect man and is getting married. I am so ecstatic for her. Rarely do I get to see Sarah these days, but she's one of those loyal friends that you can always rely on. Even if we don't see each other for a long time, we can pick right up where we left off. Our mothers spent so much time together that we grew up together. Saturday, February 20th the girls and I headed to a bridal shower in her honor.

Me and Sarah

Mia hanging out with Karen (Sarah's mom)

Olivia and Micah, (Sarah's niece) became the best of buds. Can you believe they're only a year apart?

I also got to catch up with Jason, Sarah's older brother who lives in Tennessee now. This is a cute picture of him with his youngest daughter McClaine. She was so darn cute.

February Festivities

February has flown by so quickly. Mia continues to walk all over the place. I've decided she's part Houdini and Speedy Gonzalez. I have a hard time corralling her for any period of time.

We went towards the beginning of the month to watch the high school musical of Beauty and the Beast. The students did an amazing job and Olivia thoroughly enjoyed it.

We also were blessed with a gift from our wonderful neighbor Lauren. She had us over for a fun photo shoot day. She got some amazing pictures of the girls. You can check them out by visiting her website www.limelightcaptured.com and clicking on the galleries tab and then "Featured session."

Mia was sick for a few days towards the middle of the month, fever and vomiting, followed by lots of congestion. She became quite the snuggle bug during that time period, but I didn't mind that one bit. She's now back to her non stop moving self. Olivia has been enjoying beating me at "Go Fish" these days. I don't even let her win, but she still usually does. Andy's been busy with swim meets, but only one more month and he'll be done. He's also been busy finishing our upstairs. I can't wait until it's all done. I'll be sure to post pictures of the finished product.

Thursday, the girls had a Valentine's party at Jackie's. Olivia came home with her face all painted up. You can see her in the photo below posing as she sits in our new green chair.

Today we played out in the snow for a short bit. I do believe it was Mia's first time.

Fun with Friends

Last Sunday, Andy's swim team had a meet in Adrian, MI. The girls and I tagged along for the drive, because our good friends the Roehrig's live in the same town. We hung out with them at their house while Andy went off to coach. Natalie cooked a delicious dinner for us to enjoy as well. Olivia and Noelle are close in age and Mia and Violette are only 2 weeks apart. They also have an adorable energetic little boy Max, who wasn't around much when the camera was out. Sorry Max, no pictures of you this time. The girls got along swimmingly, as usual. Too bad they don't live closer. All of us truly get along so well together.

Mia and Violette had fun climbing around in a tent they set up in their newly finished basement. It looks so good, I'm jealous. Some day our's will be done too.

Sisterly love

Mia and Violette....ready for their close ups. Aren't they both soooo cute?

The big girls being silly and saying their good byes.

Our Pal Cal!

One of Olivia's dearest friends, Callahan Lamb, turned 4 just over one week ago. Our entire family went to his birthday party at the Creative Gymnastics Center. A great time was had by all. We even got to see his triplet brothers there, although between chasing kids, and different adults holding all the boys, I was unable to snap any pictures of all of them. Happy birthday Callahan, and thanks for a day of fun!

This was the perfect contraption to corral Mia in and still allow her to have fun.

Olivia practicing her balancing act.

I would guess the favorite piece of equipment there for all the kids would be the Tumble Track. It's a long strip on trampoline material that the kids run down and jump off of into the foam pit. Even though this photo isn't straight on of Olivia, you can still see the enjoyment plastered all over her face.