Saturday in GR

Some of my favorite days are days that just naturally fall together. This morning we headed downtown GR to the farmer's market and then wandered around, happening upon a bike race. The girls would have sat forever, enthralled with the racers and cheering as the group passed.

We moved a few streets down to the "La Granda Vitesse" sculpture in Calder plaza

Which also houses some beautiful flowers, perfect for a quick photo op.

Sometimes the girls sit nicely for the camera.

Sometimes they strangle their sisters when I say "hug"

So we headed to the di Suvero tire swing, aka the giant "tiger" swing. :)

We visited this about a year ago and the girls have asked to return many times.

Babies sure do grow up a lot over a year.

It is obviously a blast! woo!

We made our own slide...

Played in the trees.

and posed for a few more pictures before heading home.

West Michigan is a fantastic place to live, you can find an adventure just about anywhere.

Best Friends

There are times when I get a little wrapped up in things that need to get done and it's hard to crawl away form those things and see the joy all around me.

Last weekend was a lot of cooking, baking, shopping and preparing as we celebrated 2 birthdays as well as Father's day. Your typical pleas for attention do little in situations like that. BUT... bringing this into my kitchen works pretty well:

Mommy, he's my best friend and I love him.

Ooooooook well time for him to go find a nice spot to live outside.

Noooooo! I love him and he sleeps in my bed.

Um. Yikes. Actually he misses his mommy and she lives out there sooo bye Mr. Beetle.

I actually had this conversation without saying the word gross or disgusting to. Mainly because, if harmless bugs are her thing then well.. "you go girl." That said, I hope this beetle is actually harmless because they love our backyard and well he was dead so I'm assuming he won't hurt anyone.

 I am trying to NOT teach my daughters useless fears... even if I have them. It's ok to like creepy crawly things, it will be fun to scare your friends with that skill later in life. Just never bring a spider to mommy.

Happy Birthday Little Ladies!

So it is that time of year again. Happy Birthday Madelyn & Georgia! The time leading up to this day is always big for me. A lot of thinking and celebrating and a feeling filled with utter gratefulness. Gratefulness for where we are and where we have been. I can't help but feel a little sappy. Sorry.

In my mind, this year was a big one. We have watched their personalities blossom as they grow even more into their own people. This home is filled with so much joy and love because of my girls and I can't imagine this world without them. Thank you for all of the things you teach me everyday. I learn as much from you as I can ever teach you. As I looked through photos to include in this post I couldn't help but miss my babies, but in the same breath I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for us.

Happy birthday to two of my favorite people!

Happy Father's Day Craig!

Happy Father's Day to one of my favorite people. 

Thank you for working hard for your family.

Thank you for always putting our needs above your own.

Thank you for loving all of us in this estrogen filled home you live in.

Thank you for showing your girls how they deserve to be treated and loved.

Thank you for helping me bring three of the most amazing people into this world, there is no one I would rather do this parenting thing with.

I decided to do a little interview with each of  girls about their Daddy... Maddy went first.

How old is Daddy...... 6

What color is his hair.... black

What color are his eyes...... brown

What kind of clothes does Daddy like to wear..... shirts and shorts

What is Daddy's favorite food...... spaghetti

What makes Daddy so smart...... Georgia (haha)

Where does Daddy work...... at his work (duh mom)

What does Daddy always say to you..... "goodnight"

What do you say to Daddy all the time...... "thank you"

What makes Daddy happy...... Sofia (ha)

If you could take Daddy anywhere where would you go...... the mall for a pretzel

What present would you get for Daddy...... poppers (the little fireworks you throw on the ground that go pop)

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy...... play with baby dolls

I sent Maddy back outside and called Georgia in for her turn.

How old is Daddy...... 3

What color is his hair.... brown

What color are his eyes...... brown

What kind of clothes does Daddy like to wear..... red, yellow and orange underwear and shirts 

What is Daddy's favorite food...... cereal

What makes Daddy so smart...... me (at least they agree!)

Where does Daddy work...... downtown (true)

What does Daddy always say to you..... "woo!"

What do you say to Daddy all the time...... "you want to kiss me"

What makes Daddy happy...... me!

If you could take Daddy anywhere where would you go...... the pool store

What present would you get for Daddy......toy animals

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy...... play with baby dolls

Sofia wasn't really in the mood to answer questions but she did tell me "Daddy, Daddy, Dada, Dad"

Detroit Zoo

Last weekend we headed to the east side of the state for Craig's 10 yr HS reunion. Now, I didn't get any photos of that event BUT the next day we headed out with Grandpa Brian & Grandma Leslie for a spur of the moment trip to the Detroit Zoo. 

I love watching the girls become completely engrossed in watching and studying the things around them. This happens a lot at places like the zoo.

We had a few "birdy get you" moments with these little guys and some mighty noisy peacocks.

Sofia needed a brief snoozer about halfway through...

I think the favorite animal of the day was the polar bear aka the "poley" bear.

 The exhibit was fantastic with an indoor area where we could watch him swim over our heads.

 These faces say it all...

I think this is also a good time to introduce you all to Sofia's belly button. She's a little obsessed with this particular body part. It's her go to spot in times of stress, sleepiness or excitement.

Out of all the amazing animals we saw that day. This was Sofia's shining moment...

 Sometimes the best plans are spontaneous. We had a fantastic day at the zoo!