Trucks galore!

Went went to this place today where you could be up close and personal with all sorts of trucks, cars, and construction equipment.  When we pulled up the boys were soooo excited.  We saw the fire truck first.  Jack went right up to the trucks but Adam was a little more cautious.  It was really noisy since the kids were able to honk the horns on all of the trucks.  Adam was really bothered by the noise.  We had fun until Jack got closed in a school bus.  Since I had Maya I was only able to let the boys peek in the bus.  Adam was afraid, but Jack stepped in.  All the sudden a little boy pushed a button and the door closed.  No one knew how to open it.  Jack was screaming and banging on the door.  I was so scared and felt helpless because I couldn't get him out.  Finally we went to the back of the bus and the kids were getting out from the emergency exit.  I think Adam is was more traumatize than Jack.  Overall, the kids did have fun.

One week

One week from today my baby will be one!  I can't believe how fast Maya has grown.  She is the best little baby.  She's so happy and funny!  I always catch her laughing at herself.  She tries to be one of the boys and it's hilarious to watch her play with them.  I'm so in love with her!

Ahoy Matey!

Evolution of the "bikes"

Check out our rides!

Chad and I are trying to get the boys excited about their new bikes.  Adam is pretty good on it, but Jack doesn't really care too much for it.  They both prefer to ride their hot wheels, which they don't even use the petals.  They zoom around Fred Flintstone style.

Maya loves her new ride.  Papa John bought her a new push car.  She loves it and it's easy for me to push her while pulling the boys in the wagon.  The only problem is that the boys try to get on it while Maya is strapped in.  Good things she's good at screaming and letting them know she doesn't like that!

And, I have been taking Lola for "walks" while riding my bike.  Poor Lola is so out of shape that a couple times around the block and she is pooped!  When she's tired, she stops and lays down.  She usually won't go any further unless it's toward our house.  She does love not being on her leash and running wild.  Of course, with her running wild, she scared the crap out of our poor old neighbor.  

Photo bloopers!

Papa John's visit

We had a great visit with Papa John.  Now that my dad is retired, we are lucky to see him more often.  And since Chad had to be in NYC for a week, my dad was able to come and help with the kiddos.  We went to the park, had a pool party, ran errands, and went to the YMCA pool.  Dad and I were also able to go to dinner one night (thanks Ali for babysitting!).  Papa John was busy wrestling and playing with the kids and also doing some lawn work (thanks dad!)  

I love the pictures below!  You can tell the kids have no personal space and that Papa John was their own toy to jump on! 

I have boobies!

Adam announced to our neighbor's, Bill and Marilyn, I have boobies and he has nipples.  Then he proceeded to see if Marilyn had boobies.  It was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time.  I love their innocents at this age.

Movie time!

Chad and I took the boys to their first movie the other day.  We saw Ice Age.  They had a great time.  About an hour or so after the movie started the boys were getting antsy.  Since there was only one other family in the theater, I wasn't worried about them talking and getting up.  The 3D glasses might have been a little too complicated for them, but they kept them on most of the time and really enjoyed the movie.  Adam of course loved his popcorn and Jack had a bag of M&M's.  (thanks Courtney for baby-sitting Maya!)

South Haven (picture overload!)

We took a family trip to South Haven on Lake Michigan.  Since I grew up about an hour from South Haven and knew the area, we felt like this would be a great first family vacation.  My mom and her husband live only 30 minutes from the lake, so it was great to have them on vacation with us.  

Maya and I exploring the area.  She loved riding on my back.  I loved it too, having my hands free to help with the boys.  (I didn't like her pulling my hair though!)

Maya LOVED the sand and didn't even mind it in her mouth.

I tried to keep Maya on the blanket, but it was pointless.  She wanted to play and get dirty!

Adam, my little builder.  He loved to play and build in the sand.    

Jack LOVED the water.  He is fearless!  Thank goodness Grandpa Scott was there to watch him in the water.  The bigger the waves, the more fun Jack had.

The lake and the beach put our sandbox and kiddie pool to shame! 

The boys had a great time with Grandma Jenny.  I can't tell if she's dancing with them or trying to rally them up?!  Either way, the boys were having fun!

My first attempt of keeping Maya on a blanket.  Ha!  I should have known she had other plans!

Family photo!

 

Me reading to the boys on the front porch.  I loved having my first cup of coffee for the day and loved ending my day reading to the boys on the front porch.

Beautiful sunsets!

We loved walking on the pier and watching the boats come and go from the marina.

We did celebrate the boys' birthday again with cupcakes Grandma Jenny brought.  It was also Grandpa Scott's birthday, so we had lots of yummy treats!

Chad grilling!  I loved that the house we rented had a grill.  An oldschool grill, too!

Me and Maya relaxing!  Ahhh, that was the life!

Grandma Jenny and three of her biggest fans!  Mornings on the porch are priceless!

This was our walk to the beach.  We were 3 blocks from the lake.  

Kids Korner!  This is the most amazing kids play area I have ever seen.  Since it was only 2 blocks from our house, the boys got to play on it several times.

The kids with Great Grandma Harris.  This was the first time my 89 year old grandma got to meet Maya.  We drove to Kalamazoo, my hometown, to visit some family.

I was so excited that my cousin brought her boys to the beach.  Melanie lives about 30 minutes from the lake.  I haven't seen her in about 2 years, even though we talk on the phone about every day!  (Ok, Melanie, time to get a road map and visit me!)

My cousin's son, Benjamin, LOVED playing in the sand as much as Adam did!

Grandma Jenny and Maya!

Another family photo.

This was the boys first time seeing the beach, water and boats in action.  This trip gave us great memories and we look forward taking many more vacations!