Traverse City

Last weekend Craig had a conference in Traverse City, so we decided it would be fun to bring the entire family and enjoy Up North.  We left the house Friday after Allison got out of school.  This was not the best time for Connor as he was sound asleep within minutes and this meant a VERY late night for all of us in a one bedroom condo (all that was available:(  So, after arriving and checking in we settled in to our very tiny, but nice condo.  I ended up in the bedroom with Allison and Ella and Craig was on the pullout couch with condo.  I definitely got the better end of the deal.  Saturday morning Craig was up early for the 6:00 5k in the dark (which he won) and then off to his conference where he had to give a talk.  The rest of us were off to the pool at The Grand Traverse Resort.  It has recently been renovated and added a kids indoor water playground.  The kids had a great time and we swam for over 2 hours.  The little ones were exhausted.  Saturday afternoon we all ventured to my and aunt and uncle's house who live in Traverse City.  The kids had fun playing with their dogs and running around their yard and in the lake.  After that we went downtown Traverse city.  Went to the Cherry Republic, played in the soapy water fountain and ate dinner.  Connor was asleep by 5:30, so we headed back to the condo for an early night.  Sunday morning I packed up while Craig was at the conference and then we took the kids mini golfing and out for lunch.

Allison and Connor with Uncle Jon in Traverse City

Allison and Bailey

The soapy fountain in Traverse City

Ella was soaked by the time she was done

Ella and Connor at THE CHERRY REPUBLIC

The crew at The Cherry Republic

In the pits

Checking out the train

Mini golf

Craig with our mini golfers

Ella Turns 2!

How is it possible that my baby is 2?  The last two years have gone so fast it is hard to remember what life was like in Ann Arbor.  When I say we got lucky with number three, I truly mean it.  She is super sweet, easy to get along with, a good sleeper, a talker and all around fun to be around.  We think she is pretty darn cute too!  Ella celebrated her 2nd birthday a week and half early with her cousin Genevieve.  They both wanted a Dora party and we thought it would be easier to combine rather than get back together a week later.  We are so glad we did.  She had a wonderful party in Grand Haven at the park with all of her cousins and she was surrounded by DORA.  Ella loves anything Dora and for a while she would not read any other books.  Thank goodness Clifford and some animal books have made there way back:)  She loves to read books, she loves her brother and sister and is always asking for them.  Typically, the first words out of her mouth are Connor and Allison.  She is certainly going to be one tough cookie after dealing with her brother:(   She is a big time talker packed into a little body.


At two years old she weighs in at 25.13 ounces. (30%) and 33 inches (25%).  She is a little peanut and we just are not use to that around here.

Ella, Kathryn, Connor and Genevieve at Potawatomi Park

Mia, Mary Violet, Allison and Rosalee

The Birthday Girl

Ella and Mary Violet

Ella and Genevieve

Ella and Genevieve

Michelle and Madalyn with Ella

Great Grandma and Grandpa Jonas with Ella

Aunt Katie's Dora cupcakes were a hit

Having fun

Happy Girls

The birthday girls with their panda hats

New play food from the Ackermans

Tea set from The Springers

Grocery cart and Pj's from GG and Papa

Dora

On her birthday we opened presents and then....

Went to Clover Bar for Pizza with GG, Papa and Grandma and Grandpa

The kids favorite spot
Ella with Grandma Alguire

Allison, Ella and Connor

Connor The Preschooler

Last Friday, Connor started his first day of Preschool.  He was really excited about being a big boy.  Found his cubby, put his red bag away, kissed us good-bye and went to class.  When Craig picked him up the teacher said he cried a bit once we left.  Today was his second day of school and luckily his friend John was there to get him through the day.  He woke up with a stomach ache and said he did not want to go to school.  After telling him that John would be there, he seemed a bit at ease.  He had a few crocodile tears as he entered the room, but he wiped them away and had a great second day.  I am hoping that each day will get easier and easier.

Ready for preschool

cubby

Ready for class