I want to be just like my sister

Over the last several weeks I have noticed just how much Connor has been copying what Allison does. If she is sitting on the couch then that is what Connor wants to do. If she has a snack, he wants the same snack. If she goes down the big slide, Connor wants to go down the big slide. For the most part, it is very cute. At times it is exhausting trying to keep him from injuring himself as he takes on the feats of a 4 1/2 year old.

Watching a show on TV together

Trying out the baby seat

Having fun at the Bounce Zone

Going down the slide at the Bounce Zone

Connor and Mama taking a break from the climbing

Allison was playing with her Barbies at the table,

so Connor had to have his farm at the table.

Summer Vacation 2009

Once again we spent our summer vacation in our home town of Grand Haven, Michigan. Grand Haven is a beautiful, small town, that fills up to capacity during the summer months. It is situated on Lake Michigan and is a beautiful place to spend the summer. We are lucky to have both our parents in the Grand Haven/Spring Lake area as well as a lot of extended family and friends. My brother, Chad, his wife, Kimberly, and their four children spent their summer vacation in Grand Haven as well. Since we only see them twice a year, we spent the majority of time with them. Allison and her cousin Kendall were pretty much inseparable for the entire 10 days. We had a lot of fun going to the beach, eating at our favorite restaurants, watching the kids swim, going to Chicago with the girls, and just enjoying each others company. Although we were all ready to get back to our "normal" routines, we all miss each other like crazy the minute they drive back to Texas. In my opinion, Chad and Kimberly are saints for making the drive to GH each summer with their FOUR children who range in age from 9 months to 7. We savor the time that we spend with them each summer.

Allison and Connor walking the beach

Papa and GG with Allison and Connor

Papa with theboys

Allison and Connor

Allison and Kendall at American Girl

Grace, Allison, Kendall, Anna, and Kathryn waiting for the train

Digging for rocks

Carson, Kendall and Allison having fun in the pool

My sweet little niece, Sydney Kate

Independence Lake

Today we went to Independence Lake with Meg, Madeline and Tess. It was the perfect way to spend the morning. The kids played in the sand and water, then we walked to the spray park, had some lunch when they got too cold, and finished the afternoon with the playground. It is a great place to spend the day with a variety of activities for the kids.

Ballet Camp

This week Allison had "Princess Ballet Camp" from 9:30 -12:00 every day. The first day she was a bit apprehensive complaining of a belly ache and saying she felt like she might throw up. She shed a few tears at the thought of me leaving her, but she pulled herself together and was all smiles when I picked her up. This camp was truly made for her...pink leotards, princess crowns, butterfly paintings, wands, and dancing. Today they had a mini performance for the parents which was adorable. All the little girls were wearing their crowns and darling pink tutus.

Allison with the wand she made at ballet camp

Practicing

Right before her last day of ballet camp

Allison and Madeline

Loving the flowers

Connor loving his sucker

Ava, Allison and Madeline

Mini Vacation

Since Craig was done early Friday afternoon we decided to go on a "mini vacation". We packed up the kids and headed to Dundee to Splash Universe. It is an indoor water park about 25 miles south on US 23. We decided to spend the night since it ended up being a better deal and of course Allison thought this was a big deal! Allison was tall enough to go on every water slide in the park and she took full advantage of it. We were at the park for 2 1/2 hours on Friday night and then 2 hours Saturday morning. Connor and I spent most of the time in the kiddie pool and floating down the lazy river. After swimming for two hours on Sat, we headed to the Toledo Zoo, just 20 miles or so down the road. We only lasted a couple of hours, but the kids had a

Craig and Allison at the bottom of the tube ride.

Getting ready to ride on the tube slide

Connor enoying the water

Connor and Mama at the hotel

Allison jumping across

Go Allison!

Allison at Splash Universe

Allison the dog at the Toledo Zoo

Greenfield Village

Yesterday the kids and I headed to Dearborn to go to Greenfield Village. We met up with 5 other teachers from Wick and their kids. Although the weather was a bit chilly, we had a great time. One of the teachers had a pass that allowed 4 of us to get in free with free rides as well! It was a great day and a cheap one too. We road on the carousel, the Model T, horse and buggy, and the train, as well as exploring the village. Connor only slept 15 minutes the entire day, so he was exhausted by 7:00! It was a fun day with friends.

Allison with Elaina

Allison on the carousel

Connor and Libby really wanted to touch the horses' water

Connor enjoyed sticking his head out of the carriage

Madeline, Elaina, Allison, and Travis on the train

Tuckered out after a long day-she did manage

to put her princess crown on and grab her baby

Still going strong..

Busy Weekend

Last weekend was a busy one for us. My mom and dad drove down on Friday after work and stayed for the weekend to watch the kids for us. Friday night we met up with some of our friends that were in town from Chicago. On Saturday we went out for breakfast with my mom and dad and then prepared to go to a wedding. It was a whole day event, so we were grateful to have my parents to watch the kids. The wedding day started at 2 and we got home around 11:15. After being out until 1:00 am the night before, we were exhausted. Sunday was spent resting, exercising, and then going to a cardiology barbeque.

Right before heading out to the wedding

28 weeks pregnant

Allison trying out a cello

This was the cutest little violin

These are some pictures of Allison downtown at Top of the Park. The Ann Arbor Symphony has a tent set up where kids can try out different instruments.