Monday, April 6, 2009

Grace is walking

Updates from the last couple months

We have had a busy end of the winter and begin of spring. The time has gone so fast that I have not had a chance to post anything new on here. We just got back from a great weekend with friends and I thought today would be a great time to get caught up with my blogging. This will mean putting off some laundry, oh well. This post is going to take me all day, with all the photo and video uploads, breakfast, lunch, taking care of the kids, picking up the house after being gone all weekend, this should be interesting. I hope someone enjoys it.

To begin...Grace's first birthday. Jim and Debby Clayton were able to come out and visit the first week in March to see us and join us in the celebration for Grace's birthday. Her birthday was on March 2. We had cupcakes that evening, but we saved all the rest of the fun for Friday night when my family could join in the fun. It was great to have everyone together. I made Grace's favorite meal, okay so maybe it is not her favorite meal, but it is a meal she will eat that adults also enjoy, Manicotti. Debby picked out a delicious cake from Cold Stone Creamery, strawberry ice cream with yellow cake. It was so delicious, and I would like that same cake for my birthday(Seth I hope you are reading this). Everyone enjoyed the cake. Grace received so many wonderful gifts for her birthday, most of which Elliott and I enjoyed more than Grace that evening. Thankfully, Elliott has been sharing her gifts with her, and is very sweet in teaching her how all the toys work. He also loves reading to Grace the books from Uncle Dave and Aunt Amy. All of the clothes she received I have enjoyed. It is fun getting spring and summer clothes for her, girls clothes are so adorable and fun! Click here to view some of the photos from that day.

While Jim and Debby were here we took Elliott to the Grand Rapids Public Museum to see a Dinosaur Exhibit. It was interesting for children and there were so many interactive activities. Elliott and Grace also went on the carousel, which was Grace's first time riding. There are also a couple of random pictures of the kids at home. Click here to view some of the photos from this day.

As many of you know my husband Seth has become very fond of fishing. Actually, "very fond" does not describe it, it is more of an intense love for the sport. He has been out many times this season to try to catch a Steelhead and has some luck, he has gotten two. One he caught while his parents were here, which we were able to enjoy for dinner one evening. One he caught while he was fish with our brother-in-law, Joel. Which we also enjoyed for dinner one night. Click here to view some photos of the big catch.

As I said earlier, we were invited to a cabin with friends this past weekend. It is a great little cabin in Cadillac, MI. It is located on a narrow piece of land where the river runs. It is so wonderful to hear and see the river anywhere in the cabin. The guys and Elliott took some time to fish. Emily and I spend time inside reading and chatting, due to the cool temperatures. We were able to get in some hikes in the afternoon while the sun was out. The girls enjoyed rides in the backpacks. We also played games and enjoyed great conversation. We enjoyed our time with friends and our time away, and even though it was pretty cold it was a great "Spring Break." Click here to view photos from this trip.

Everything else that is going on with us seems pretty ordinary, but I will share the latest news for anyone who doesn't know. Grace is walking as you can see. It is very exciting watching her develop so well. We are so thankful for healthy children. She is very curious, and loves to explore everything with her new found independence. She is also saying all kinds of words, some of her favorites; daddy, mama, elli, ball, bottle, and baby. Similar to Elliott she loves music. If there is music on she is dancing and moving around to the beat, it is so funny. Elliott is doing well. He is loving school and will be moving on to Kindergarten next year. Elliott loves Grace and most time loves helping her with everything from walking to reading books. He can be a real pest to her sometimes as well. Overall we are doing great and we are so thankful to God for family, friends, our health, and our jobs. We are so blessed!