Climbing Stairs

Another throw-back to Michigan... Look at Nathan climbing those stairs!

(Thanks to Brianna for filming him!)

Showing off in his Rocker

Nathan can successfully get in and out of his rocking chair.

Rock, rock, Nathan!

Jumpy House Fun

This was Nathan's first experience in a jumpy house.  Michelle wanted to be sure that he had a chance to go in it before all the other kids.  He had fun!

Our Little Monkey

I don't want to stand up and show my outfit!

Ummmm, Nathan's shorts are on backwards.  He was having a rough time at daycare with diaper changes so it was a quick throw on the shorts.  The funny thing is that the shorts are too big, but since we were low on laundry, I rolled them up at the waist for him to wear.  When we picked him up, the shorts were sagging and the tag was hanging way out.

Poor Baby.

My new rocker

Look what we picked up in Michigan!!!!

This was the rocking chair that Barry had while he was growing up.  Nathan sat right down in it and started rocking.  What a cutey!

The first day back in daycare and it was rough.  I had to serve jury duty and Barry was stuck without a car.  Poor Nathan didn't get picked up till 6.  Not only did he have a rough evening, but he hurt his head and got bitten by another child.  Whew.  Friday is coming, Little One.

Headed Home

 Do I have to? (with Jessi & Brianna)

 On the big bean bag

Climbing up the stairs

Look what we saw!  2 Amish carriages & horses

Although we started out in rain leaving Michigan, it cleared up and was a nice day.  We stopped several times as Nathan got antsy or someone had to go to the bathroom.  Just outside of Louisville Nathan had a big fit.  We stopped at this gas station to calm him down and there were these two carriages.

Day 5 - Last Day :(

 We had to eat at the World's Greatest Coney Joes!

Fun in the pool

 Playing with Travis (the look on Nathan's face is just priceless)

 A family shot

With the Nachtigals (Barry's sister, Julie)

We got in a full day of activities, but were especially glad to hang out with the family tonight and have left over chicken! :)  It's been 2 years since we were last here (for Travis' grad party) and we wish it would happen more often.  We love these guys!

Day 4 - Tigers Game

After going to the early service, we got to go to the 1:08pm game (game 4 of a 4 game series) verses the Boston Red Sox.

Comerica Park

 Justin Verlander pitching

Down in the very bottom corner, you can see the temperature -- 88 degrees.  It was a warm day!

Oops -- Nathan wouldn't look...  You can sort of see in this picture my knees.  They got burned pretty bad. I'm not sure why mine were worse than everyone else, but boy, it was bad!  Thankfully, Nathan didn't get burned -- we put on lots of sunscreen.

Day 3 - Jessi's Party

Sad day, but I realized that I didn't get a picture of Jessi!  I believe that her aunt got a few so I hope to swipe some of them.  Man.

 The celebratory cake

 Aunt Chelle & Nathan (Go there, Aunt Chelle!)

Ashley, Nathan, & Travis by the pool

"Aunt" Janet & Nathan at the corn hole

 Travis & Nathan

 Swimming in the pool with Daddy

 Riding Travis' tractor

Winding down at the end of the day

We got to see lots of friends and family at the party.  It was a great celebration and there was lots of yummy food.  Yea!

Day 2

  Getting some snuggles in with Jessi before the day begins

 Jumping with Jessi

Sliding with Bree

 Jumping with Aunt Chelle

Winding down with Uncle Tod

It was a stressful day as we pulled everything together for the party.  We had a little bit of relief with the delivery of the jumpy house, but there was lots to be done even into the evening.  It's going to be a good party!

Day 1 in Michigan

Since we didn't really get to do anything Wednesday night, I didn't count it as our first day in Michigan.  So, Thursday is the first! :)

 with Aunt Chelle at the grocery store

 At the pool - trying to get it ready for the grad party

 Hanging out with Jess & Bree

Swinging with Bree

It was a full day with the family.  For the morning it was just Michelle and us (everyone else was working or otherwise occupied) so it wasn't till the afternoon when we got to see the girls and get work done on the pool.  We grilled out for dinner and just enjoyed the lovely day!

Headed on Vacation

[DISCLAIMER: Due to vacation and jury duty, I'm a bit behind.]

Can I help?!

Who could resist this little one as we get the last few things packed up?  At one point, we even had Nathan lay down in the suitcase!  He fit with no problem.

We got the Jeep loaded up with everything that we wanted to bring so that we could make the transfer once we got the rental car in the morning.  Thankfully it didn't rain either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning so we got everything packed in all right.  We have a long trip ahead of us!

Two for Tuesday

One year ago 

(We couldn't get him to look at the camera -- the leaves were way more interesting!)

Today!

(Nathan sandwich)

It's coming down to the wire... We have just tonight to pull everything together for our trip.  Nathan has no idea what's in store! :)  We'd appreciate your prayers!

Playing with Balloons

Aunt Melissa got us hooked on balloons and boy, is Nathan addicted.  Everywhere we go he's pointing to them.  Barry's taught him how to "play" with them.  Fun, right?!

Happy Father's Day!

These boys are just awesome together.  Barry is such a great dad! :)

We awoke to Nathan clapping his hands in his crib and while we tried to have him relax in bed with us, it ended up being an early morning.  We went to the early service and were back home by 10:30 for Nathan to take his nap.  We had a good lunch and then spent all afternoon together (doing some packing) before small group.

We can't wait to do some fun stuff in Michigan on our vacation!

Donuts with Dad

(sorry it's a little fuzzy...) Nathan & Dad

 Enjoying a donut ("Are you going to let me have some, Daddy?!")

"Okay!  Yummmm!"

So, just after I comment that Nathan isn't big into sweets and doesn't care for donuts, he proceeds to eat 5 or 6 bites of Barry's donut.  Thanks for proving me wrong, Baby!

A good start to the weekend!

Daycare Fun

Every morning when we get in, Nathan has to go in another room until his teacher arrives.  His first stop is the shelf with the babies and he pulls them all out -- every day!

Balloons!

Since Nathan's birthday party, he has been enamored with balloons.  Whenever we go to the grocery store or Wal-mart and he sees balloons, we have to go over for him to see them up close.  He just loves them!  So, when my co-worker had a birthday this week, she told me to take the balloons home for Nathan.  He's been enjoying banging them with his arm.  I'm afraid that he's going to pop them, but until it happens, it's hard to warn him.