Duck Lake

Today was our first time back to Duck lake. This is the BEST lake for families with small children. This small channel keeps the kids safe, occupied, and happy all day.

Andrew and Eli having fun playing next to each other. Andrew insisted on wearing Sissy's Dora floaties.

Adeline and Anna quickly made a new friend to play with.
My beach babies.
Tuckered out.
Adeline would continue to try and open her eyes and she just couldn't do it.

Early morning with Andrew

Andrew woke up early this morning and he was being very playful and snugly. I wanted to take a picture with my phone and because it was dark out the flash was really bright. I couldn't keep the phone still but I think it captures my sweet little man.

Our little mechanic

Adeline has been slowly transitioning out of taking naps. Today instead of taking a nap she helped Daddy while he was changing the oil. She needed to make sure all of the wheels were on tight.

What a cutie! Good thing she had her gardening gloves on to protect her hands.

She sees me.....all the other shots I took without her knowing.

First family beach day

After the run we all went to the beach. I decided that maybe I deserved to just lay out for awhile since I just ran 9 miles. The kids were in the water but decided to come and lay out with me. Apparently they were cold and wanted to cover up.

Daddy played with the kids while I watched. I was impressed with Adeline's hair because I forgot a hair tie so I braided her hair and then sort of tied a knot and it stayed. I love her hair!

What a good day! I love my supportive family!

2011 Seaway Run

This years run was very memorable....because of this one picture taken by the Muskegon Chronicle. I grabbed my little Addy close to the finish line and she ran with me all the way to the end....just like this. So much fun. Afterwards she kept talking about how tired and sweaty she was and then later that night while she was brushing her teeth she said "thanks mom for running with me". Oh, I love her!

Andrew was very upset when Mommy only grabbed Adeline.(reason for the pacifier) Poor baby...I will get you next year.

Green popsicle's seemed to make it all better.

Thank you Nana

Nana so generously gave Aleisha and I certificates for one hour massages. We both brought our kids to spend the day with her. Nana and all four of her grandchildren. She was really looking forward to this day and so were we.

Aliyah is growing up way too fast, she already needs a bra :)

The two older kids with their new toys from Nana.

And big boy Andrew got a new bike helmet and Buzz Lightyear.

Thank you Nana for the massage....it was wonderful!

An early birthday celebration

Grandma was leaving shortly that afternoon to spend a week out in Philly so we had a small celebration for James and his birthday. 33...almost 34...

The kids worked so nicely together helping James open his gifts :)

Office season 6....nice Erin!

Andrew found that Daddy's pants fit him perfectly.

I have never before seen Andrew clear his plate like he did after eating some of Daddy's pudding cake.

After Grandpa left to take Grandma to the airport Andrew took over his chair.

Adeline gave some love to Aunt Erin.

Before we left the kids got comfortable on the couch.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

My children are very blessed to have a committed, strong, loving Dad. They will never have to question his love because he not only tells them every day but he also shows them with his actions. He is a true example of what it means to be a Christ follower and does an amazing job leading our family. Thank you Daddy...we love you!

We let Daddy sleep in until 9:45 before waking him up. We would have let him sleep in longer but he needed to get ready for church. Adeline read him the card that she wrote herself and Andrew showed him the pictures they each made in the little story book.

A visit with the Forte side....

After the reunion we headed to my grandparents house for a visit. Grandpa Forte came over and entertained the kids. They went for a walk outside, watched the goats, and traveled down a fun trail. Andrew has really taken to Grandpa Forte always asking about him every day. "Wa, Wa, For?"

Brave Grandpa put Andrew up on his shoulders. And on their walk he even put Adeline on his shoulders. I never asked but I am sure he was sore the next day.

Photo opt with Great Grandpa and Grandma

Few photos

We headed down to Jackson for James' family reunion. It was a very fun and busy day. Sadly I didn't take many pictures. Adeline and I went on a four wheeler ride, a hay ride, and visited an old cabin. Andrew was into the bats and balls and after tuckering himself out he took a long nap.

Each extent of the family had their picture taken so every one from the June Crots side came together for a photo. Afterwards Adeline insisted on getting her picture with Grandma.

Sorry Bethany...but I had to....

On the way for another hair cut.

After the last post of Andrew's latest hair cut Bethany wondered if I was going to post each and every one. I am sure I won't but this was a special hair cut that deserved some attention. Sorry Bethany...just one more.

When we showed up there was a line ahead of us. Grandpa and Andrew patiently waited their turn.

James moved the chairs so that the kids could be closer to Grandpa.

One down...one to go.

Andrew had so much hair! Once again he sat like a big boy and listened to Uncle John for instructions on how to place his head.

After the hair cut the line was even longer so I quickly tried to get another shot. Thank you Uncle John!

New hats for the kids!

Grandma and Grandpa got these hats for the kids while up in Mackinac. They absolutely love them. The lights even light up! So now when both kids are playing Mr. Fix-it they each have their own hat and if it is dark they can turn on the light.