Second Stop - Jackson, MI

Warm and very humid we were able to beat the heat at the cottage. Av loved jumping off the dock and Halen was having fun in the tug boat. (left Avery's suit in Holland, that explains why she's in her undies!)

Fun day at the park with Grandma B.

Back at the lake, couldn't resist taking this pic. Av borrowed a suit but it didn't cover her bottom very well. We decided to take it off and she was better off with her undies. Below - Lookout, crazy 3 year old driving the boat!

Again, Aunt Sara threw Avery a birthday party since we were in town "around" her bday again this year. (Thanks Sara!) She loved the fairy outfit from Grandma B and enjoyed some yummy chocolate cake!

First stop - Holland, MI

Spent a beautiful, WARM weekend in Holland at Uncle Eddie and Aunt Suzy's. Hit the beach for some sun, sand and surf and just relaxed...

Grandma B made a surprise appearance Friday evening. Before she headed home I tried to get a photo of all the grandkids together. Besides Halen, everyone happily participated. Maybe he was just tired from the drive.

Enjoying some beach time at Holland State Park.

Again, trying to get a photo of the kids together. Not sure what Tommy is showing Halen. I think Frankie is worn out and no idea what Avery is doing.

Last photo on Windmill Island before we walked home. I think it was about 100 degrees with 100% humidity or sure seemed to feel like it - at least Frankie is still smiling!

All the kiddos playing together.

One thousand two hundred and something miles

Bright and early Thursday morning with the car loaded, Anna, Avery, Halen and I hit the wide open road. Fourteen hours later we made it to Des Moines, IA and got a room for the night. Back at it bright and early the next day we made it to Holland, MI just before dinner time. As much as I was dreading this drive it was great. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Anna (or the dvd player!). She managed the kids while I did the driving. Thanks Anna!

Sod Museum in Nebraska. It just happened to be next door to the gas station where we stopped.

My co-pilot in the back with the kids.

Taking a break somewhere in Illinois...

Anna's Visit

My twelve year old niece Anna has been visiting for almost 2 weeks. Today is her last day so I've decided to dedicate this blog post of pics to her! :) Loved having you Anna. Thanks for all of your help! xoxo

Bouldering on Flagstaff Mtn.

Anna helping carry the load.

Avery and Anna at the top of Flagstaff Mtn.

My nanny the past 12 days. Anna and I hiking after dinner one night.

Anna and Avery ridin' the waves at Water World.

Halen and Anna cooling off at Spruce pool.

The girls coloring.

Anna tubing down Boulder Creek!

Avery serenading us while we wait for Anna and Jeff to float by on their tubes.

My sister Sara, Avery and my niece Anna at dinner.

First Day of Preschool

Avery started preschool today. When I leaned down to say goodbye and give her a kiss she yelled "Bye Mom!" and happily ran off to play with a toy. (sniff sniff)

Video of Avery on her strider bike

Gran-Mary's Visit

Another great visit with Gran-Mary. A few photos from the end of her trip. See you in the Fall! :)

Gran-Mary's last night in town we had a picnic dinner up at Chautauqua. Avery's watching the big kids play soccer.

Gran-Mary and Ave checking their email.

H is cruisin'.

Dancing in her new pj's - they came with wings!

Zoo

The birthday fun continuted into the weekend with a trip to the Denver Zoo...

Did you know when a Polar Bear stands on his hind legs he could stand over 10 feet tall?!

One of my favs, the Zebra.

Just like I-70...

Happy 3rd Birthday Avery!!

Avery turned the big three on Saturday. Gran-Mary flew in to help celebrate. Our little girl is growing up...

What's a birthday without a balloon?! Happy Birthday Avery, we LOVE you!

Opening gifts, one of her new books.

Three candles for three years! Avery choose strawberry cupcakes as the cake of choice this year.

When we asked Avery what she wanted to do for her birthday, she replied "Go to a restaurant". I snapped this outside of Sherpa's after dinner. Giving Gran-Mary some lovin'.

Water balloon fun in the backyard with Gran-Mary.

Special birthday breakfast - pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream!

We painted Avery's toes to start off her birthday weekend. She wanted blue on one foot and pink on the other!