Fourth of July

We had some friends over for the fourth. Like most events since having kids, the festivities centered around keeping the kids happy. I think we accomplished this.

Just add water and move the slide into the pool.

Then move the bigger slide into the pool.

Mitchell liked watching Daddy man the grill.

The watermelon our friends brought was a huge hit.

The kiddie table.

Not that the adults didn't enjoy themselves too!

Thanks to all that came. We had a blast.

Take care,
ZMA's mama

June

Sorry for the long absence. We've been busy. Blah, blah, blah. No excuses, just lots of pictures.

I downloaded over 200 pictures last week that span the last weekend of May to the last weekend in June. Following are the highlights.

Maiden voyage of the Slip 'n Slide. Since our yard in on a slope, you can catch air at the end. Ask Rich (sorry, no photos of that)!

Mitchell preferred the puddles that formed at the bottom of the hill ...

and Alyse was happiest, as usual, climbing.

Next up on June's activity calendar, Aunt Steph's Bay City shower.

The luggage cart became a diversion for restless kids waiting for the big event.

The guest of honor opening gifts.

Sights and Sounds on Thursdays in Chelsea (music playing in every nook and cranny of the town and lots for kids to enjoy).

Zoe watching a magician.

Alyse and Mitchell enjoying an ice cream cone.

The family watching a band. I think that quiet moment lasted about 30 seconds.

Next up was Father's Day spent in Bay City.

Here's Alyse attempting to do exactly what I told her she couldn't do, play with Busia's computer.

Mitchell and Alyse playing in the bird bath. Thank goodness that's fresh water.

I tried to get a picture of the kids with Dziadzia or daddy, but they wouldn't sit still (the kids, not Dziadzia and daddy).

We also had cake for Rich's half birthday. No, we don't celebrate every ones half birthday in our family, just Rich's, since it falls four days before Christmas.

Zoe handing out cake.

Mitchell asking me to wipe his hand (he's a tidy little guy).

Alyse, on the other hand, is not at all concerned with the state of her hands and face.

The girls ready to make the journey home.

Mitchell, doing some last minute watering. Obviously, he's going to get his green thumb from Busia and Daddy.

A random shot of Mitchell and Alyse asking for a ride in the laundry basket before bath time.

On to the main event in June - my nephew, Michael's wedding in Saugatuck.

Zoe was the flower girl. She was beyond thrilled.

Mitchell gives a thumbs up.

Alyse is just mad she's being restrained for a moment and Zoe is always camera-ready.

We ended up watching the ceremony from a good distance since the kids weren't cooperating.

At least it gave me the opportunity to get a great shot of the newly married couple.

Zoe with my nieces, Alix and Danni.

The entire attending Honeycutt clan.

We stayed in Holland an extra day to have a mini-vacation.

We have to say thank you to Busia and Dziadzia for staying with the kids the night of the wedding and into the next day.

The kids had a ball in the hotel pool.

They also loved the beach the next day.

We set up camp in the shade...

and took a walk down to the water.

Then had a very sandy lunch.

The lighthouse.

The view from the end of the pier.

Now I just need to download the fourth of July pictures. That might happen by August 1st!

Take care,
ZMA's mama

The Graduate

Wednesday, May 19th, Zoe graduated from preschool.

Zoe and her classmates performed some songs,

received a diploma,

ate some ice cream

and tried to see how many kids could fit in a wooden rocking boat (apparently, that number is nine).

Zoe enjoyed herself at graduation and now, almost daily, asks when summer will be over so she can start kindergarten. I'm not as ready as she is!

Mitchell and Alyse will miss going to Zoe's preschool.

I think they'll both miss her terribly once she's in school all day (especially Alyse).

Take care,

ZMA's mama

Annual Check-ups and a Newaygo Trip

I'm going to begin this post with a little information I post for my own personal record.

The kids had their Well Child visits on April 29th.

First up was Zoe. She's 40 lbs. and 42 1/4 inches (52nd/44th) and all is well. Only one shot for her and she took it like a champ.

One more bit of information on Zoe unrelated to the doctor visit, she had Kindergarten orientation on May 4th. Far from the shy wallflower we used to know, instead of clinging to my leg she spotted friends quickly and was off and running. I think she's going to love it.

Mitchell is 24 lbs. 11 1/2 oz. and 35 inches (11th/63th). He's stayed on his growth curve and is also doing well.

Alyse is 23 lbs. 10 1/2 oz. and 34 1/4 inches (11th/59th). No worries with her either.

Now for the less technical news.

The kids and I headed to Newaygo last weekend for a family event. Over the course of a couple days, we celebrated the kids' birthdays (again), attended a bridal shower for my nephew's fiancee and played at my sister's daycare. Following are some photographic highlights.

Take care,

ZMA's mama