New Modes of Transportation

We gave Carter his first bike a few weeks before his birthday. He was super excited when we gave it to him and he jumped right on without hesitation. He also loved helping Dave pump up the tires, in fact he actually prefers to "fix it" than ride it (big surprise). He did pretty well with the pedaling but he's still mastering that whole concept. Unfortunately he's more used to pushing a gas pedal to make things go rather than doing the work himself.

Learning how to pump up the tires

Busy "fixing" things.

Mia also started a new mode of transportation (so to speak). She is mastering her Johnny Jump Up and the whole "using your legs" concept. I realize in this picture she looks like she has a crazy wig on, but it was the best picture that showed her face (she normally looks down when she's jumping). Sorry baby girl, but your hair is a bit crazy!

Best Buds

Carter and Mia seem to be growing into good friends lately. Carter always wants to include Mia with his playing (although he's quick to tell her that she slobbering on "his" toys - but he shares none-the-less) and Mia seems completely entertained with Carter. She is always staring at him while he plays, she will crane her neck around to try and follow him wherever he's running off to. I hope this is the start of a really good relationship between them.

Family Fun

So far this summer we've done a lot of fun activities with the kids. We've gone sailing on Grandpa J's boat, we've gone to a few birthday parties, swimming at the Burke's pool, played on Uncle Mark's water slide and trampoline, went to a children's fair, went to the museum, walked on the covered bridge in Ada, and more. If you didn't live here you might think we've had wonderful weather this summer (not true) but we've managed to have fun despite the colder temps and lots of rain.

Here we are on Grandpa J's boat. You can see from the pictures that we picked one of the cooler days this summer to go out. I had the kids dressed up in their fun beach outfits but quickly layered on lots of sweats. We motored around the Muskegon Lake and went out the channel to Lake Michigan (for a brief second) and then motored back in. It was seriously freezing out on the lake so we didn't last long. Carter enjoyed trying to fish with his new "Cars" fishing pole and he also loved looking at the submarine located in the channel.

Carter was good about his life jacket, he didn't seem to mind wearing it this time.

Dave showing Carter how to cast his line.

Mia and Grandma trying to stay warm.

Grandpa giving Mia a quick snack.

Carter had to steer the boat for a bit (this may have been while we were still docked, he didn't seem to notice).

Trying to catch rain drops on his tongue. Doesn't it look like a gorgeous July day?

Here are some pictures from Uncle Mark's house. We helped celebrate Bridget's birthday. As you can see, Mia was all dressed up for the party. She wore her adorable monkey dress that Aunt Lee made her, it was perfect for the occasion (some of the monkeys have party hats on themselves!), I also tried to get creative with her hair accessories. I never thought I'd be the mom putting all kids of girly things in her daughter's hair, but I must admit it's fun! This ribbon bow is a little much perhaps, but I thought it was funny that she looked like a birthday present herself! Plus don't forget the cool, pink Nike hightops to finish off the outfit. She's my fashion diva.

Carter and Uncle Mark.

Squirting everyone in sight with the water cannons.

Showing off his tricks on the trampoline.

The next pictures are from the Burke's swimming pool. Carter wasn't too thrilled to get down in water at first, but once he got used to it he seemed to enjoy it. I think in the next few weeks we're going to start a swimming class. I really want our kids to be comfortable around pools and learn to swim early. Watching the Burke kids swim like little fish made me realize we need to get Carter more used to water.

One toe at a time...

One last smile before plunging in.

He definitely wanted Dave hanging on to him the whole time.

Overall he did pretty well with his kicking and floating.