Grand Rapids Art Prize

Grand Rapids recently held an "Art Prize" competition in the downtown area.  Artists from all over the world competed and showed off their art in many various buildings, over bridges, in the river, and on the streets of Grand Rapids.  We took the kids to look at some of the outdoor displays on a nice day in September.  It was great to see so many people walking around and enjoying downtown Grand Rapids and I hope this event comes back each year.  It was a really great way to see some interesting art.

Mia's Baptism

Mia was baptized on Sept. 20th at St. Paul the Apostle Church by Father Ernie Schnieder.  This is the same church (and priest) where Dave and I got married and Carter was baptized.  Our best friends, Mike and Meredith Slobodnik, graciously accepted the duty of being Mia's Godparents and Grandpa and Grandma Jernstadt, Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin, and Grandma Webb were also present (we were excited to be able to schedule it when Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin were home from Florida so all Grandparents could join us).  The day was beautiful and Mia was perfect during Mass and her baptism ceremony. 

This shot shows off Mia's beautiful dress which was actually my baptism gown from 1977.  She wore a slip drss, lace overlay and lace coat.  It fit her perfectly.

Here we are getting ready for the ceremony.

Here we are with Father Ernie right after Mia was baptized. 

Carter was acting shy for the camera.

After the ceremony we went back to our house for a nice lunch.  Mia received some wonderful baptism gifts from everyone, including her first bible, a beautiful charm bracelet, and necklace.  We really appreciate everyone sharing this day with us.  Mia wants to send her most heartfelt thanks!

Testing the Water

Carter started swim classes a few weeks ago.  This is his second round of classes although, to Carter, it's basically like the first time since with his first classes he was just a baby and can't remember them.  The first week was not what you would call a success.  Dave and I were out of town and Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin were babysitting the kids so they got roped into taking Carter to his first class.  Carter pretty much clung to Grandpa and cried for a majority of the class.  In an effort to try and get Carter a little more used to the water before his second class, we took him to Grandpa and Grandma's swimming pool at their condo in Grand Haven. 

First we tried the outdoor pool.  It was a gorgeous day outside, but the pool was quite chilly.  Carter was upset the second his toes hit the water. 

   

                                  

So next we tried the indoor pool, which felt like bath water.  Carter wasn't exactly thrilled at first, but once he got used to the water, he had a great time with Daddy, Mia, and Grandpa.

After a bunch of swimming, we headed back to Mom and Don's condo. for a nice picnic lunch.  We love having Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin home!  We will be sad to see them go in a week!

Carter's next class was the next day and we're happy to say he only cried a few times!  He seems to be getting more used to the water.  We hope each week he gets a little more comfortable and excited about swimming!  Here is a picture from class, it's rather dark, but Dave and Carter are in the middle.

Harbor Springs Visit

We took a trip up north over Labor Day weekend to visit Michelle, John, and Henry Kruzel, along with Jake, Luise, and Clara Spruit, and Scott Floria.  It was a U of M architecture reunion of sorts, and despite all the maize and blue it was a great weekend.  Jake, Luise and Clara came all the way from Ireland (visiting Jake's friends and family during a month trip in the U.S.A.).  Clara was born the beginning of May so she and Mia had a lot in common (other than the hair) and got along great - cooing and drooling side by side.  Henry is about a year younger than Carter and they had a blast putting together giant puzzles and working with Henry's tool bench.  The grown-ups enjoyed watching some college football games during the day and a bonfire at night (once the kids were tucked in bed) including a nice tribute to Michael Jackson courtesy of our awesome DJ, Scott. 

Mia and Clara showing off their neck strength.

Jake helping Henry and Carter put together a puzzle.

On Sunday we visited a farm, Henry and Carter loved feeding the sheep, pigs, chickens, and fish.  They also enjoyed running away from a crazy goose and eating a picnic in a big barn.

Apparently he didn't want his picture taken because he chased us out of his barn.

We had a great time, thank you Kruzel's for having us up!