Colin is 4!

My handsome blue-eyed boy is 4 today! The big 4!

Colin is funny and witty, quick with a joke and has perfect comic timing.

He is my loving little man who is quick with a hug and kiss.

He feels everything passionately, the good and the bad.

He loves his family and will defend them against anything or anyone.

If he thinks someone (much bigger than him) is not treating his brother fairly, he will confront them.

He is our little protective bulldog.

I love my sweet boy who still needs mom to hug him and love him. He will still ask me to hold him and I always oblige.

Words can not describe how happy we are that you came into our lives 4 years ago. You have brought us so much joy and we are so lucky that you are our.

Happy Birthday, my sweet boy.

I love you forever.

Scenes of Summer

 View at my Grandparent's house.

While stores may be heralding "Back to School" and the fall roll out has begun to pop up, there is a still a good solid month or more of summer. Good, hot, summer.

Let's not get too carried away here, folks.

So, in honor of summer and enjoying it until it's last heated breathe... here are some scenes of our summer thus far.

 Popsicles and silly faces.

 

Too big sun hats.

Very first boat rides, in super cool shades.

 Pokemon birthdays!

Babies on blankets, always wanting the same toy.

 

Sharing puffs with Great Grandpa.

Trekking down to the river, off on boat ride.

Ever-present visitors of the avian variety.

Smiles for cousins who grow and graduate so soon.

Very first frappacinos on a date with mom. Strawberries and cream, of course.

Fishy umbrellas that help accessorize our Sunday best.

And, finally, brother's taking a watermelon and strawberry popsicle break, talking away.

Here's to many more summer memories to be made.

Have a great week!

The day we went to the beach...but forgot our swimsuits...

 

 Before the celebrations of the 4th of July and Jack's 6th birthday, we decided to join my family and head to Lake Michigan and enjoy a day at the beach.

The weather was forecasted to be cooler than normal and I packed loads of layers.

And no swimsuits.

I had shorts and long sleeve shirts, pants and sweatshirts.

But no actual swim wear.

Oops.

It did not, however, stop my boys and they jumped right in.

Quite literally

 Beach baby doesn't like her sun hat. Or any hat. Or bow. Or headband.

Lake Michigan. So beautiful.

 

Handsome hubby.

Of course Colin would find a stick in the water. The boy can find a stick anywhere.

Building in the sand, regardless of attire.

"Ahhh. I am just relaxing here, Mom."

Colin bird nest.

Macy and my Dad playing in the sand. She loved to grab big handfuls and let the sand pour through her fingers.

Colin birds like to be buried in the sand.

However, my sister remembered my niece's cute tutu suit!

Even though forgetfulness and lack of communication left us without the most basic beach apparel, it was still such a fun day. We loved spending time at the beach, walking the boardwalk in Grand Haven and getting some ice cream and pizza at the end of the day.

Six

Six years ago today I met this handsome little man.

When he came into the world, I loved him at first sight and since than, my love has continued to grow. 

He made me a mother and brought a value to my life that can not be explained.

So in honor of my Jack's 6th birthday, here are just 6 little things that I love about him!

 

 

1. I love his thirst for knowledge. He will not rest until he finds out how things work, what they do and what it means. He loves learning and I hope that is a trait that will continue throughout his lifetime.

2. I love his smile. I love that he had a front gap in his teeth like his momma. I love that he is quick with a smile. I love the shy smile and the happy smile and the "Oops, I made a mistake" smile.

3. I love his sense of humor. He is always coming up with his own jokes and loves to make his dad laugh.

4. I love that he is a big brother. He is the best. He looks after Colin and Macy with much care and much bossiness. He takes this privilege very seriously.

5. I love that he always wants the family to be together. He wants us all together, all the time. He has decided to never get married, so that he can just stay home and live with us. He will work with his dad, because grown ups work, but he will not get married because he doesn't want to leave his house. Macy has been delegated to get married and have kids, because Jack would like to be an Uncle.

6. I love that he still likes to snuggle his momma. He is free with his kisses and still tries to climb up onto my lap. His long, lanky legs are getting harder to fold underneath him as he tries to snuggle down into my lap, but he makes a valiant effort. I hope he always wants to have some snuggle time with me.

There are thousands more things that I love about this first born boy of mine, but today, on his very special 6th birthday, I will leave you with just a taste.

We love you so much and look forward to all that in store for you for this year!

Happy 4th of July, everyone!

* In the theme of numbers, this 4th of July is also the first one without my Grandma. Over 40 people will gather at her house today, like we always did, and celebrate together. She would have loved it.

This is also the 5th year that Grandpa Jack has been gone. My son's namesake is still dear in our hearts and will always be remembered. He is greatly missed. My Jack is so much like his own Great Grandpa Jack and that makes me happy to think about!