Disney

On July 15th Tyler took his first trip on a airplane. He was so excited! Ryan sat with the boys and they had to change seats so they could both sit by the window to lookout. He did great, but of course he had to checkout the bathroom on the plane a few times.

Jack and Dad went fishing early Saturday morning with the Getsky boys. He was not afriad to touch the fish and caught a nice one. Now we just need to find him a place to fish in Michigan.

We went to all the parks. Jack and Dad rode Expedition Everst(The Yeti ride) twice at Animal Kingdom. Tyler got to see Mater and Lightning McQueen, but Jack would not let Tyler touch McQueen at Hollywood Studios.

On Sunday Night, State Farm rented out Typhoon Lagoon after hours. Jack was thrilled to see that they had a Shark reef, where you could swim with the sharks. The first time a lifeguard helped across. The second time, he had to do it all by himself. He was proud to show me the stringray, when he got out of the water. That boy is fearless!

We all had a Magical time in the pools at the Resort and at Blizzard Beach on the last day. It was HOT! Next time we go in July, I think we will just hang out at the water parks and the resort.

Camping July 6-9

We finally made it to S. Higgins this year for camping. Tyler was sick the week after VBS, I injured my neck and then Ryan was sick. I was pretty much useless, since I couldn't lift anything or bend my neck. Thankfully Ryan did all the shopping, packing, setting up and take down.

Jack has been VERY passionate about Catapillers!! He even brought along his article about How to grow a butterfly!

This time Grandpa, Grandma Pat, Uncle Don & Aunt JoAnn joined us. We went boating and Jack was all about going in the tube.

Jack was happy to roast a marshmellow for anyone that was hungry. (If you didn't mind it burnt).

They even had sparkelers left over from the 4th of July.

Heat Wave

Ahh Yes... The sun has been out in full force and so has the heat. This week we opened the pool and the boys wanted to go in, before I even vacuumed it. It is now all clean, but we will need a new pump and filter. I really hope the new system last longer than 3 years.

Yesterday, we enjoyed Higgins Lake by taking the boat out. Jack LOVED riding in the tube. I tried it too, but that is not for me. I am paying for it now with a sore back. Tyler went with Jack for a little bit, but once was enough for him too. Jack was trying to get a girls attention and his pick up line went like this:"I'm celery...tall, green and crunchy." All Ryan and I heard was the tall, green and crunchy...we laughed so hard.  Ryan will have to help Jack on being suttle to woo a girl. He is only 7 and is all about girls.

Al and Pat joined us for the afternoon and then we all went to Big Boy for ice cream. Jack had to get pancakes though.

Binder Park Zoo

The last week of summer vacation and we made it to the zoo. I was so excited to take the boys to Binder Park Zoo, so they could feed the giraffe. We took the tram over to the South Africa section and Jack had fun feeding the giraffe. Tyler waited a bit and when he finally tried to feed the giraffe, the giraffe licked him. Poor Tyler freaked out and was crying. The boys crouch down, so I can get the zebra in the background.

Trying to get the boys to look at me. It was strange, since there was hardly anyone else at the zoo, so early in the morning.

Tyler performing a drum solo, while we wait from the tram.

Tyler riding the carousel. All smiles.
Jack happy to be brushing the Pygmey goats. Tyler would not go in near them, after the giraffe experience.
Tyler's new favorite word is "Peacock". They were roaming free all over the zoo.
The boys spent a long time watching the turtles and cat fish swim. They even climbed up on this fake tortise.

We also went on a train ride.

They even had the wax molds of the animals. Maybe we will get them next time.

By 2:30, Tyler was asleep in his stroller, so it was time to drive back home. I asked Jack, what his favorite animal at the zoo was and he answered "the hamster".

Camping 2009

We finally got to go camping at South Higgins Lake this year. We only stayed 2 days, but the boys had a great time. We didn't even use the AC in the camper, but glad the heater worked. Jack got to cook his own hot dog over the campfire. He had fun burning marshmellows and yes, I did eat a s'more with one of them.

Tyler needed a nap after running around the playground with all the big kids.

Jack fishing. No worms required!

Jack feeding the geese. It was all fun until they started charging him and one nipped his finger. We also had a couple chipmunks at our site that decided our loaf of bread looked tasty and so did the jar of Jif. A racoon decided to tear up the trash in the middle of the night. Seagulls came swooping down in the water as Jack was throwing up his lego cars. Wildlife always a fun aspect of camping. Tyler waited the whole car ride to open his dart gun.

Grandma, Uncle Ben & Sara's Visit to Michigan

Last week Mom, Ben, and Sara came for their pure Michigan experience. Monday night, we visited the Isabella County Fair. The boys went on lots of rides and Uncle Ben won them a fish. The fished only lived for 4 days. Whoever guess we would have so many tears over a fish.

Tuesday, we drove to Frankenmuth for Zehnder's Chicken dinner. Ben & Sara really liked the pickles the best. They even ordered pickles with our ice cream the waiter asked Ben if he was pregnant. It was funny. Then we ventured to Bronner's, but the boys had their fill only after an hour.

Wednesday, Ryan took the day off from work, so we could take the boat out on Higgins Lake. We had the best weather and the water was so calm. We had a picnic in the boat and everyone went swimming. Jack, Ben, and Sara built a sand castle on the beach. We even got ice cream at the camp store. Ben, Sara and Tyler all took a nap on the way home.

Thursday, we had lunch at Big Boy, since they don't have them in WI. Played mini golf and took the kids to see the G-Force movie. Tyler only lasted 10 minutes after the previews. I'm so glad Jack was able to stay and watch the movie with Grandma, Uncle Ben and Sara. That night, Sara and Ben took Jack bowling.

We all had a great visit.

Slip n slide

Yesterday, the boys decided they were going to put the slip n slide together by themselves. They did all but one part and had a great time. Tyler prefers to use it as a drinking fountain. Jack thought the water was kind of cold the first time down. That didn't stop him from doing it again and again.

Later that night they tried to use the hard wood floor as a slip n slide, but of course Jack got hurt. I guess he won't do that again.