Jack's Kid Party

Yesterday, we celebrated Jack's 7th birthday with four of his friends; Andrew, Jordan, Connor, and Taylor. We rented a bounce house and they all had a blast. Ryan and Tyler got in on the action too. I even got in before all the kids got there. The boys found frogs in the mud, but I had them let them go. I don't think any of the parents wanted a pet frog as a party favor. Then we gathered up the boys and headed to the garage for a Optimus Prime Pinata. I'm glad it held together as long as it did. Everyone got plenty of hits in. They all scrambled to get the candy. Then into the house for cake, ice cream and present. I'm thankful Grandma Pat was able to help with the party. The boys finally got to see Grandpa, since he had his cancer treatment. Lots of fun memories.

First Day of School

Today was Jack's first day of first grade. Everyone must have been excited, since we were all awake early. It was so nice, we ate breakfast together and had time for a few pictures. No tears from Jack, but Tyler did. I don't know, but it may have been, because Jack told him he couldn't go to school. We all took Jack to school. We wanted to watch him a bit, but he was watching us. We drove around the parking and came back to see that he was on the play structure.

Tyler cried a few times and at one point said, "I want my Jack back". So cute, he missed his big brother. It was nice to start with a half day. Tyler was my shadow most of the morning and we went to the park before we picked up Jack. After we picked Jack up from school, we picked up Wendy's for lunch.

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".

Tyler's first trip to the Dentist

Yesterday was Ila's last day of being a Dental Hygenist. We all were due for a cleaning, so it was fun being her last patients. Jack was the first one in the chair, of course. He loves to get his teeth cleaned. Yeah, still no cavaties.

The boys sharing germs. Tyler having some fun and relaxing, but he cried when I got in the chair.

The boys, loved helping Grandma with the water pik and extractor.

Tyler making sure, I don't drown. He may have a future in dentistry.

Finally, Tyler sits in the chair long enough for me to snap his picture. Better luck next time trying to get his teeth cleaned.
Ryan was last and I took the boys out to the car, so they didn't try to assist in Dad's cleaning.

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.