trip to Michigan

We took our trip to Michigan a little early this year so we could see Uncle Kevin, who was on leave after his 2nd tour in Iraq with the Marines. We flew to Grand Rapids, spent a day with all the cousins, and then embarked on a 7 hr car ride to the Upper Penninsula. Ross's parents have a cabin in Grand Marais (on Lake Superior), and Ross spent his summers there fishing, hiking, & hunting as a teen. We spent 4 days in the COLD! It was in the 40's at night and 55-70 during the day. Coming from 95 degree Houston, we were happy for some chilly weather and the chance to wear our fleeces again! The mosquitos & bugs were ENORMOUS and plentiful, so we won't be going back in early spring again. DEET and a bug fogger didn't keep them away from us, and Alex has a nice bug bite under the eye that looks like a black eye. The boys enjoyed hiking to waterfalls, throwing rocks into the ice cold Lake Superior, deer hunting (meaning we drive around in the car looking for deer off the side of the road), talking to deer ("Hello Mr. Deer! Would you like to be our pet?"), roasting marshmallows for smores, and hanging out with family. Back in Grand Rapids, we spent some more time with cousins and enjoyed the 75 degree weather by checking out the local parks. The plane trip was uneventful, however, both boys were afraid of taking off and kept shouting out, "The plane is going to flip over!" or, "I'm scared, I'm scared, I'm scared!" Do they make Zanax for kids?? :) All in all, it was a good trip, and while we are missing the scenic landscape and cooler temps, we are all happy to be home, in our own beds and with our own toys.....

a stop at the bear ranch, where they house rescued bears (notice the 2 cubs by Ross):holding our newest baby cousin and asking why WE can't have a new baby in OUR house:a view of Lake Superior with Grandpa:a family picture at the local park (the 1st time we've all been together in YEARS):

family reunion

Ok. So it's not quite a full family reunion, but we got to see some of the Marshalls at cousin Robin's wedding this weekend. We drove ourselves up to Fort Worth, and the boys were thrilled to see the indoor pool at the hotel! They sat quietly thru the ceremony and behaved themselves at the reception. Andrew even danced a few dances with me! Their favorite part? Hanging out with Grandpa Marshall. :)

Daddy & Andrew being silly with the crinkled paper in our favor boxes:Grandpa & boys (Alex eating his ever nutritious pop tart):A full family picture! It's been awhile since we've taken one of these!

black eye

You know it's not a good thing when the school nurse calls to warn you that your child is coming home with a black eye. Thankfully, it was due to a dry erase board gone wild and not a fist. Andrew thinks he is uber-cool now that his entire eye has gone from purple to green to yellow. He keeps asking everyone, "Have you seen my black eye?" like he's done something amazing. Boys!
(not super noticeable on screen, but it's there!)

birthday boy

Alex turned 5 today...where did the time go? Just yesterday he was 4 lb. 13 oz. and freaking us out with all his medical issues! Now, he's a big, healthy boy like his brother, who he worships! He wants to watch Star Wars and High School Musical. He wants to build Lego Star Wars ships and Spongebob buildings. He bounces like a maniac on the trampoline and is JUST learning how to swim (with much fear and anxiety)! For all his attitude and drama, he is a mama's boy at heart and with snuggle like no other! Love you, sweet boy!

Alex Jacob--one week old

Celebrating in his underwear (post sprinklers) with his Star Wars cookie cake!
Darth Vader 1 and Darth Vader 2:Showing off his new ipod; proud that he doesn't have to borrow Andrew's anymore!