Ethan Sings...

Here is the video of Ethan singing I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe. This concert produced some happy tears by a boater who will remain anonymous. :)

Beach Day in Michigan

Our second and final day in Michigan we went to find the old lighthouse near Traverse City. The spot was so peaceful and I was really bummed that I didn't bring the 'good' camera. I guess that's more reason to go back again. What I didn't realize was we were too far away from Sleeping Bear Dunes, so before we drove home, we settled for a beach in a public park. I was bummed, but I don't think the kids minded. Give them sand and water and they could care less about anything else. They were happy! My parents skipped the beach for the wineries along the way...we didn't stop. Another reason to go back!!

Don't be alarmed! It was just his first attempt at walking in flippers!! :)

Weapons Dealer

I've said it before, but I'll say it again. BOYS ARE WEIRD! The other day, when I looked outside, I noticed Matthew had every weapon attached to him. I laughed right out loud, grabbed my camera and begged him for a couple pictures. After he agreed, I backed up and watched the boys play. What I came to realize was Matthew was the weapons dealer and Ethan was the buyer. One problem: Ethan had no money for Matthew and therefore couldn't get a weapon until he did a job for him. Look out Tony Soprano...this Italian kid is perfecting his craft! :)

Builders

My dad's cousins own Sky Blue Dreams in Wisconsin. They are trying to patent a Fairy/Gnome Dream House and sent a couple to the boys to try out. Ethan needed a little help to put the house together. Matthew had his done in a matter of minutes. Before I knew it, he had a whole village built around it. The LEGO community really enjoyed their new fortress! Thanks Jane!! Next up: Decorating their houses!! That should be fun!!! :) We will post pictures once we get them decorated!! :)

How does your garden grow??

I'm attempting a garden again this year. I got my plants in late, so I'm assuming I won't be able to reap the benefits until much later in the summer. As of right now I have a few LARGE habaneros, TONS of basil, some Roma tomatoes, and my favorite...RASPBERRIES!! I can't wait for the cucumbers and zucchini to grow!! Next up: CHICKENS. If I could only convince the village AND my hubby!! :)

Best Aunt Ever!

Eli got to spend the day with us a few weeks ago. While Ethan was at Critter Camp, we visited Great Grandma Jane, Nonny and even got a jump start on the barn at Randall Oaks. We got to play in the park, eat McDonalds, and swim in the waterslide. My kids LOVE having their cousins over, especially Eli! Eli may have whispered in my ear that I was the best aunt ever...but he made me promise not to tell! :) Here are some pictures of our day!

Eli LOVED sneaking behind Olivia to read her books!

Mason also came to play with the kids...and everyone got along really well!

Matthew Hulas...

Can you see the expression on his face? Smack dab in the middle of them all! After spending a few minutes here, Matthew really got the hang of the hula hoop and could do it for several minutes at a time. I really wished I would have video taped him more...

A Three Hour Tour

They did it!! My parents bought a boat...and it is SWEET!! Be prepared! This post is LOADED with pictures and if my blog page had more space, I'd add more. We had a wonderful day out on the chain! It was a gorgeous day and we couldn't have asked for a better maiden voyage! The start was tough {dead battery} but once we got away from the pier, LIFE WAS PERFECT! Matthew LOVED the speed and being in the water. Ethan just wanted to swim. He liked the tube, but only if it wasn't moving. We got to take out Blue Nanny and Old Papa, too! My cousin, Sarah {Hi, Sarah!} came all the way from Arizona to visit, too. Tim and the three little munchkins got a ride for a while. We had a full house!! I can't wait to spend my summers on the water...with Dad driving, of course. (I'll pay you to take me out, Dad...once I get a job!)

Enjoy the Dip Ship, Mom and Dad! You deserve the time to 'get away.'

Those kids look ready for a day of boating, don't they??

Blue Nanny's ex-teacher status had the kids engrossed in her story while we waited.

Bryan & Matthew

Ethan and Bryan

Eli and Tim

Sarah and I

The last picture is one of my favorites. Ethan knew he had a very attentive audience. He sang his little heart out to Blue Nanny and Old Papa. I'll post the video soon. It makes me so proud! Hearing that little voice belt out I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe has ensured me that my little boys really do love Jesus. :)