Swing Set, Swimming & Fair

Here are pictures of the kids new swing set. Todd and my Dad worked on it for hours and hours.and hours.and hours.and hours. But the kids love it, so it was so worth it...right guys? Alyssa is a swing lover, while Aiden is a fan of the tunnel. We (and in we I mean Todd :) still have to water seal it but then it will be completely done...except for whatever we decide to do under it...replant some grass or cut it out and put rock or mulch? Still thinking on that part. Alyssa has been in swim lessons this week and goes next week as well. She loves the water and enjoys the lessons. The teachers are fun and she is learning how to do lots of different water animals. A few mornings were downright cold, but we all know that doesn't bother her one bit. And lastly the fair...we went last night and Alyssa rode one ride with (her pick) Uncle Todd. We went through the barns where Aiden did not care for the animals looking at him and of course ended the evening with a funnel cake and an elephant ear! On to pictures:

Uncle Todd and Daddy pushing on swings.

Aiden in the tunnel.

Alyssa climbing the rock wall. Check out the rain boots, she dresses herself :)

Floating like a starfish.

Aiden watching swim lessons.

Alyssa with Uncle Todd on the "Dragon coaster".

Aiden watching the roller coaster.

Don't you love how I always snap a pic of poor Aiden strapped in the stroller? Don't worry he was in heaven once the funnel cake was ordered! Which by the way the family is perfectly split on now. Aiden & I love funnel cakes and Alyssa & Todd love elephant ears :)

West Beach

We went to West Beach on Friday with my parents and had a great time. When we first got there it was sunny and warm, but then the sun went away and it got quite chilly. Really, it's the middle of July, I should not need a sweatshirt on the beach. Oh well, the weather didn't bother the kids at all. All Alyssa wanted to do was swim, which she did manage to get soaked in the frigid Lake Michigan waters from head to toe and she did not complain about the cold once. Aiden on the other hand was unsure of the entire situation. First he wouldn't even step in the sand and when he finally did he would not sit down. He walked out to the water, kind of, until Todd picked him up and carried him but one splash from a wave sent him crying to go back on the blankets. Where he found food with Maw Maw and Paw Paw. He was pretty much content sitting still and eating snacks all day. This was a huge bonus for me...it is the first time since he took his first step that I didn't have to chase him all over for hours!! He did eventually get in the sand and play a bit. I think it was when he saw me bury Alyssa and found a prime opportunity to torment her :) Overall it was a really fun day and we are already looking for another (hopefully warmer) day to go back. So here is a slide show of our day:

My 100th Post

I am not sure if it means anything, but this is my 100th post and I think at least 3 people read my blog so I will keep going ;-)

Summer is chugging right along at lightning speed and we are having a blast! Although some days you would think we are already experiencing fall with the cooler temps...I don't like this as I am a summer person! We had a great 3rd of July party at my parent's house and spent the 4th sleeping the rainy day away, I don't know the last time I took an afternoon nap! Todd turned 36 on July 7th and the two of us went out to dinner thanks to my wonderful parents who watched our kiddos :)
Alyssa is enjoying her ballet classes and will start swim lessons for 2 weeks on Monday. She loves to be outside and is super excited about her new swing set Daddy just finished building (those pics later). Aiden is talking up a storm. I can not believe all the words he can say and that he speaks sentences. He will actually answer my questions and tell me things he wants...I love it! He finally warmed up to the kiddie pools and likes to crawl in the new tunnel part of the swing set. Okay, so here are some pictures. Sorry there are a lot!

3rd of July parade

Emma, Jakob & Alyssa

Aiden & Uncle Troy, these two definitely have a special bond, Aiden loves him!

Alyssa & Uncle Todd, she has a special bond with this Uncle and whenever he is around you will find her right by him (not necessarily good)...kidding, kind of.

Aiden playing washers with Trevor & Uncle Troy.

Alyssa, Emma & Uncle Troy.

Alyssa, Emma & Sydney.

Aiden not interested in the slip n slide.

Enjoys water balloons though, as long as he is throwing them.

Water balloon fight!

Aiden & Uncle Troy again.

Great Grandpa and Aiden.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Swimming out back.

Uncle Todd playing on the Barbie laptop as Alyssa plays on his iPod touch. He is babysitting while Todd and I are at our couples Bible study. Mom & Dad come too, but like I said you will find her by Uncle Todd.

There's an end to my exciting 100th post :)