Fun in St. Joe

The day before Eli's birthday we headed to St. Joe, Michigan with the Goods and Erin Schrock. We had fun checking out the farmer's market that was going on...even got to buy some delicious pizza crusts! Eli & Cole got to play the violin for the first time! The boys enjoyed looking for the painted dogs around town while we did a little shopping. We had a nice lunch at Clementine's and then headed back into town. After all the walking, we rented a bicycle that seats 8 and headed down to Silver Beach. Eli enjoyed his ride on the carousel, which is always one of his favorite things to do. After riding (& pushing) the bike back, our last stop was at Kilwin's for ice cream...Yum! It was such a fun day!

Tundra Water Park

On the week before Eli's Birthday we headed to Green Bay, WI to have some fun at the Tundra Lodge. It has a large indoor water park! Scott had to go to Green Bay for a meeting so we made a family trip out of it. Eli really enjoys anything that has to do with water! He had a blast swimming and jumping around while Jayce enjoyed splashing in the baby pool! Eli's favorite was by far the water slides. I think he went on them over 10 times! He has NO fear!!!! (Check out the video below...if you dare!)

It was a great little get-away and a fun way to start off Eli's Birthday week!

Our 4 Year Old Boy

I can't believe that Eli is now 4 years old! These past 4 years have been so special to us! I just recently had a baby resale/garage sale and while going through all of the baby clothes I couldn't help but cry remembering all the fun memories we've had. From the very first moment I held Eli in my arms I felt this great overwhelming love. I never knew I could feel that way. We are so blessed to have him for a son! He is such a sweet, fun boy and great big brother to Jayce.

Some things that Eli likes to do: play with cars, sing & dance, play games, ride his Gator, help Daddy in the yard, help cook, play with his brother (he can make Jayce laugh louder then anyone!), watch movies, listen to Mommy & Daddy read books, swim or play in water (loves bath time), make up stories (mainly about his stuffed dog, Coupon), rhyme words, make forts, play with Legos, go to preschool, play with his friends, tell jokes and many, many other things.

Mommy & Daddy (and Jayce) love you, Eli!!!! Happy Birthday sweet boy!

1 week old

1st Birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

Smiles & Giggles at 9 months

Jayce is 9 months old now! Can't believe it!!!! He's so much fun, smiling & giggling all the time. He's not crawling yet, but can sure get around by rolling and scooting his body....and he moves fast! He does get up on all fours, so I don't think crawling will be too far away. He's finally sleeping through the night....well, some nights he wakes once, but will go back to sleep pretty well. He's eating solid foods now and some of his favorites are veggies (sweet potatoes, green beans, peas and carrots), scrambled eggs, rice, mashed black beans and bananas. I have not found a fruit (Gerber foods) that he likes....he doesn't even like their bananas. He only has his 2 bottom teeth, but the top 2 are breaking through....everything is going right to his mouth. Jayce loves music and will usually try to sing with the songs or he will just sit and listen quietly (music is a great way to calm him down when he's upset). Bath time is one of his favorite times of the day. He enjoys splashing in the water and playing with his toys. He usually takes about 2 naps a day and bedtime normally happens between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. Jayce LOVES his big brother! When Eli walks into the room his eyes light up. He watches every move Eli makes and listens intently to him. And no one can make him laugh like Eli...love it!!!

Go Indians!!!

Eli just finished up his season of T-Ball. His team, the Indians, were so fun to watch. Most of the kids really got into it! Eli enjoyed hitting the ball and running the bases, but didn't really like staying on the field to catch the ball. I think he just got too hot and a little bored just standing there. Overall, it was a fun sport for him....I think we have a natural! Maybe in another year or two he'll really get into it more.

Playing catch with Blake

Hitting the ball

Jayce enjoyed going to the games, too.

Splish Splash!

Eli took swimming lessons again this summer from Keri Shepard's Swimming School. He was in a group of 3 (He loved that he was with 2 girls!) with one instructor. Eli really learned a lot this year! He has no problem going under the water anymore or even jumping off the side of the pool! He floated on his back (with help) and even jumped off the diving board!!!!! We're so proud of him! It won't be long until he's swimming all by himself!