First Time in the Kiddie Pool

On July 5, 2009, Jonas went in the kiddie pool in our back yard for the first time. He thought it was way too cold. Jon went in with the kids and slowly eased Jonas into it. By the end of the experience, Jonas was having a great time :)

4th of July

We celebrated the 4th with the Lentzs, Smiths and my mom. Jon bought a fire pit and fireworks for the occasion. It was a lot of fun! The girls loved making smores and seeing the fireworks. We loved being with family. Now, Sara likes to do smores as much as possible, which for her basically means eating lots of marshmallows :)

Lemonade Stand

Sara had her very first Lemonade stand while we were having our garage sale. Her friend, Anna Grace, did it with her. They were so cute selling lemonade. Sara would go up to people and ask them if they wanted any lemonade (she's great at sales :). I think they made more money than I did :) By the end, Sara had mastered lifting a gallon pitcher and pouring it into a cup. They may have drunk as much as they sold :)

Visit to G.R.

The kids and I went to see my college roomies that still live in GR. We had a great time hanging out. We were going to go to the beach, but it was too cold, so we went to this great park instead. We were able to go to Alicia's pool one day. Sara loved it and Jonas refused to go in - it was too cold. Sara LOVES Alicia and Mike's dog Wilco. It was like there was a kid there to play with. Jonas went up the stairs by himself for the first time while at their house. Julie and Amanda came and hung out with us and Mike was an all star and stayed with the kids one night so the four of us could go spend some time together. I feel so blessed to have these three in my life. I'm so glad we've stayed connected through the years, and that our kids get to know them too.

Little Things

Yesterday, the kids and I had a relaxing day. We went to Wilson Park early in the morning, after stopping to buy donuts and coffee :) We sat in the park and ate our donuts while watching the geese wake up. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Sara and Jonas just sat there taking in all the beauty and life of the park. We watched as the baby geese and parents walked around eating, and then we watched as they took their swim. In moments like these, I find myself wishing I had a bottle I could put these memories in, so that they will stay fresh and I can take them out and remember each and every second. I know parts of the memories will stay. I am so happy for the moments I do have, and for the times we slow down enough to notice the beauty of the world God has made all around us.

Milan Fair

We went to the Milan fair with Bethany, Andrew and Grace. Sara and Andrew had a great time riding rides together. Sara always wanted Andrew to sit by her on the rides. On the airplane ride Andrew had gotten on a different airplane. Sara got the attention of the man running the ride and told him she couldn't ride without Andrew. He kindly let me get Andrew and put him in the plane with Sara. After the rides, we went and got some ice cream. We are so thankful for such great friends!

Cousin Kelsey

Over Memorial Day weekend, Aunt Anne, Uncle Nate and Kelsey came to visit the family in MI. We were able to see them a few days out of the weekend. Sara loved playing with Kelsey. Sara was very excited to teach Kelsey everything she knows. It was fun to watch Sara and Kelsey together. Soon, Jonas will be more a part of the action, for now he is content to do his own thing. They all loved playing with the water table Jonas and Sara received as a birthday present :)