Florida Adventures - Day 2 - FISHING AT LAST

I don't know if everyone knows this or not but the one thing Logan talked and talked about before going on our trip was going fishing with grandpa. The second day was our fishing day. We left the house to head towards Marco Island to fish at around 9 a.m. Everyone tried a hand at fishing. The boys did like it. Eventually (because we weren't catching anything) the boys ended up swimming a little in the ocean. Kayla and I kept fishing. I did catch a fish and it was sooooooooooooooo big - just kidding it was a bait fish. The fish were biting but we weren't reeling them in fast enough. These are some of our photos.

Florida Adventures Day One

On our first day, Grandpa took us to a local park with playground equipment and a small lake. We played for a little while on the toys but were quickly ready to go swimming. Here's some photos of us in the lake. We then went back to Great Grandma's and Aunt Jo's for lunch and to wait out the daily afternoon showers. At that time we got to meet baby Cheyenne (our newest cousin) for the first time. She sure is a cutie! Then it was off to the ocean to collect some shells and to swim some more. Alex (suprisingly) even swam up to his chest in the water (some photos of that as well here). And back to the house for dinner with Grandma

First of the Florida Trip Blogs

Last week the kids and I (without Phil who was very much missed)set off to Florida to visit Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and new cousins. I had a suprisingly easy ride down - a mere 11 hours. The kids and I only stopped 3 times! They were such good travellers. We made it down just in time for dinner. We stayed with Grandma and Aunt Jo (and Pet, TJ and Charlie). It was lots of fun. I'll post some photos in the next few blogs detailing our daily adventures.

The Wait for Harry Potter Has Ended

Well the wait for Harry Potter book 7 and seeing the 5th movie has finally ended. Last night we all went to the local Barnes and Noble bookstore to partake in the Harry Potter activities while awaiting the arrival of the much anticipated book at 12:01 a.m. We had our fortunes read by Jenny Weasley, Kayla a photo with Harry Potter, we received glow in the dark Harry Potter glasses, and we had scars painted on our faces (except Kayla had a phoenix). The boys and I didn't stay until midnight (we're not that crazy) but Phil and Kayla waited out the time (and luckily Kayla saw some of her friends) to purchase two copies of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Phil and I are already on page 110 and we've already received shocking news. Don't worry I won't tell.

Then today (in two waves) we saw Harry Potter - The Order of the Phoenix on IMAX 3D. We thoroughly enjoyed it. However, for you true Harry Potter fans it is much much shorter than the the book (as book 5 was the longest of the 7 book series) but it was fast moving. If you enjoy Harry Potter I highly recommend seeing it at the IMAX in 3D. The movie does catch most of the highlights but does remove the day to day antics and some background. Kayla said this was her favorite movie so far. Now it just needs to come out on DVD. ;)

All Ants Need a Hole

Phil, Logan and Alex went on "bear hunt" last night on the walking path in the woods at the local park. They all had walking sticks in hands. Logan stopped periodically and made holes for the ants. He told Phil some ants don't have holes. So to all the homeless ants out there - Logan is busy making holes for your homes.

An Accident With Clean Up

Phil and the kids were getting ready to come meet last night to get the van fixed when a strange event occurred.

Logan and Kayla: Dad! Alex's pants are wet!
Phil: Alex, did you pee your pants?
Logan: No Dad he pooped his pants.
(Sound of Phil walking up the kitchen stairs.)
Phil: Alex did you poop your pants? Upstairs!
Alex: Daddy, I'm sorry.

Phil checks Alex's pants. They are indeed wet. But not poopy. Trying to be a big boy Alex took off the pants, rinsed them in the toilet and then put them back on soaking wet. Phil takes him to change his clothes and sees toilet paper all over the bathroom floor where Alex tried to wipe up the toilet water. There was no poop in his underwear. He was just trying to clean up.

Harry Potter Countdown

The Harry Potter countdown has begun in our house. We've first been waiting for Kayla to return so that we can go see Harry Potter 5 - Order of the Phoenix in IMAX. On Saturday we'll be able to finally see it! Then at 12:01 a.m. Saturday we'll be able to purchase (and begin reading) Harry Potter- The Deathly Hallows (see countdown at bottom of blog). We don't normally hang out at the bookstores for the books but this year we're going to partake in some of the festivities on Friday night at the Barnes and Noble. We're doing our best not to read any spoilers (so if you know of some don't tell us!). Although this will be a first for us - we'll be buying two copies of the book so Phil and I can read it at the same time. So we'll have an extra copy for those that need to borrow the book in the future.

Happy 3 3 Birthday Mike!

A conversation between Alex and Uncle Mike on Alex's birthday.

Alex: I'm three.

Mike: In 11 days I'll be three three.

Alex: You'll be the same age as me.

Happy 33rd (same as 3?) birthday Mike!

Where Is My Kayla and My Logan?

Alex to Phil: "Where is my Kayla and my Logan?"

Phil to Alex: "Logan is up in my room. Do you remember where Kayla is?"

Alex: "I looked everywhere for Logan he's lost. Kayla is lost."

Phil: "Kayla is in Michigan."

Alex: "Kayla is lost."

(I think Alex misses his big sister and is ready for her to come home. Only 3 more days.)

More Photos at Grandma and Grandpas

A few more photos of the fun at Grandma and Grandpas.

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa Fairman

On Thursday we were able to come visit Grandma and Grandpa Fairman. We enjoyed a nice Chinese buffet for lunch. We travelled around the Michigan campus and saw the changes. Then the kids enjoyed seeing a plane take off at the local airport and finally ended the day with smores.

Fun with Friends

On July 3rd we went into Jackson to spend some time with our good friends the Michaels. We had dinner and did our annual birthday celebration for the kids. After playing, eating and opening gifts we went and enjoyed the fireworks at the Cascades Park.

Swimming With Cousins

As part of our summer fun we swam in the little pool at Matt and Arricka's with our cousin.

Alex Turns 3!

We did some family celebration before leaving on our trip to Michigan. We all enjoyed an evening at Chuck E. Cheese's. But we didn't get to do a cake. We waited to celebrate with cake and ice cream for Alex's birthday until we were in Michigan since his acutal birthday is July 2nd. Here he is blowing out his candles.

Playing With Our Twin Cousins

On Sunday (the 1st) we got to spend some time with our cousins from the UP (which happen to be twins). Shane graciously agreed to hang with all four of us so our mom and dad could go to church - kid free. (Thanks Shane!) These are photos of us each being Batman (or Batgirl).

A little sleepy

At first Alex enjoyed listening to a movie via head phones but eventually sleep took over for both him and Mandy on the way up.

The Start of the Michigan Trip

Since we were on vacation to visit family in Michigan last week I didn't blog anything. I thought I'd blog about the trip now. These are photos from the Smokey Mountains. Traditionally we come up through the Smokey's on the way up so we can enjoy some different scenery instead of the plain old scenery from I-75. We also enjoy stopping to look out and stretch our legs. Here's some photos from the North Carolina/Tennessee state line and the kids (and Mandy) enjoying themselves.