Hope.

I love being surprised.  

I love getting unexpected, thoughtful mail.

A friend of a friend who has become my friend these past couple of years managed to do both of those things and completely make my day.  I love when the gestures of individuals completely blow you away and their thoughtfulness brings a positive feeling to the whole day. 
Your message did indeed fill me with hope and continues to do so every time I take a peek at your thoughtful gift.  Thank you.

Sneak Peek

 

I am so glad that my sister - Manda's Shots - does A's photographs.

Anthony has never been a sit down, pose, do this, do that kind of kid.

He's a boy.

He loves to be active.

She just let's him be.

They have fun, they laugh and through it all she gets fabulous shots.

I cannot wait to see the rest!

GR's Children's Museum

Being that we live 2 1/2 hours away I always love when I can get some auntie time in when we go up north.  Fortunately I was able to spend some time with my VIBs (very important boys) and give my sister some much needed down time.  Grand Rapids has a great little children's museum that always keeps Anthony entertained so we decided to spend our morning playing the hours away. They enjoyed being in every room with the water table (no surprise!), fireman and music room being absolute favorites.

 A #1 as the Tin Man

 A #2 as the Lion

(FYI: This would be another Anthony shot as I'm holding Ash up in the back!)

Fun, fun, fun was had by all until the evil chairs caused Ash to take a spill and then Anth fell not once, but twice.  Needless to say, after a long duration of playing we left the museum in tears.  Darn slippery floor and naught chairs!

Mr. & Mrs. Hummingbird

Meet the Hummingbird Whisperer

Okay. 

That might be a stretch.

It's really just my dad.

I've never been an avid bird watcher; however, it would be impossible not to enjoy the various birds that inhabit my parents backyard with their various feeders.  The hummingbird population seems to continue to grow each year to the point that mom and dad now have two feeders that they need to replenish everyday.  There are many times you can be sitting at the table and looking out to see both feeders full of birds enjoying the sugary substance.  It really is a beautiful sight to see.

Photographer?

While at grammie's house Anth wanted to use my camera to capture some pictures too.  I think we have a budding photographer on our hands!

Birthday Party #1

It was decided that this year Anthony would have two birthday parties to celebrate turning FIVE.  The first one was up north with family.  Unfortunately, Grammie Kathy had foot surgery and was unable to leave the house.  So A and I went to visit her and open his gift before the party.

Later on we met the rest of our family at Sammy's Pizza, which has become A's favorite restaurant.  It was a laid back, fun night of pizza, gifts, cake and conversation.  (Unfortunately, all of my camera batteries died so there are few pictures that captured the evening.)

After the pizza came the best part that A was so looking forward to.  Along with Uncle Damon, Auntie Manda and Asher we went to the Demolition Derbies at the fairground.  Anthony thoroughly enjoyed watching the cars smash up and picking which car would make it to the very end. 

Itasca County Fair

 

In August Anthony and I went up north for a long weekend (daddy joined us after work on Friday) so that we could spend an entire day with the Arlts at their house and at the fair.  It was a great day with the only downfall being that the Paulsruds weren't able to join us for the fair this year.  (I missed you, Mol!)  Even though Anth was super tired he enjoyed going on multiple rides (got to take advantage of grammie buying a wrist band!) and spending time with his two up north pals.  It was great to spend time with Rach and the kids as well as have a surprise run in with the Davis family too!