Butterflies!

Saturday morning after a leisurely breakfast we hopped in the car and went to see the butterfly exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens. Luckily we got there before the very popular exhibit was too busy (it was absolutely packed by the time we left) and the morning was sunny so the butterflies were really active. Nathan had a ball looking at the butterflies, the waterfall and the other kids. He was feeling very independent and wanted to walk almost the entire time. After we saw the butterflies we went outside and spent some time in the really amazing children's garden. There is so much stuff to do there, especially once it gets warmer and he can play in the fountains. I am sure we'll be returning this summer.

Walking in to the facility with Grandma and Grandpa; such a big boy!




Grandma, are you sure there are butterflies here?


Oh, look, I see one!

Great photo of all three of them--too bad the photographer didn't completely focus before pushing the shutter!

Dad and I spent a lot of time looking like this while Grandma and Nathan wandered around. In addition to the butterflies, there are so many cool and interesting plants that are irresistible to those of us with cameras!

Making sure Grandpa is paying attention to the butterflies N spotted.

Nathan thought the bridges, and the water flowing beneath them were very entertaining. It's a miracle that it didn't occur to him to try to get IN the water!

Nathan was quite taken with the little girl walking toward him in this picture. He's such a flirt!

On the run, exploring the children's garden.

Reluctantly holding still for a photo op with Mommy.

Ooh, Cheerios! Those are worth sitting still for.

Me and my sweet boy.

A rare moment of confinement in the stroller.

Easter Basket from Grandma and Grandpa

Friday night Nathan and I went up to Ada to spend the night with Grandpa John and Grandma Gail. Grandma's been in Cincinnati for work for the last month, so it was really fun to see them and they were very excited to see Nathan's walking skills in person.

Telling Grandpa about all the cool stuff in the backyard.


Checking out his Easter basket--summer toys!


He loved the pinwheel.


What else is in here?

Visit from Ryan, Anne and George

On Friday afternoon Todd, Nathan and I were all lucky enough to be home from work and school early. Aside from that being lovely in and of itself, it also meant that we were able to spend some time with Ryan, Anne and George. Todd put a new starter in Ryan's car, and while they were working on that, Anne and I got to chat and hang out with the little boys. Nathan decided that he was going to display his full spectrum of newly acquired toddler antics, which meant that his mommy did not get much time for taking photos or snuggling baby George! Ah well, that's part of the whole motherhood gig I suppose. I really enjoyed talking with Anne though, and I'm so glad that she and George are part of our lives--thank you, Ryan!

Isn't George such a cutie?

First Tractor Ride and Other Signs of Spring

Today was an absolutely glorious day, weather-wise. It was 80 degrees and sunny in Michigan on April 1st! And no, that isn't an April Fool's joke! :)

Nancy and Nathan spent the day together, and much of it was spent playing outside. They loaded and unloaded sticks from a box, ate lunch al fresco, and explored every inch of the deck.

When Todd and I got home this evening, we spent more time outside. Todd got the lawn tractor started for the first time this season, and as soon as he laid eyes on it, Nathan had to go for a ride! He had so much fun cruising around the yard, "steering" and pushing all the levers. I have a feeling that Todd is going to have a regular copilot when he mows the lawn this summer!

Baby on the move! I love that his little legs and arms are bare!


Trying to convince me that it is time for a bath. I eventually convinced him that he had more work to do getting dirty!


Tractor time!














Deuce was happy to be outside, but a little nervous that the scary tractor came out of its winter hibernation.


Leaves! Grass! Spring!

Easter Basket

Several weeks ago, I received the Pottery Barn Kids catalog. I am not sure how I got on their mailing list, but it is almost torture to look at because I love almost everything in there, and can afford not one single thing! What caught my eye most in the latest issue was the adorable display of Easter baskets! I really liked the one, below, with the green and blue plaid. However, I was not about to spend $50 on an Easter basket. Not only is that not in my budget, but it seems like an awful lot of moola to be laying out for a basket that's used once a year.

So last week while doing some organizing, I happened upon a basket I already owned that was pretty darn cute and already in my house. I mulled this over for a bit, and then realized that I had some really cute Amy Butler fabric in my stash that had a little boy's Easter-y feel to it. So tonight I got out my sewing stuff and made a liner out of fabric I had on hand for the basket I had on hand. I think it turned out pretty darn cute! And the price was right. :)

My inspiration image (the one I liked the best was the green/blue plaid that's on the stool):


My version:

Pre-bathtime project

Bathtime is one of Nathan's favorite activities, but last night he had to make sure that the high chair straps were buckled before he could go splash in the tub! :)

Bubble video

Nathan really loves bubbles. In fact, unless we are prepared to blow bubbles or deal with a tantrum, we have to keep the container hidden! Yesterday evening we had some "bubble time" that inspired shrieks of joy from N. He also knows the sign for "more" and although he usually uses it to ask for more food, he applied it in a new situation--requesting more bubbles! :)



PS--What do you think of the new blog layout?