Stokes Bass

Melt my heart (and ovaries)

I could not get there fast enough! What a sweet boy. I have been anxiously awaiting his arrival.

I just have to brag that I gave him this cute little gown!

Last night, one of my very best friends Brittany had her new little boy, Stokes. I went by today to love on him, and he is just perfect. Welcome to the world Stokes, you have such a wonderful family! We are blessed to be able to watch you grow and love you.

Techies

Harrison enthralled in his game of Angry Birds

Lillian with her (upside down) headphones listening to a Grover book on the iPad

My daddy did my hair, please don't laugh...

One morning last week I was trying to get the kids ready for the science museum and they were both too involved with their "technology" to be bothered. Crazy that my kids use the iPad more than me. The times are a changin'

What's for dinner?

Tonight I made paprika steaks with tomato gravy, mashed potatoes and arugula salad. It was delicious. Joe really liked it as well, so it will be added to the recipe rotation. Cube steak, monterey jack cheese, fresh tomatoes, fresh sage, garlic, olive oil, red wine...need I say more? oh, and the house smells incredible! Date nights at home are sometimes the best, especially on a rainy night.

Michigan part 2

Lee with sweet Miles

Self portraits with Jack and Beckett

Lillian liked Miles as long as her mommy was not holding him.

The Bike Crew

Playing Dress Up

Grandma after she told the kids they were going to see Cars 2-they were very excited!

The beautiful moon out my window

We packed all of 8 of us in the van to go to Meijer Gardens. It went surprisingly well. Lee is a trooper!

Lillian and Grandma feeding the birds. Lillian would even touch the squirming worms. Eeewww.

Watering all the pretty flowers.

Mowing with Grandpa

Harrison decorated Joe's birthday cake all my himself. It was quite crunchy.

The party-straight out of the pages of Better Homes and Gardens

Joe and Jason

When we were outside several hot air balloons flew over the house. They were just spectacular

Jason and Stacy

Make a wish!

Getting ready to sleep in the tent

Joe's birthday breakfast before we headed back to Raleigh

This is a pic of Harrison still awake at MIDNIGHT. It was a loooong drive home to say the least.

Lillian is a big fan of Cracker Barrel. Candy, rocking chairs, rolls, checkers, the list goes on and on...

After about 10 days up north, we headed back down to Howell to stay with Joe's parents. We had lots of fun cousin time, and then Joe flew back up for his birthday celebration. Lee's yard is just beautiful and she has a serious green thumb. At night we slept with the windows open and I loved listening to all the crickets and frogs. It was a fabulous trip, and the kids just love being there. Yummy food, wonderful hopsitality, laughter galore, naps on the porch, and family memories that will last a lifetime.

Up North

On our way to Gaylord, we spent the night in Howell so we could surprise Jack on his birthday morning. The look on his face was great when we all rang the doorbell.

The Wooden Skate estate jeweler where Joe and I bought our wedding rings.

We had not been at the cottage ten minutes before HLP was kayaking.

Lillian wanted to be on the water as well.

Fishing with Uncle James

Boat ride with Gramps

S'Mores

Night diving into the lake. Harrison was loving this.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Harrison would Kayak out, dive into the water and then get himself back in the kayak. When his paddle floated away he held the kayak with one hand and got the paddle with the other. Pretty impressive coordination for a little kid.

Fishin'

Both kids wanted to ride the jet skis non-stop

Charlevoix

Famous Michigan Ice Cream

Happy 4th of July

Me and Jen

We let the kids play at the water park. Tony's company just built it and it was a great activity while we caught up.

Lilah and Lillian

Bella and Harrison

Joe and Tony

Beautiful Petunias

Lillian took most of her naps on the go. Good thing both kids did great just going with the flow on this trip. Up until 10:30 at night, napping randomly, eating lots of sugar=awesome vacation!

On the drive over to Charlevoix, Joe and I really loved all the beautiful farms.

Napping on Daddy

At night we would go on family boat rides and enjoy the calm water

Time for tubing

This cracked me up, Lillian sleeping with her hand in her pants.

playing around

Joe and Harrison slept in the tent overnight. Harrison did not complain at all.

Mackinac Island

Sanders Fudge

Lillian talked non-stop about the "hoosies." She smiled the entire horse ride

Even the trash cans were covered in flowers

Harrison cuddling his sissy before bed

Driving the boat with Gram

Big Lake fun. The kids would play with each other in the water for hours. I just relished the sound of them laughing and playing together.

Harrison jumping from the dock to the float for the 137th time. He was one active dude.