Michigan Vacation (or was it?)

As some of you heard, our trip to Michigan this year didn't exactly go as planned. An unexpected run-in with some bats our first night cut our trip at the chalet very short. We searched and searched for another place that would accommodate not only the three of us, but Jake and Lexi as well. Thankfully, we found Crystal Mountain Resort, and they had availability for 2 nights for us. I had been to Crystal Mountain once before in high school (skiing with the Vankers--such fun memories!We made the trip down there and had a great time. The entire resort was very kid-friendly, and we were able to recover some sanity, and some much needed family time together. We will definitely go back again for a summer trip--they had a great kids' activity pool, a huge sand area, and lots of activities for kids too. It was a great find!

The pool was zero entry so Andrew could walk in on his own--it was perfect!

Drawing letters in the sand... I love letters!

Ice cream is my favorite!

They even had a build a buddy workshop, and I made my own "Big Giraffe"!

Telling Mommy and Daddy stories about our vacation over dinner...

Funny Pre-Vacation Pictures

All these pictures were taken on the day before we left for our Michigan vacation. I was in the middle of packing, and Andrew decided to try on some of his vacation apparel.

Ready for the beach in my shades, hat and crocs!

I love his expression in this one...

Later that night in the bath. We tried to give him a mohawk, but it turned into a Dr. Seuss looking style!

Picture with Mommy

No story here, just a sweet picture of Andrew and me that I wanted to share! He is such a sweet boy, and still loves to give lots of snuggles. Words cannot express my love for this sweet boy!

Zoo Day with Alex

Yesterday we went to the zoo with one of Andrew's best friends, Alex. I think its safe to say Andrew even has a little crush on her. They were so adorable all morning--holding hands, and giving each other kisses. Oh, and we did see some animals too! ;-)

Looking at the monkeys!

Aww... Holding hands by the giraffes.

Sweet kisses...

You have to be quick with the camera these days if you want a picture of Andrew looking at you!

All smiles... I love the zoo!!!

Pink Shirt Dress-Up

Those who know Andrew also know that his favorite color is pink. One morning as Josh was getting dressed, Andrew spotted a pink shirt in our closet. He insisted we put in on over his pajamas...

I love Daddy's pink shirt.

Running as Daddy was trying to tickle me!

Franklin on the Fourth Festival

We headed to downtown Franklin with Lindsay and Stefan, for the 4th of July Festival. We enjoyed some yummy snacks, walked around, and also saw some farm animals that a local farm had brought to the festival. Andrew had a great time!

Enjoying a lollipop on the steps up the monument on the circle.

They even had shaved ice--a favorite of ours from our honeymoon in Hawaii!

This was Andrew's first taste, and he loved it!

Our 6th attempt at a family photo--Andrew thinks its funny to not sit in front of the camera these days...

Andrew loves his "Zee Zee and Saucy"!

Swinging in the air... Auntie Lindsay and Uncle Stefan are so much fun!

Lily Catherine's 3rd Birthday

Wow--can our little niece already be 3? Lily Catherine had her birthday party at Monkey Treehouse this year, and all the kids had a blast. Andrew loved playing in the rubber mulch pit, and with all the food at the grocery store. What a fun place for kids to play!

Playing in the rubber mulch with Daddy...

And at the Lego boards...

Waiting in a surprisingly patient way for cake!

Our two beautiful, sweet nieces Lily Catherine and Charlotte.

Lily Catherine blowing out her candles on the great Monkey cake that my sister-in-law made. Andrew yelled, "She did it!"