RIP Sophie

The plastic giraffe, Sophie, met a tragic death when Fisher chucked her off a third floor balcony onto the sidewalk below. A small girl quickly picked Sophie up off the sidewalk and adopted her as her own. It's a good day when blue skies rain toys.

This was Fisher's favorite. Do I order him another one or let this be his first lesson in the school of hard knocks?

So it begins

I knew it was too quiet in Fishy's bedroom. . . My days of care free independent play while I make dinner are over.

Beach Baby

North Shore Beach 6/16/12

Party Central

Between now and June 30th we have 12 out of state visitors. I kind of love that.

Visitor #1- Marisa visiting from Denver. I'm not sure who was more excited Fisher or me. From the below pic I think it might have been the little man.

We need a bigger guest room!

Fisher and one of my favs, Marisa!

Baby in the Bar

I was kicked out of the bar Sunday night.

I can't believe I made it 30 years and through college without checking this milestone off my bucket list.  But here I am 3 months from turning 30 and a bar reject.

It all began on an innocent Sunday afternoon.  We were in Kalamazoo for Nick's cousin Ariel's graduation from Kalamazoo College.

Here is a picture of the proud graduate and her 2nd cousin, sporting a K College shirt handcrafted by his mother.  He is incredibly embarrassed by his mom's outfit choice, you can tell.  Sorry Fisher I can't promise this is the last arts and crafts shirt you will wear in your lifetime.

Ariel quite trendy in her chambray and Fisher

Grandma Barbara, Aunt Susan, Jann & Fisher

Post graduation party we thought we would swing by the Bell's Brewery for a drink.  Bells is the holy grail of Michigan Micro Brews.  Needless to say Nick was pumped.

HE EVEN REQUESTED I take the below photo.  He has requested I take a photo of him twice in his life . . . I don't remember the other time.

Nick and baby about to enter the bar

We sat down with anticipation of some fresh Oberon when the bar tender requested we leave.  The below pictured patron was passed out and the bartender couldn't risk serving him any beer.

I guess I knew babies and bars don't mix, I've seen Sweet Home Alabama several times.  It was still brutal to have this forcibly pointed out to us.  In three months when I am actually 30 I will stop doing immature things like bringing my baby to a bar past 8PM, I will just drink my beer wine at home.

Or not.

June Catch Up

The blog is shamefully behind.  This stresses me out until I remember summer in Michigan is short.  Its better enjoy real life friends at a BBQ than writing about said BBQ on the blog.

I should have known June was going to be a stellar month when it began with a visit from Alison & Adam from Seattle.  Funny these pictures are only a few weeks old and Fisher is noticeably bigger, stronger and more mobile.  He seems to change every day.

Here are the highlights in photos:

Three of my favorite things:  A bin, My baby (notice I did not say "a"), My sister

Fishy enjoying the company of his aunt.

Fisher snacking on some flowers, his favorite treat.  Thanks mom for help planting my pots!  I hope my gardening gene appears sometime soon.

Master chef Adam grilling us a delicious steak

Fishy quite liked the boat- thankful that early indications point to a nautical man

Fisher & Dad driving the boat in Spring Lake

Fisher is quite interested in everything we do these days, someone should tell him staring is rude.

Ali & Adam relaxing at the end of the Grand Haven pier

So excited to be 1.) out past bedtime 2.) with his aunt

Sadly this is the final shot I have of this hat, it blew into the lake shortly thereafter.

The gang

Adam and Nick enjoy an ice cream cone at one of the MANY establishments along the board walk.  Fisher and I like to sit here and watch the boats go by during the day.  You can see the lighthouse in the far left.

We began our weekend tasting a variety of ribs at the VFW rib fest

Thanks Alison and Adam for visiting, we loved having you.  Although it always makes me sad to see you go.  We live too far apart.

Grandparent Overload

All the grandparents descended on Longlake for a weekend of golf. Fisher didn't get any attention at all.

From Left to Right:  Horacio & Jann, Fisher, Weze & Rick

Memorial Day 2012

While attending the Grand Haven Memorial Day parade, my brother in law, Adam took in the scene with the observation that this was the "real" America.  When foreigners think of the USA I imagine they think of Hollywood or NYC, and assume everyone has guns, well in Texas a lot of very normal people do own a gun.   But in reality from Maine to Arizona this country is littered with small dots on a map, where people still keep their doors unlocked and know their neighbors first name.  It's these small towns that send their sons and daughters in disproportionate numbers to fight for our country, to protect our way of life in New York City and the many towns like Grand Haven, Michigan we call home.  The parade and service even included a flyover by a small group of antique planes.  Not sure you really want to use the word "antique" in association with "plane". . .

Thanks to all of our troops past and present who have served this country bravely!

Main Street Grand Haven, primed for a parade

Fisher and I sported Red, White and Blue

Troops fight for our right to take our coffee to go and drink on the street, much to the disgust of the rest of the world

Animal Infestation

 I forgot midwestern backyards are a summer camp for living creatures.  So far this year we have had intimate interactions with a:

1.)  Baby squirrel
2.)  Mystery animal that ate all my flowers (rabbit?)
3.)  Tick I pulled from Lola's ear (super, super gross)
4.)  Robin who built her nest right outside our back door

Due to the location of her nest, the robin has been a welcome guest at many an outside dinner this spring/summer.  She's excellent company and we hope she returns.  My mom claims robins often nest in the same spot each year.  Warning the below video is a {bit} graphic and I am a {bit} dramatic in the background.  Whats new. 

The nest right outside our back door, side note the wisteria on this pergola was incredible.

Can you spot the bird's nest above our grill?

Last Call for 3AM

After 7 months Fisher finally stopped inviting me to his crib for a party at 12, 3, 5 and 6 AM.   He learned this was one party invitation I didn't like receiving.  And when I stopped attending the late night gathering all together, he got the message- a party of 1 without refreshments is not much of a party at all.