Tutus and Ballet Shoes

Last night, Sophia participated in her first dance class. At the tender age of 3 (almost), the term "dance" is all relative, but she was so excited to don her leotard, tutu and ballet slippers. She talked all day about how she was going to dance around the room and be beautiful.

Unfortunately, by the time the class started, she was so intimidated by all the other little girls there, that she spent the first 20 minutes on my lap. She watched as they shook pom-poms, and boogied with little stuffed animals. It wasn't until they brought out the sheer scarves that she couldn't sit back and watch. She jumped in, grabbed a scarf and twirled.

There was no going back...she jumped right in when they practiced first position, and sat in a circle and bounced their butterfly legs. She was first in line to tumble down the mat and when the class was over, she was the last one to leave. I think it's safe to say, this little ballerina is just getting started!

Mr. Modest

Princess Castles and Bat Caves

We spent Father's Day down at Nana & Bapa's house, not only to celebrate the great dad's in our life, but to christen the new princess castle and bat cave that they built for the grandkids. The old gardening shed was transformed into a cute little castle, filled with dolls, make-up and tea stuff. Right next to it, was the bat cave, filled with swords, superheros and more swords. The kids had a great time using their imagination! Jack & BapaSophia with Cousin Ellie

Jacob & Daddy having a sword fight!

Northern Exposure

The past 2 weekends were spent up in Grand Rapids at the cabin. And despite the stubborn delay of summer weather, we decided to make the most of it. I spent most of the weekends in sweats, but the kids didn't seem to notice that it was only in the mid-60s and overcast. They took full advantage of being on the water and spent the majority of the day in swimsuits!! BRRR! Warming up on the swing before heading back into the water
Jack's first attempt at driving the speedboat
(please ignore the hot pink life jacket...it was the only one that wouldn't make him cry)

Grandma & Jacob:

deep in conversation

Enjoying a beautiful Grand Rapids' sunset

Super Jacob and The Birthday Caper

Once upon a time, in a land not too far away, there lived a special boy named Jacob. He was turning 5 and wanted to have a super fun party. He thought and thought and thought. "I know! I'll invite all my friends and we'll be Superheros," he decided. "And it will be the funnest birthday party ever!" But there was an evil Super Villian who hated when children had fun on their birthdays. He heard about Jacob's birthday party and knew he had to destroy it! The day of Jacob's party came and soon his friends arrived.

They were excited to start playing birthday games when, all of a sudden, the Evil Dr. Blast appeared and planted bombs in the room in order to blow-up the birthday fun. The Superheros wanted to catch the Super Villain, but he ran off before they could get him.

The children knew that if they didn't diffuse the bombs, the party would be ruined! So they quickly used their most kunning moves and foiled Dr. Blast's plan.

Because they had done such a good job, they earned Superhero wrist bands.

They knew the Evil Dr. Blast would return, so they began to exercise to strengthen their superhero powers by scaling tall buildings like Spiderman...

...and flying down the slide like Superman...

...and creeping through the tunnel like Batman...

...and racing around the house like The Flash.

And because they grew so strong, they received a Superhero's greatest asset: a mask to hide their true identity.

But Dr. Blast returned! This time, with power-sapping kryptonite!! What would the superheros do!?!

They knew that the kryptonite's forces could only be weakened by confining it in a lead container. So, they grabbed some lead tongs... ...and carried each piece of kryptonite to a lead container to ensure their super powers would be safe. And because they did such a great job, they all earned their superhero capes.

But the Evil Dr. Blast had one more trick up his sleeve. And this time, he knew the perfect plan to ruin the birthday fun. He would steal the birthday cake! Dah Dah DAH!
But the Superheros were too powerful and they instantly knew how to end this Super Villian's plan once and for all...they would have to spray Dr. Blast with their spiderweb shooters.

The Evil Dr. Blast was finally captured. And Daddy hauled him off to jail.

The birthday party was finally free from the threat of distruction. And the kids all enjoyed some cake & icecream to celebrate their victory.

Jacob opened all of his presents...

...and all was right in the world again.

Happy 5th Birthday to our favorite Superhero!! We love you!

When Life Hands You Limes