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August 26: Calli Swimming

Well, in this video, she is jumping off a little ledge, but you can see how comfortable she is with her head going completely under the water.

August 26: Sandy Pines (reprise) and other treats

Today we went again to Sandy Pines, courtesy of the generous, Aunt Judy. (Thanks Aunt Judy!!) This time things were in our favor: they didn't treat the lake today, and we knew the waterpark hours.

Calli enjoying jumping on the trampoline. She wanted to swim across the lake. It is no Lake Michigan, but it is a decent workout. When we got to the other side, I tried to get her to get out and walk around, but she wanted to swim all the way back - and did!
She even beat me back. She was so proud that she was #1, and I was #2.
Mari had just woken up from her nap, and was not thrilled that mom was swimming with Calli instead of cuddling with her - but Tia KT is a good cuddler too.
Then we were off to the pool.
Calli decided she could put her face in the water today. And she did it over, and over, and over again. Could we have a swimmer on our hands??
On the way home we stopped for ice-cream. Tia didn't order all 3 cones, she was just helping us hold them. Mari loves to mooch whatever Tia KT has: see her pointing to the one she wants - Tia's mint chocolate chip.
Mari, eating Tia's ice cream - with traces of her original pick, SuperMan ice-cream (the blue, red and green one), still on her face.
Calli: eating chocolate ice cream is very serious business.
Tonight, Tia KT took me out for a different treat. We both got manicures :) Thanks Tia KT for the manicure, and Grandma & Grandpa for staying with the girls.
Our final treat of the night was mom's famous ICD (ice-cream crunch dessert) with a great game of Ticket to Ride - Europe!!

August 25: Birthday & Baseball Videos

Tia KT got some Tiramisu for her birthday dessert - but the girls barely let her eat a bite.

At the baseball game, we had lawn seats - and ended up on a rather steep hill. The girls rolled down it over and over and over again.

August 25: Tia's B-Day and WhiteCaps

Today, we went to visit Grandma at her office. It has FREE POPCORN!!!

The girls were almost as excited about eating Tia KT's birthday cake, as they were to see Grandma and her co-workers. Then, it was off to Olive Garden to start the celebration of Tia KT's B-day. "Kudos"

We ended the night by going to a WhiteCaps game.

Blue cotton candy anyone??
Calli with the "princesses".

(She really was excited about this picture - she just wouldn't smile for it!!)

August 24: "Park" at the Mall

Today was another low-key day. After church, and naptime, we headed to the mall to buy some birthday presents for Tia KT. But the highlight was playing at the "park" in the mall. Isn't it a great picture? Worth the candy bribe I had to pay to get it :)

Mari just cracks me up!!

She figured this out herself, and did it over, and over, and over!!

Happy Birthday Tia KT

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you -

You look like a monkey, but we st-ill LOVE you.

August 23: Low-Key Day

Today was a low-key day. We took it easy, went grocery shopping, and eventually stopped at Gap Outlet for some school shopping. After grocery shopping, the girls wanted to ride the horse at Meijer. Calli enjoyed it, but Mari was the one pulling on the reigns - rocking with each "gallop". It was cute.

August 22: Videos from Water Park

Calli got into it right away. It took Mari a while - but she got into it too.

The park was fun too!

August 22: Donuts & Water Park

We started today with a visit to Grandpa. The girls were almost as excited about the donuts as they were to see Grandpa at his office. They both got donuts with flags and sprinkles. (They left any bites of donuts that didn't have icing and sprinkles.)


Late this afternoon, we checked out the "splash pad" that Aunt Ardie recommended. It was great fun! They had a water area, and a playground.

Then we had a great dinner with Aunt Ardie and Uncle Bill. Thanks guys!!

August 21: Sandy Pines

Today, thanks to Aunt Judy, we spent the day with Grandma at Sandy Pines. We made it out in time for a picnic lunch. Mari's nap went a little long - but she looked so cute sleeping in the "big" (toddler) bed. Then it was off to the pool. The girls loved it. Of course, I was too busy playing to snap any pictures. But I did get one of the waterslide: Calli and Grandma slid down together, and Mari and I slid down together. We all went under - but all thought it was fun!!

After the pool, we played some mini-golf. So funny! Both girls like to "start" their ball no more than 3 inches from the hole. And after a try or two, Mari usually resorts to just putting the ball directly in the hole. But they had fun!
Thanks, Aunt Judy!!!

August 20: Fair Rides

***Disclaimer: If you aren't related to these girls - you may not enjoy these videos.***

August 20: FAIR!!

Tia KT also took us to the Hudsonville Fair. I had never been to a county fair - but boy was it fun. We saw tons of animals (I'll spare you those pictures), saw a little of the "horse show" as the girls call it, and then headed off for lunch.

From the lunch table, Calli caught a glimpse of the carnival rides. This was the first one she saw, and even after seeing all the other choices, she wanted "the alligator ride" (although it may have been a caterpillar). It took her a while to get into it, but I think she had fun. I am so proud of her for being so brave!!

(Grandma told her she may have to sit by a 'new friend' so she now refers to her seat-mate as her "new boy-friend".)

I wasn't sure if Mari would be brave enough - but with Calli by her side, she did it!! Not only did it, but she LOVED IT. From the third circuit or so, every lap she would yell "I go faster Mom!!".

We also had to stop by and try a hand at "fishing" for sharks. The girls loved it, and got some cute little stuffed animals.

Tia KT also got a carmel apple to share with us - thanks for the super-fun day Tia!!

August 20: Tia KT provides the entertainment

Today, Tia KT provided all of our entertainment. First, she took us to a friend's house where we got to jump on the trampoline, and play with Lucky the dog.

August 19: Friends

Today we spent the day with Isaac & Nicholas at their grandparents lake condo. We didn't even make it to the lake, but instead spent several hours in the pool. The girls loved floating around "by themselves" with their swimmies and inner tubes. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera to the pool, and will have to wait for Michelle to send the pics (or Kyle as the case may be). But here is a decent picture of all the kids - who says you can't buy off small children?? (Grandma paid a dollar for the right to take pictures today.)

August 18: Books & Beach

We started off the day with storytime at Barnes & Noble. We were late, and missed the story, but got to make the giraffe, read books, and of course play with the train.

After naps, we headed to the beach. Thanks Tia KT for all your help chasing, carrying, and jumping us!! Calli discovered she loves jumping over the waves, and Mari loves running down the beach!!

We came home for ice cream, and picking flowers with Grandpa!

August 17: Olympic Hopefuls??

August 17: Sunday Afternoon

The girls and I after church

My Calli

Keysis for Tia KT

Recent Favorites

We have had some fun outing lately - we went to storytime at Barnes & Noble with Jamie, Izumi & Koji

We also joined a group for adventure golfing in honor of Jamie's B-day!!

This picture cracks me up, because these girls are under the desk in nursery :) Lilly, Isabella, and Mari

The girls - playing in the luggage box - who needs to buy toys?

My handsome hubby and I after a super-fun wedding for our friends Peter & Sara