Damien turns 13... Chuck E. Cheese is still fun!

On July 6th, Damien turned 13. A teenager.  So what did he want to do? Spend the evening with Anthony and a friend at Chuck E Cheese.  We had a great time! 

Cousin Damien's here to visit!!!

It has been over two years since Damiens has been to Michigan. He sure has grown.  We are very grateful for the time we get to spend with him this summer. Anthony just loves having his cousin here. On Wednesday, July 6th, Damien turns thirteen, and we are so excited to celebrate! 

No Fireworks tonight...

We all piled into the car to watch the fireworks from my school's parking lot.  The boys were having fun playing with Snappers and waiting for the show to begin. Unfortunately, the fireworks were cancelled due to rain. But we came home and lit a few fountains and sparklers in the driveway. We will try again Monday, the 4th, to see fireworks somewhere. The boys have plenty of little fireworks to watch at home the next few days.

Our Little Chef...

Anthony has fallen in love with making scrambled eggs.  He has become a pro at cracking eggs. He went 5 for 5 without getting any shells in the bowl.  He beats the eggs too. The only thing he doesn't do is actually cook them. But while mommy is cooking the eggs,  Anthony makes the toast. He is proud of himself. 

Anthony the Bike Riding Pro...

So anthony has been riding his bike in the driveway for the last few days after school.  Today he really took off.  Here is a little video of him from today.  Take note of what he is saying as he is riding...

So he tells me that he wants "To Try this in his Neighborhood!"  Why Not?  I take him out to the street in front of the house, and that's it.  Anthony is a Bike Riding Pro!!! Take a Look!

Look Coach I caught it....

Well tonight was Anthony's second baseball "game"!  He had just as much, if not more, fun!  He followed Coach Joe around the field and did everything with his team!  In this picture, kids were hitting the ball while other kids were in the field trying to get the ball. Anthony got this ball and had to make sure the Coach saw him. Look at the big grin on his face!

A Kid Free Zone No More...

So Jim swore that no kids would ride in his PRECIOUS Lexus... well after 3 and a half years the Lexus has had its first child passenger! 

Our little Fish named Anthony...

Today was a beautiful day. I spent a good part of the day at the library working on grad school work. Let me just say I can NOT wait until I am finished with this Masters degree.

Anyway, Jim took Anthony to our community pool today for the first time this summer. Last year, Anthony hugged the side of the pool and never really left the steps. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived at the pool. Anthony LOVES the water. He can touch the bottom of the shallow end and walk, he gets in and out of the pool like a pro, and he even started jumping to Daddy. Last year our average visit to the pool lasted about an hour, and I can tell this year we will be living at this pool. And once this Masters degree is done... I will love every single minute of it!

End of the Year Picnic with a School Bus Ride...

Today Anthony's preschool had their end of the year picnic at Brandon Township Community Park. Anthony was so excited because this meant he would get to ride a school bus for the very first time. As the school bus pulled in, the kids squealed and jumped up and down! It was so precious seeing their excitement over something us adults take for granted and are sometimes annoyed by, a school bus. Anthony climbed onto the bus like a pro and once in our seat, he said, "This is cool, Mommy!"  As the bus pulled out, Anthony looked out the window and didn't stop until we arrived at the park. He played with his friends and had a ball.  On the way home, he wanted to sit with his friend. So the three of us crammed into a seat. What an amazing experience for me, as a mom, to spend this special "first" school bus ride with my growing little man! Great way to start the weekend!

Our Little Baseball Player...

It is so hard to find activities for young kids in my area. But this summer I found a 1st Steps Baseball class for Anthony. Today was the first class. He got a jersey, glove, bat, and ball. He really liked his coach, Coach Joe. He takes the class with Daddy.The first time Anthony was out in the field, he looked back at me sitting on the grass and waved. It took my breath away. My little man is growing up!!!! We get to go to another "game", as Anthony calls it, next Thursday! And I can't wait!!!

Slip n Slide Time!!!!

WHOO HOO!!! 90° and it's time to bring out the slip n slide. Anthony hasn't figured out how to "slide" but he definitely has the art of slipping down!

Backyard Playground...

Here's Anthony's play area in the backyard. This will be the last summer for this swing set and playhouse. He has asked for a "big boy" swing set!

Sunny Day...Finally!

Anthony has been playing and enjoying the sun today. He hasn't been inside at all today. Could this be a sign of summer? Let's hope!

Anthony has become a Rock STAR...

As a baby, Anthony was always soothed by the songs of Journey.  We thought it was so cute.  Now we have found that he is a lover of the old School Rock.  He sings Kiss and ACDC while pretending to play the guitar.  Here is just a little taste of what we get to see here at home... Day in and Day out!

Our First Post...

I don't know if you are aware, but I am currently working on finishing my Masters degree at Michigan State University.  (I will be finished the beginning of July... YES!!!)  During my studies, I have had the chance to learn about blogging and thought it would be a great way of sharing special moments with all of the people most important to us.  Please feel free to stop by as often as you like to read about what we are up to in good ol' Michigan!

Much Love,
Tammie