New York, New York

And just like that, the much anticipated trip of the summer is over.  There was so much excitement leading up to the flight itself that Helaina could barely sleep the night before.  We were up and out the door by 6:30 am Friday morning.  Once at the airport, we offered to carry her luggage, but she refused.  Both there and back, she toted that Dora bag around the airport like she'd done it 100 times before.    

After a quick breakfast in the Delta Skyclub, Seedy had made some connections and Helaina was able to do what most kids only dream about...sit with the pilot in the cockpit of the plane.  They were so nice, and she was beside herself steering the wheel and touching all the appropriate buttons.  Definitely a memory and picture she will never forget.

After getting settled in and then experiencing take-off (which she loved!), Helaina kept herself busy with music, books, coloring, and activity books. It was a short 1 1/2 hour flight, and she did very well.

From the airport, we took a van to our hotel in midtown Manhattan.  Monika and Mina live and work in midtown and that is where the wedding and reception were also located.  Friday evening we attended the rehearsal for the wedding at the infamous St. Patrick's Cathedral.  Helaina was able to light prayer candles and make the sign of the cross with their holy water.      

After the rehearsal, Helaina hailed her first taxi.

We took the taxi to Morton's Steakhouse where Amo Jack (Mina's dad) and Auntie Georgette hosted the rehearsal dinner. It was a delicious dinner, and we enjoyed dining with all of our family in the city.

Saturday morning was the only time during our trip that we were able to get out and see some of the city.  We were up bright and early and headed several blocks down from our hotel to Times Square.  Definitely a sight to see. Since Helaina was with us, we didn't shop or do much sight seeing, instead, we visited Hershey's  and Toy's R Us.  

Toy's R Us had a Ferris Wheel in the middle of their 4 story store.  

Pictures with the characters outside the store.  I think a trip to Disney is in our future. Helaina couldn't stop hugging them, rubbing their arms, and asking us to take pictures.

After a quick lunch and nap, it was wedding time.  Look at this view from our seat in the pew.  Absolutely gorgeous.  We've never seen anything like it.  It is open to the public, even during weddings, and the Cathedral schedules their weddings on the hour.  Check out the link above, if you're ever in the city, St. Patrick's Cathedral should be a stop on your visit.  

Helaina had a small role in the actual ceremony.  Her and 2 others, presented the gifts (bread/wine/water) to the priest.  She was very proud of her "job" and enjoyed helping Alyssa and Daniel.

Our family outside the Cathedral, after the wedding

Mr. and Mrs. Mina Freij and their wedding party

From the Cathedral, Uncle Omar and Helaina took a "bike taxi" back to the hotel.  She was snuggled up right next to him and loving every second.

We had a couple of hours of down time after the wedding, so Randy and I left Helaina with other family members and walked down to Grand Central Station...another site to see!

The reception was in a ballroom at our hotel, The Roosevelt.  Everything about the evening was lovely...the live music, the food, the dancing, the dessert, and witnessing the celebration for Monika and Mina.  Helaina tore up the dance floor and basically danced herself to sleep well into the night.  

Helaina winding down with Seedy.

Helaina and her friend, Luciana.  After dancing for several hours, they took up crawling under tables and swiping people's shoes and clothes...note Helaina's jacket and shoes with the help of her new friend.

That's all she could hand...sleepy, sleepy, girl!

We returned back to Michigan early yesterday afternoon.  We are blessed to have been able to attend Monika and Mina's special day and share in the celebration with the family.  Helaina will forever remember her first plane ride and trip to the big city.

Frankenmuth

This past Sunday, we traveled a little over an hour north for our annual trip to Frankenmuth.  We always enjoy going, and it usually involves bringing a family member or friend that has never experienced the lovely town.  This trip was no exception.  Randy's cousin, Grace, is visiting from Spain.  She's attending the wedding this weekend in New York and Amo Jack and Auntie Georgette are taking her out west as well.  Someday when we visit Frankenmuth, hopefully in the near future, we'd love to window shop and sip on a cold beer in one of their breweries, but until the kids are bit older, all we can manage is dinner and a few treats.  None the less, it's still a special place, and the kids love every minute. 

Zachary dancing to the polka on the accordion...this little guy wouldn't dare miss a chance to boogie down to the beat!

Such a BIG BOY...using his spoon and fork to feed himself!

The kids with Teta and Seedy

Our family

Our family, Sitty Salwa, and Grace

15 months

On Tuesday, Zachary had his 15 month well visit.  We are happy to report that he is a healthy boy and reaching his milestones appropriately.  He weighed in at 24 lbs 8 oz (50th%) and 32 inches (78th%).  This kid has not gained a single ounce in the past 3 months! The nurse practitioner seemed slightly worried and had several questions about his appetite.  With as little sarcasm as possible, I informed her that most days, Zachary eats twice as much as his sister at each meal, drinks at least 15 ounces of whole milk daily, and begs to try any food that is in sight.  I don't believe food is the issue, it just might be that since Zach started walking (mostly running) over 5 months ago, he has commonly been referred to as the "tornado"...he's fast and furious.

His vocabulary is just exploding.  Everyday it seems he learns a new word.  He loves making animal sounds and continues to dance to anything that has a beat.  This picture captures one of Zach's new fascinations.  

Anytime he sees a camera or someone takes a picture, you hear him say "CHEEEEEESE".  It's too cute!

The tantrums are increasing, and the independence and stubbornness are emerging.  He likes to hold his own spoon and feed himself.  When he's done with his food, he has a bad habit of throwing everything on the floor, and then shoots you a mischievous grin.  Discipline is definitely working itself into our daily routine. 

Most days he takes 1 nap, around noon, but every so often we have to sneak in a morning cat nap to catch up on some lost sleep.  To keep all of us from going stir crazy, we spend lots of time out of the house. He loves to be outside and within minutes, he's at the sandbox or in a pile of dirt.  At the mall, he flirts with every girl/woman he sees.  People stop in their tracks to talk to him once he flashes them his big girn.  He's just all boy, and we love him to pieces!

And Helaina is our proud big sister.  We've reached a good point with her, and we're enjoying every day because we know, at this age, how fleeting it can be.  Today, she had a play date with her classmate, DeLaney.  They played toys, baked cupcakes, and frosted them.  I was very proud of her good manners and ability to share.  She helps me throughout the day with house chores and tries to keep her brother entertained.  She reminds us to pray before dinner at night and loves to "tell" stories at bedtime.  All she can think about is her upcoming trip to New York.  With her help, we've already planned outfits and matching shoes.  Our days together are very special as we see her changing everyday.

On another note, our prayers have been answered.  My brother's girlfriend, MaKayla, has been waiting patiently to hear from a couple dental schools about admittance for the 2012 fall semester.  Yesterday, she received a call from University of Detroit Dental School to inform her that she had been accepted and will begin their program in just a few short weeks.  Great news...she'll be living less than 20 minutes from our home which will likely mean more time with her and my brother.  Hopefully Randy and his colleagues can be a good resource for her as she enters this new chapter of her life.  Great Job MaKayla! We are so proud of you!     

Settling In

The kids and I arrived back to MI late last Monday night. We had a great trip, but it was sure nice to be  home and spend time with Randy and the family.  Thankfully, we've had a slow week and have spent most days settling back in with a few adventures here and there...nothing too exciting though.

Friday night, Randy and I shared a date night as we attended a wedding with his family out on the east side of town.  Aunt Abla came over around dinner and took care of the kids for us.  She brought ice cream treats with her. and the kids absolutely love having her over.  

Us at the wedding    

Family picture at the wedding

Our little man and his summer haircut.  We've received mixed opinions...some people like his long curls and others say he looks so handsome with short hair.  No worries, within a couple weeks, he'll be sporting the curls again.

Loving his ice cream

We take Zach on Tuesday for his 15 month appointment.  Looking forward to seeing how he's growing.  Within the past week, he's moved down to only 1 nap a day.  Most days he does fine, but it will be awhile before we totally transition.  I remember these months with Helaina. as some days are better than others (in regards to sleep).  He's still a handful.  The only thing that will hold his attention for more than 5 minutes is the sandbox.  At least we have that!
Helaina spends her days talking about our upcoming trip to NY.  We'll be there in a couple weeks for Mina's wedding, and she is so excited for her first airplane ride and the "dance party".  We went shopping together this weekend to finish up some last minute details.  I couldn't help see a future glimpse of what fun we're going to have in the future. Just love our sweet kiddos!    

More fun in IN

The kids and I have spent the last week in Indiana.  Even though the temperatures have been miserable, we've found ways to stay relatively cool and have fun.  We've enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends, and it's nice to stay with my parents as they pick up a load of the work with kids and I'm able to stay out later than usual and sleep in from time to time! 

Look familiar? How many pictures can we post this summer of Zach in a cooler?  This boy loves his ice!

On the 4th of July, we spent the entire afternoon/evening at the Snook's pool.  There were quite a few people at the gathering.  Zach spent most of his time in the sandbox and by the food.  He's not tall enough to stand alone in the shallow end and doesn't really like to be in a floatie or life jacket, so his time in the pool is limited.  He did however, have no problem zooming down their slide time and time again.  Helaina, on the other hand, is an old pro.  This summer has been lovely for swimming with this girl.  With just floaties on her arm, she's all over the pool, by herself.  She will keep herself entertained for hours...it's great!  

The next day, we all traveled down to Lake Freeman to spend the day on the lake.  Helaina had been last year, but this was Zachary's first trip.  We grilled out, went boating, swam in the lake, went tubing, and had a spectacular view of the fireworks from the boat.
Poor Zachary had to wear his sister's hot pink life jacket.  I searched several stores to find an infant boy life jacket and obviously, with no luck.  Sorry buddy.  He didn't seem to mind though.

Trying to fall asleep on the ride back in.

This was the first year we allowed Helaina to stay up past her bedtime (waaayyy past her bedtime) to watch fireworks.  She watched them for the first time at the Spree in June, but this was her first time watching them from the boat on the water. Quite an experience to see all the boats on the water in the middle of the night with just the light from the fireworks illuminating the sky. 
She's giving us a thumbs up for fireworks and popcorn!

From the lake, the kids went back to Valpo with my parents and I traveled on down to Indy to meet the Archer's newest additions, Hadley and Owen.  Ryan and Katie welcomed them into this world on their seven year anniversary, June 25.  They are healthy and beautiful and just perfect!  I really enjoyed my time with their whole family and loved up on those precious babies.    

The twins with big brother Aiden.

Katie and Megan had a little surprise in store for Erin and me.  Erin turned 30 at the end of June as I celebrated my 30th last week.  The girls made a beautiful flower bouquet and delicious ice cream cake for us.  We also received Pandora bracelets and charms...very unexpected and such a nice gift.  I just love these girls and their families.  They sure know how to make a girl feel special! 

Last night, Helaina enjoyed her THIRD round of fireworks in Wanatah.  My youngest cousins (her second cousins) helped entertain her and keep her company for the evening.  She just loves being around them...another fun night for all! 

Summer in Indiana

Late Thursday evening of last week, the kids and I arrived safely to my parents' in Indiana.  It's been quite the summer, filled with celebrations, vacations, and random parties.  We're having a blast.  The kids are at an age that it's easier to travel, and they are enjoying the actitivies more than Randy and me.  It also helps that I'm only working part-time, and I have more free time than ever before to spend with the kids.

It's almost impossible to get everybody in the family in one place at the same time, but we succeeded.  Yesterday, my cousins wife and family photographer, Donna Grass, was able to capture a lovely family portrait.  Of course the weather didn't totally cooperate, but we managed and I think the pictures are fantastic.        

Our "professional family portrait" with both kids.  My hair doesn't like humidity, but everyone else looks like a million dollars!  

Friday was to be a "work day" in preparation for Lindsey's open house.  Well, it turned out to be a "work day", but not the kind of work we had anticipated.  My parents can't seem to catch a break.  Last month their home was burglarized, fortunately they were apprehended, but my mom and dad are still dealing with lingering annoyances.  So when Friday's thunderstorm and 90 mph winds came through Morgan (and a bit of recent bad luck), an old maple tree next to their home didn't stand a chance.  The branches fell on my car, but luckily the trunk of the tree landed away from my car and the house.    

Thank goodness for the help of family! Within hours, the tree had been chopped, wood was stored, and the drive way was once again clear.  Cousin Eric and Uncle Frank on the chain saw, Nate on Grandpa Walter's tractor, and Dad and Randy hauling wood. 

Saturday was Lindsey's open house and a day full of fun, food, and family time.  Too bad I didn't capture a picture of our graduate. Sorry Linds :(

Today I spent my 30th birthday with my mom, my aunt, my cousins, and the kids at a water park in town.  Before the kids went down for bed, we enjoyed my favorite dessert of all, DQ ice cream cake!  If the next 30 years are as blessed as the last 30 have been, then I welcome them with open arms.  Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes, gifts, and kind words...they are much appreciated!

All tuckered out.   

The kids are continuing to grow up right before our eyes. Each day, they say and do something new. Helaina LOVES the water. Today, we shared a double inner tube and we rode the "adult" water slides together. They were fast and fun and she was beaming with pride at the end of every slide.

Zachary turned 14 months old a few weeks ago and ever since, he's been chatting up a storm. He went from saying "mama" and "dada" to over 15 or 20 words in just a matter of days.  His smile melts our hearts all. day. long.  He flirts with every girl he sees, and ALL the ladies love him.  He hugs and kisses and dances in our arms till we can't carry him anymore, but he also has an adventurous, independent, and stubborn streak in him.  He's just perfect in every way.  Truly Blessed!