Random Pictures

It's time again for a few more random pictures that run the risk of being overlooked because I keep forgetting to post them.  They make me smile, though, as I look back on the memories we've already made this summer.

Casey, Henry, Joe and John

Joe has been friends with these guys since childhood. 

Claire and Henry hanging out with good friends Ari and Ruby.

Claire loves buses, so a few weeks ago we thought it'd be fun to take her for a ride on the city bus.  Amazingly, we found our way home!  Those city busses aren't as simple as you'd think!

Both kids asleep in the car

Claire playing beauty shop.  She did ask me for a pair of scissors, but instead she's cutting her bear's hair with a plastic knife from her play kitchen. 

Does this remind you of anyone Mom?

Mud Run 2012

This past Saturday, Joe completed a 5K Mud Run in Kalamazoo to raise money for clean water in Africa.  It was so much fun to watch, and I'll just take his word for it that it was also fun to participate in.

The clean crew prior to the race:

Joe with Laura (our sister-in-law) on his right,

and Jamie (Laura's brother) on his left.

Joe in the red shirt and blue shorts, still looking clean as the race has just begun.

Here we have proof that Joe did indeed err in one of the many obstacles.  There is Jamie crawling under the "Snake Pit", while Joe climbed over it.  He says he really didn't realize that he was supposed to go under.  And even though he did correct his mistake for the second lap, we still had to give him grief.  Sorry sweetie! 

Laura coming out of the Snake Pit.

The kids play with the stones as they await the runners.

Standing by the sidelines to cheer the mud-caked runners on.

Joe heads down the slide...

...into waist high muddy water. 

Apparently this is his idea of a good time!

Crossing the finish line

Jamie and Laura right there with him

A muddy high five

Looking good after their mud makeovers.

Cleaning off the filth they worked so hard to aquire.

The kids play in the water puddles

A school bus shuttled us to and from the race site, which I thought the kids would love, but within a couple minutes, Henry was sound asleep. 

And I think Claire was a bit nervous, though she had her cousins to keep her safe.

For a few more pictures of the Mud Run, check out my brother's blog:

TheSternbergFive

He captured some great moments. 

I especially like the final picture of his beautiful wife!

Based on the fun we all had, I think we may have started a new family tradition!  And by family, I mean the "in-laws".  It would take more than a new t-shirt and free snacks to get us "Sternbergs" in that mud.  But you never know...those were pretty cool shirts.  And who I am kidding?  I would do pretty much anything for free food!

 { Family Pictures }

Family Night at FMG

Last night was Early On's family night at the Frederik Meijer Gardens.  For those of you who are unfamiliar with Early On, it is Michigan's early intervention and support system for children who have developmental delays.  We've become involved with the program as they have provided Henry's physical therapy. 

 I just have to say that Claire makes me laugh everyday.  And last night was no exception.  Here's a picture of her on the way to the Gardens - she had fallen asleep in the car with a pair of pants on her head and her sunglasses on upside down. 

Once we arrived at the Gardens, though, Claire was ready to play.  We had a great time with all the activities they had available for us.  They had animals, crafts, music, storytime, snacks, and even hearing and vision tests for the kids.  Fun Fun!

  

A Big Birthday Weekend

This past Saturday was Henry's birthday, and while we spent a lot of time reminiscing, we certainly did plenty of celebrating as well!   

Sleeping soundly the night before his birthday.  I want to remember him like this as he'll never again be my little baby.  He's growing way too fast.

Last fall I bought this little ride-on giraffe and intended to tuck it away for Henry's first birthday, but, of course, I ended up letting Claire play with it in the meantime.  Well, on Saturday morning, Henry opened his gift and looked at it for about a second before he turned to play with his car, and Claire was all excited about finding "her" giraffe once again.  I guess that plan backfired!  Live and Learn.

After opening Henry's gift, we headed to Holland as I wanted to take some Tulip Time pictures before going to my parent's house for a Birthday/Mother's Day Party.  The tulips were pretty much gone, but we did find a couple patches of color.

Claire and the sad looking tulip she found on the ground.

We left just in time to miss the rain and then headed over to my parent's house.

Henry was excited for his party.

We made some of his favorite foods for lunch.

And then he opened his gifts.

His own set of blocks from Grandpa and Grandma. 

Grandma opened a couple gifts for Mother's Day.

And, of course, a birthday cupcake!

Because what's a party without being covered in cupcake crumbs!

I think our fun afternoon was a bit much for these two who cozied up with Aunt Kelsey to read books.  Andrew even fell asleep there, and Claire came awfully close.

Then Sunday morning, we were able to have our second full day of celebrating both Henry's birthday and Mother's Day.  We first went to church, and then headed home for more family fun.

Grandpa and Grandma Rosen came over and we walked to Aunt Linda and Donna's house to see some remodeling they've done in their kitchen.

Donna, Great Grandma, Grandma, Henry, Linda and our furry friend, Toby.

We then went for breakfast with the family, and then back to the house to visit with Grandpa and Grandma Rosen and Great Grandpa and Grandma Nash.

Walking home

Sunday evening we met with our Care Group from our church.  We love this group.  Truly, they've come to feel like an extension of our family.

Monday evening was our final celebration at the Puplis home where Grandpa and Grandma grilled hamburgers and put out a small feast for us.

Henry visited with Great Grandma.

Claire made funny faces with Aunt Melissa.

Our "almost got it" family picture. 

Another perfect day for visiting outside...

And then crawl into bed to watch tv with Grandma.

It was a very full, but very fun, weekend.  Thanks to all our family for celebrating with us.  We enjoyed our time with each of you!