Catching up, life in Marquette

For those of you who do not know, we are in Marquette for the month while Jim completes a rotation with the ortho group at MGH. Having lived here for two years a few years ago now, we have missed this place and could not wait for the chance to return. We have rented a house that we have made our home for the month and have been busy doing everything and going everywhere that we have longed for since we left this city. The boys have been having a blast and Ethan has enjoyed coming back to the town that he was born. We have filled our days with the children's museum, library, going to the various beaches, hanging around our house, hitting up all the local restaurants, and just loving being back together again as a family. If you ever get the chance to check out this beautiful city, please do, it is so worth the trip! Here are a few of our highlights while we have been here.... Climbing on the rocks Jim can't seem to go the black rocks without cliff jumping, two thumbs up. Caleb could put rocks in the bucket, walk the bucket to the water, and then throw the rocks in the water all day long! A lefty and a righty.
Ethan rode a small bike race, the Ore to Shore. He thought he was pretty hot stuff! Proof that baby Jastifer #3 has been to Marquette:)

Life is good

Love these boys!

Visitors in Marquette

Uncle Bryan and Aunt Lisa dropped by for dinner and a quick tour of town. Thanks for stoppingby, it was a lot of fun!

Family Reunion 2011

The third weekend in July is always our annual family reunion in Indiana on my mom's side. It is a great time getting together with family that I have not seen in years and meet some of the newest additions! It is crazy with all 30+ people under one roof, but we would not have it any other way. The boys have a blast and it is so much fun seeing them develop memories at a place that is so important to me. There is a big water slide that both the boys went down and Ethan pretty much wore himself out on it :) Until next year...

July 4th Weekend

We had a great July 4th weekend spending it at my grandma's cottage on the lake in Indiana. It was the perfect weekend to spend together as a family before Jim headed off to Boise, ID for a month while the boys and I stayed back in Kalamazoo. We always have a great time there and here are a few of the highlights.

A Weekend Away!

This past weekend Jim had a conference on Mackinac Island and I was able to tag along. Thanks to Jim's parents on Thursday and my mom the rest of the weekend, we were able to leave the kids at home and have a trip, just the two of us! We had a great time and it was very relaxing, just what we needed. The boys had fun at home and kept grandma busy:) The Grand Hotel - where Jim had his conference and presentations.
Our Hotel

A New Addition!

We are excited to announce that we are adding to our family! At the end of December/early January both Ethan and Caleb will be big brothers! Everything is going well so far and Ethan is especially thrilled to be a big brother again. He is constantly kissing and hugging my belly - so precious!:)

When the boys are gone.....the women paint!

This past weekend Jim, Ethan and grandpa Jastifer left to go to the UP camping and fishing. My mom, Jim's mom and myself thought it would be a good idea to finally get my bathroom painted! It looks like an entire new bathroom and I love it! Thanks to both of the mom's for all their help - it looks fantastic! Old bathroom color... Let the painting begin!.

The new bathroom color and decor (still missing a few things)!!

Caleb recently learned how to sing the "A-B-C" song and it is so hard to get it on camera! Here is the best one I have so far:)

Someone is excited to go camping with daddy and grandpa this weekend....

Had to try it all on :)

Preschool End of Year Program

Singing songs
Ethan and his teachers:
Ethan's preschool class had an end of year program for the parents. They sang songs and then they took us on a hike that they take everyday. Ethan did not do much singing, but we kid of figured that was going to be the case:) He absolutely loves preschool!

Party in the Park

On Wednesday our playgroup headed to "Party in the in Park" in downtown Kalamazoo. The kids all received a free book, snack, and drink. Readers took turns, some dressing up as a character in the book they read, reading different famous children's book to different groups of kids. We brought a blanket and had a fun time listening for an hour as some familiar and unfamiliar books were read. The weather was great to top things off - it was a great morning for the kids!

Growing Boys

This week the boys both had their well-child checks. We feel very blessed to have such healthy boys! Here are their stats.. Ethan

Weight: 40 pounds - 80th percentile
Height: 43 inches - 94 percentile. Caleb

Height: 36 inches - 85th percentile
Weight: 29.4 pounds - 66th percentile
Head Circumference: 51 cm - 97th percentile