Art Festival

Hi All,
We took the kids to the art festival downtown today, which incidentally we also refer to as the food festival. :) It was super hot and sunny, but the kids seemed to enjoy the sights and sounds of it all. We didn't stay long, as Drew and Bree were in need of a nap. But we were there long enough for some face painting (for the willing participants only - aka Bree).

Even the willing participant smeared her butterfly a bit...

And the kids loved the balloon animals (in this case, poodles)...

And, we couldn't leave without getting Jim a skewered souvlaki. (Sorry, no picture!) After mission accomplished, we were hot and the kids were tired. So we hightailed it to the car, where the kids promptly fell asleep in their seats. Sleeping two year olds can be a form of art, too!

Here Fishie, Fishie

Hi All,
Memorial Day weekend is here! We are out enjoying a beautiful start to the long weekend.

First, we got a lovely group of swans on the lake. There were eight in total. The picture I took of all eight was blurry. Not sure this one even does it justice. We are used to seeing only two or three together at a time.

Then, Bree and Drew got kayak rides this morning. They've now officially been kayaking more than me this year.

Bree at the ready

Drew showing his stuff

And last, Drew and Bree caught their first fish! And when I say caught, they truly reeled them in (see video below). I was very excited for them.

Drew's catch

Bree's catch

Even more fun than the pictures is the video of all the fishing and kayak action above - here you go....

It's shaping up to be a fun summer!

Swingers

Hi All,
I've mentioned before how much the kids love their swings. But I don't think I've posted video of it. (This one is from a few weeks back.) While the swinging sillies are quite humorous, Riley wins the humor award for relieving herself in the background while taping....

Play Date

Hi All,
We had fun this morning playing with our new pals, Reese and Rae. I know their mom through our local mothers of multiples group. The kiddos are about the same age and got along very well. Oh, and they are fellow Spartan fans - gotta love that!
We had a perfect day to hang out at one of our favorite parks. We rode the swings, hit all the slides, and fed the ducks. Oh, and the highlight of our morning - we found a little frog (technically, I think it was a toad)! He was great fun to watch, until he jumped towards Bree and sent her into a crying fit. All in all, we enjoyed our morning in the park!

Feeding some very lucky ducks

Drew and Bree - now experts on this slide

 Sharing some snacks

Drew petting our new friend "frog"

The whole gang coming in for a closer look

Children's Garden

Hi All,
We had a fun time with our friends at Meijer Gardens today. After a quick run through the butterfly exhibit, we headed outside to explore the children's garden.

Let the fun begin!

As usual, Drew and Bree were enamored with the wettest exhibits!

Not sure what there is to see in here, but Colin had to find out.

Checking out "the tongue". Claire, we are loving that tutu, girl!

A giant sandbox - oh boy!

 The moms got to sit and chat while the kids moved dirt.

Bye for today - we'll be back!

At the Car Wash

Hi All,
Drew had fun hanging out at the car wash, also known as our driveway! The sponge and bucket were simply fascinating.

And with a nice warm up in the weather, it's only appropriate to break out some yogurt pops.

Complete with yogurt pop beards!

And why stop at beards - how about throwing some wolf ears into the mix? Howling good fun around here!

A Walk (and Swing and Slide) in the Park

Hi All,
We have a favorite park around here, and we were lucky enough to get a nice day to enjoy it today. (Winter has been way too cold and long.) And better yet, Gra Gra and Papa came along! I just love seeing the smiles that all the park fun brings!

Let It Snow!

Hi All,
The bad parents that we are, we haven't gotten around to getting sleds for the kids yet. Luckily, Papa and Grandma keep some on hand and didn't mind bringing one over. Drew got a treat today, as Daddy and Papa took him out for some time in the snow. (Bree was too busy napping to partake.)

Can't go wrong with a wagon ride!

Drew's descent down the hill next to the house - notice big grin on face.

"Let's do that again!"

Candid Take #2

Hi All,
Well I guess you could call this a continuation of the last "candid" post - same location, different day.

Here is my little fashionista wondering if she should have gone with the pink or the white shoes today. And seriously, is that a Dallas Cowboys hat on my dad's head???

Here the kiddos are getting a wagon ride, as if the stroller wasn't enough!

And this just cracks me up - Drew is helping Uncle Darren collect apples I believe. He looks so busy here!

"Don't bother me now, Uncle D. I'll let you know when I'm ready to inspect your work."

"Let's see our take. If there's enough, I may give Uncle D a break."

And a little more bonding time for Drew and Darren. I made this one extra large so you could see the little smirk Drew is giving his uncle - precious!

Candid

Hi All,
We got some good impromptu candid shots outside at my parents' house this week. This is good because the kids are way too busy to stop and pose for anyone or anything these days!

Drew and Bree were in awe of all the pumpkins and leaves in my parents' yard

Bree looks like such a little lady in her snow white coat

Both running around the yard - what fun!

Looks like Papa is telling Bree stories again!

"Papa, I'm not sure which is sillier - you trying to jump on this trampoline or me in this tasseled hat!"

Me and my little hip rider

Artprize

Hi All,
This year was the second annual Artprize competition in Grand Rapids. For those of you not familiar, it is an open art competition that boasts a $250,000 prize for the winner, and has payouts for everyone in the Top 10. And, voting is open to the public (as long as you register). There were over 1,700 artists submitting entries this year, so it's quite the big deal!
All the entries are displayed at venues throughout the city. My dad and I took the kids to see some of the entries last week. We spent the afternoon strolling them around the city and viewing art.
Here is a link to a picture that was taken of the kids at the event. This was part of the "Face In Time" entry, where they took pictures of anyone who was willing, so they could compile a book and also sell photos....
http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=1VP2000E030029&po=29&pc=128

This week, Jim and I took the kids. The Top 10 was announced at this point, so we could be selective in making sure we hit some of the highlights. We got to see some really impressive art, and the kids got another nice stroll around the city.
Oh, we visited the Face In Time photo booth again - here is a goofy shot of the family....
http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=1VP2000J030108&po=108&pc=172

And, to top things off, they also got their first carousel ride! Bree was a little apprehensive, but Drew was all over it! Here is our jaunt in pictures......

Jim and the kiddos art gazing. This lion is made of welded steel nails. 

Dancing with Lions - took 7th place!

I liked this mammoth, also made of various metal pieces, mirrors, etc.

"When We are Mammoths" - Top 50.

Yes, this one is made entirely of salt and clay powder! Unbelievable!

"Salt and Earth" - 8th place.

AMAZING detail in this larger than life drawing. And this is only a small portion of the entire drawing. The men are drawn life size.

 "Cavalry: American Officers 1921" -1st place!!!

Fun on the carousel

"Where is this thing taking us, Dad? It appears we are going in circles."

 A sleepy rider ready for bed