Ezra's Swimming Lessons

This past week Ezra began swim lessons at the high school (Canaan doing the same last year)! This boy is our wild and free one, our fearless one. But for some reason he's always had a lot of caution (and a bit of fear) about the water. Last year as Lainey and Canaan swam, Ezra would spend more time out of the pool than in (and sometimes not go in at all). But something has clicked this year and he is doing so awesome! This boy brings so much joy and life to our family. We just adore this little man of ours!

 This next pic is what happens these days when I ask him to "smile!" (the picture above is when he thinks he's so funny to make a silly face). :)

Stricker's Grove 2016

Stricker's Grove, two years ago, was one of the first public places we took Lainey after coming home from China, so it carries with it special memories of that time when we were first getting to know each other and bonding. In June our church meets here for a night of fun, and despite the storms, we had such a great time - as we do every year - with our family and friends. And the kids of course were in heaven with the rides, and unlimited ice cream and cotton candy!

Stricker's Grove 2014
Stricker's Grove 2015

Pure Michigan

So we had been planning for a while to take two vacations this year, one in May, and one in October. Our plans for May just didn't pan out, but thankfully my parents are staying in a beautiful location in Michigan this summer, and we were able to join them there for a few days. We all had so much fun playing in the water, fishing, riding/driving the boat, and visiting Warren Dunes. Seriously those dunes are a work. out! They are so high, and I wasn't sure if this completely-out-of-shape body would make it to the top. But I totally did it, and the view at the top was well worth the climb. Such a precious, perfect weekend. :)

We also were able to join with our family to celebrate the upcoming arrival of our new nephew! We are so excited for my brother and sister-in-law as they expect their first child. Just a couple more months before we get to witness our brother change a diaper (!), and of course see that adorable little man! ;)

First Flight of the House Finches

In one of the trees that aligns our back deck, we have noticed for sometime the workings of a sweet house finch. First, as she built her nest, stick by stick. And then, a few weeks later, from within we heard the sounds of sweet baby "cheeps". And finally, the day came when the little ones were to leave the nest for the first time. By both momma and dad, they were feed, and cared for, until the time came to test their little wings. One didn't fare too well on his first attempt. Somehow he managed to work his way around to the side of our house and got himself stuck in our garage. Not a great start, but we managed to shoo him free and off he went.

Our Tiny "Graduate"

Honestly it's a little silly, but also super cute, that Ezra graduated from 3/4s preschool a couple of weeks ago. The full ceremony, cap, gown and all. This boy is just the biggest love. He loooooves mumma, saying things to me ALL day long like, "You're a good mumma. I wuv you so much mumma.", "Oh my beautiful mumma, I want to spend time with you my beautiful mumma.", "I wuv you da most, mumma.", and giving the best hugs. As he sat on the stage waiting for things to begin, he was holding his arms out to me asking for another hug. This will totally embarrass him when he's 13, but right now I'm his girl, and I adore this stage of his life. I mean, who wouldn't?! ;)