August Party - Part 1

Our second big trip of the summer all began on Clayton's birthday at the beginning of August.  What better way to celebrate 31 years than traveling with 3 small children, eh?  Clayton was a good sport, though.  And, we did sing to him at the hotel with my family and lots of yummy cake.  We were just a teensy bit too exhausted to truly enjoy it.  However, after a good night's rest, we were ready for my brother's big day - his wedding!  

Steven and Taylor got married on August 6th, and it was quite a beautiful affair.  We were able to attend the sealing at the Mesa, Arizona temple and a fabulous reception that evening.  Clayton and I were so touched at the sealing, particularly me as it was the first live one I'd been to since my own.  It really was a sweet, spiritual experience.  We didn't even mind the heat too much later during pictures.  

Despite my previous reluctance about the reception, we decided to keep the kids up WELL past their bedtimes to party with us.  They had a total blast!  I was expecting meltdowns and tantrums, but I think they could have danced until the sun came up if we would have let them.  We learned that Audrey prefers hanging out with teenage girls WAY more than us (she still sometimes pretends that I am her pal, Kaydee) and that Luke has some sweet dance moves.  So much fun.  Thanks, Steve and Taylor, for an awesome weekend. You thought of everything, even down to the amazing gift baskets in our hotel room.  That Angry Birds game is still a favorite with us.  

My mom trying to help with Max.  It was VERY hot, and he was done with pictures.

Funny Faces and Bike Riding

I can never get a real smile out of these goof-balls in front of the camera.  

Michigan is so beautiful in the summer and fall, and we have loved taking walks and bike-rides.  And, after a lot of tears and 3 different bikes, Luke can finally ride a two-wheeler with ease.  He could do it all along, but he had it decided in his mind that he didn't want to do it.  He is quite a character, but he definitely sticks to his guns!  Now, of course, he LOVES riding at high speeds all over the place.  It is fun for the whole family, too, since we can put Audrey and Max in the bike trailer and cruise around town.  Luke gets around pretty well on that tiny little bike.

Max's First Birthday

Max is one!  On his big day, July 15th, we didn't do anything big or crazy, but we tried to celebrate the little guy growing up.  It all started with a pancake tower.

Later that day we had a few friends over (they were Luke and Audrey's friends, but Max likes them too!).  We sang Happy Birthday and had some banana chocolate chip cupcakes decorated like monkeys.

Big brother and sister liked, but what about Max?

Yeah, I would say he liked his monkey cupcake!  And speaking of monkeys, Max is turning into one.  We have to strap him in a 5-point harness to have a possibility of him sitting still for 5 seconds.  He loves to climb.  Not to mention that he adores bananas.  And, he took his first steps on his birthday!

 Here he is with his awesome push-wagon from Grandma Allphin.  He will be sporting his clothes from Grandma Hall in the fall.

And finally, here are a few videos if you are into that sort of thing.  I think we have one of some wobbly beginning steps to kick a soccer ball, a light-saber attack, and a lot of yums while wolfing down a cupcake.

Happy Fourth of July

from Luke, Audrey, and I at the Clawson parade!

VACATION!!!

There's nothing quite like a good summer vacation, and this was the first of two we had this year.  At the end of June, we headed southwest to see my family in Missouri.  On the way, we stopped in Indianapolis to visit our good friends the Orme's.  They are always so good to us when we stop in, and this time they took us to the Indianapolis Zoo.  It was a lot of fun.  We got to pet sharks, watch an elephant taking a bath, and lots of other fun things.  The kids also rode their first ever roller coaster!  Thanks Kristine and Dave!

 After the much-needed rest from driving, we got back in the van and headed to MO.  While in Missouri, we got to see lots of Clayton's family - aunts, uncles, and cousins.  His cousin Rebecca hosted a huge get-together at her house, and we had lots of fun seeing everyone.  Sadly, no pictures.  Then, we had a blast hanging out with my family, and our favorite spot is always their lake house and boat.  From the pictures, it seemed like everybody was relishing the vacation time.

My brother, Chris, is soaking it all in.

So is my Dad.

Audrey and Luke have lots of fun with their uncle Alex.

Bonus!  We got to meet Taylor, my brother's fiance.  Of course, Steve chose well.

My cousin, Justin.

Steve and Taylor.

Swimming is so much fun!  Boy, those swimming lessons were so worth it.

What a babe.

Max chillin' in the boat.

My cute mom.

Yep, I was there too.

Can you believe this?  Max fell asleep in the water.  It was hilarious.  We must have really been wearing him out.

Triple tubing.

What a great trip!  My parents are so good to be patient with our crazy family, and my brother, Mitch, even gave up his room for 10 days.  Thanks, guys.