Outdoor Photos

We plan to have some professional pictures taken this coming weekend (this will be a first) by Davyn Photography. We were planning on heading to a location in south Kent-county but I think I will have them come to our house instead -- there is so much greenery and I think it will be more meaningful if the pictures are from home. Here, I did a mock photo shoot. With better equipment I think these pictures would be great!



Bennett under Big Maple.


Bennett in Big Maple


I was a little nervous stepping away from him but he did great and loved sitting up there!


I hope we can repeat this picture when Dave and Robyn are here


Then, of course, we had to try the apple trees


I'm not sure what he thinks is so funny but he cracks himself up!


Today was the day we realized we are too big to sit up under the coffee table


Possibly the best part of visiting the library is playing with the animals.

Bathroom Makeover!!

As an early Father's Day/Birthday surprise, Bennett and I remodeled Mike's bathroom (we also had the much appreciated help of Aunt Bridget!). Mike has been using the basement bathroom since we moved here (Bennett and I dominate the upstairs one) and has been dealing with very old and questionably health-safety appliances. We only planned it this last week when Mike decided to go on a camping trip to the U.P. with the boys (Jeff, Bob, Dad and Derek). With him out of town we had a chance to make it a true surprise!! We went shopping on Wednesday and hid all the loot in the neighbor's shed. Friday morning after Mike and Bob left, we began to tear everything out and clean!! It was a success! (except for that ONE thing that only Bridget knows about!) :) Mike was quite surprised to say the least!

OUT WITH THE OLD....

Fancy cabinet...off-center mirror...hanging lights...



...love the wooden seat...gold-embossed cabinet...orange/brown trim...


...blue and white, swirly-marbled, shell-shaped counter....


...elegant flooring....


...the cake topper -- velvet wallpaper!!!


Even Bennett couldn't wait to tear it down!


Bennett is so observant...he got the screwdriver out of the tool bag and started in on the hardware all on his own! Do we do that many projects around here???


Sink - be - gone!

IN WITH THE NEW

The blue was more intense that I had planned but was an improvement none-the-less. (those darned lights at Lowe's do not show you true color! I recommend taking all paint chips outside before making a decision!)


New flooring, black cabinets, a toilet that flushes without holding the handle and...fills in less then 20sec! (compared the the 3 minutes of water running to fill the tank previously)


I painted the old hanging cabinet and added new hardware...


...a new mirror and lights that are centered make it complete!!

This was my first solo-project (only the neighbors and Bridget even knew I was attempting it) and I feel really good about it! The only thing for Mike to do was change the GFI outlet (the wires are old and need some adapting parts) and I do need to change the mirror as it is a little too short for Mike to see himself without bending down! These are minor changes and I feel proud to have accomplished this in one weekend!!! I love these projects because not only do we have an improved room but it make me feel very able and independent and well, that just feels good!!

Yes!!! It's True!!!

We're having a Baby!!!!! We found out Memorial weekend and though it is very early yet, we are very excited to share this news with friends and family!



I will probably be just as obsessive with peaking in on this little one via the ultrasound at work and will post pictures and videos like we did with Bennett. We are approx. 5 weeks along, I feel well and we have our first appt. scheduled for June 12. Keep a watch out for frequent updates!

Memorial Weekend

At the cottage for Memorial Weekend (btw, the car ride was better with having one parent able to focus on B). The weather cooperated, although the lake was still freezing, and we had a great time hunting mushrooms (only found two, the ground was dry), celebrating dad's birthday (with a special announcement) and just generally hanging out.


A walk behind the cottages


"Gock!" Bennett collects rocks everytime we are outside. I find pebbles and stones all over the house. These big gocks were very exciting.


Bennett and Addi


Baking a cake for Papa's birthday




The best part of baking




A kayak ride in the front


What fun to scoop some water, clap our hands and feel it splash on our face!!!


Dad's turn!


Loving the watermelon. Although lately he take a bite, sucks out all the juice and spits the rest out. Very selective this boy is.


Girl time - Addi and I painting our nails


It wouldn't be a proper trip without a walk in the woods. After a 20 minute search for mushrooms in which we walked randomly through the woods, we emerged on the road with Bennett wearing only one shoe. After a slight bickering ("we'll find it," "we'll never find!")
Mike went on the hunt and was successful!!! He found B's green and brown shoe in the middle of the woods!! Yeah Super Dad!


Good Family Times

May 2009 Trip to Marquette

I took Bennett up to Marquette May 13-17th, while Mike had to stay in town and work. It was a solo-trip that I'm hesitant to repeat. Thirty minutes into the drive, Bennett was crying despite the snacks, silly songs, books and videos he had to entertain him. This lasted until he finally fell asleep (for about 45 min) as we crossed into the Upper Peninsula. But it was all fussing and crying when he woke up. I think his car seat is uncomfortable. Or he was bored. Or hungry. Or tired. Or wet. Who knows. All I know is that I almost lost my temper a few times because SEVEN HOURS of crying and fussing will drive you mad!!! We made three stops for lunch/snacks and stretching our legs before we finally (and I mean finally) made it the Marquette. It was like a light-switch though because as soon as we were out of the car, he was so happy and giggly. We ended up having a great time and the return trip wasn't quite as trying because we took a 2-hr break a the cottage. (Any suggestions for super-comfy car seats???)

King's Castle at the Lower Harbor park

Bennett and Claire


Mr.Connor


Snack time


Pointing to the swings - his favorite ride


At Up Front and Company for Jeff's 30th Birthday dinner


Jeff and Margaret are in the process of building a cabin in the Pictured Rocks area. Margaret gave Jeff this "The Fierstines, Cabin on the Lake" sign. It is perfect.




A wagon ride with Papa


On the merry-go-round with Mimi


On the tall slide with mum (I have become leary of heights over the last few years and I pretty much have to tell my legs to go up the stairs. The merry-go-round is also out.)




His favorite part


Going for an evening walk


Claire received a guitar from Mimi and Papa when they returned from California - now she and her daddy can jam!




Bennett loves costume jewelry. I love this non-gender age.


Check out these stacking skills!! Our development book states that at 18months he will probably be able to stack four blocks....I count ten!




Playing with Papa's trains




We went to the Peter White Library for storytime -- the lady was a little off but we had fun playing with toys before and after.