Happy 2nd Birthday, Ella!

Happy almost 2nd birthday, Ella!  We had a party at the Beverly Hills Club to celebrate.  It was a Mickey themed party, with bounce houses, parachute games, basketball and music stick art projects.  Ella was amazing on the big slide, climbing up and going down all by herself despite the big kids bouncing her around. She had a great time, but didn't seem to realize that the party was for her.  So different from Hannah who really seemed to understand at her 2nd birthday. It worked out well since Hannah seemed to think today was all about her anyway!  Hannah and I made Mickey cupcakes, and BHC supplied the creepiest Mickey cake you have ever seen.

When we got home, Ella was exhausted but powered through to help Hannah open gifts.  The girls had a great time exploring their new toys - they are so lucky to have such generous friends and family.  Once Ella went to bed, Hannah quickly grabbed her favorite presents and stashed them in her room.  Poor Ella!

Happy almost second birthday to our sweet girl! 

Ozzy's Birthday

We celebrated Ozzy's 5th birthday at the E.L Johnson Nature Preserve and it was beautiful.  We went on a nature hike and saw deer, owls, a hawk, frogs, and fish. We visited a lake, walked across boardwalks, and explored a historic log cabin.

Franklin Labor Day Parade

We had a wonderful Labor Day with Mina at the Franklin Labor Day Round Up!  Hannah got to ride inside of a fire truck in the Franklin Parade and waved to the crowd the entire route.  Ella stood by and watched her sister and got a special Junior Deputy sticker from a policeman in the parade.  After the parade, Ella spotted a police horse and said "Ella Ride Horse!"  We said she couldn't, which led to a dramatic breakdown, so I suggested we go do a pony ride.  Tears immediately stopped and Ella went on her first ever pony ride.  Ella is afraid of everything, so I was shocked when she loved it.  We also got to feed the animals at the petting farm, bounce on the bouncy slide, get tattoos (Ella picked a purple bunny), and played carnival games.  We are now having some down time since mom is still battling a cold, and Jordan is beat from being a single dad all weekend.

Bolton/Blackman Trip to Saugatuck

This year's Bolton/Blackman trip included 23 people at a great house right by the water in Saugatuck.  We had wonderful weather, and the kids had a blast with all of their cousins, aunt, uncles, Softa and Zaydie. Unfortunately, I was sick in bed almost the entire trip, but Jordan stepped in and made sure the girls still had a wonderful vacation.  They went to the beach, playground, had a campfire, walked around town, and just spent time with the family.  I was able to join for day one at the beach, and day four at Crane's Orchards, so those are the pictures below.

Thank you for a wonderful weekend, Linda and Sid!

Apple Picking - Golden Supremes

Ella Sleeping Through Apple Picking

Hannah Driving to The Peach Section

Picking Peaches

Collecting Extra Peaches from Macy

Softa, Zaydie and the Grandkids

The Whole Family