Amazing Grace

I miss my mommy!

2009-03-09T23:53:00.004-04:00

Visit with Santa

2008-12-26T23:52:00.004-05:00

Carter and I got to visit with Santa on Christmas eve, and although I was very excited to see him, I wasn't so thrilled once I got to meet him. It turned out he was a pretty cool dude though and he did bring me what I asked for..."lights" (I am fascinated with Christmas lights) and a "hule loop" (hula hoop)!

Christmas day was very fun and I'll get Mommy to post some more soon! Somehow we both made it onto Santa's good list because we got oodles of fun toys, clothes, and hugs!

Mommy and Daddy took us to see more "lights" tonight at the Hine Drive Lightfest, and Carter and I both fell asleep before we drove through! Oops!

Daddy graduated!!!

2008-12-21T00:00:00.003-05:00

Yea! Daddy is done with school! Today he graduated with his Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. Mommy says that he is now a "Master Nerd," and Daddy says that he is now as smart as Mommy. Mommy just laughs. But she will admit that anyone who can successfully solve an eight-page math problem must be pretty smart!

So, we are all VERY proud of Daddy because we know that he worked really hard to complete this degree! Congratulations Daddy!

Carter just wanted to play with Daddy's tassel. And I just wanted to run around the Fieldhouse floor in my pretty little dress!

What a month!

2008-11-05T09:16:00.004-05:00

Well, for any of you who know us well, you know that we had a challenging month of October in our family which is why we haven't updated our blog much. But October is behind us, November is here and we are all safe and getting healthy now.

Because I feel so fortunate for the health of our family, I do want to share another blog with all of you and ask you if you have an extra prayer in your heart, or positive vibe you can send this family, it would be greatly appreciated.

Mattie's dad, Duane, is a good friend of mine from high school. They have had an amazing struggle this past year, but have been surrounded by wonderful people and some of the best medical care in the country.

Mattie's blog

We are all blessed....Kris

My first bike!

2008-09-07T22:27:00.003-04:00

This was a weekend of firsts, as we also bought my first bike (tricycle) this weekend! It is bright red and Mommy and Daddy said that they both had bikes like this when they were growing up. I can go really, really fast!

Which of course is why they bought me a helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. But aren't I still cute?!!! Daddy thinks I'm going to be sore tomorrow because I rode around the block three times, and up and down the driveway 20 times. I think he is going to be sore from trying to keep up with me!

My first pony ride!

2008-09-06T22:10:00.005-04:00

Finally, I got to go on my first pony ride...and I loved it! My pony's name was Joey and I got to ride him at Maybury State Park. They have a riding stable there and also give pony rides around the corral. I can't wait until I can ride again! Daddy....when can I get my own pony? I wasn't scared of the horses at all. I want to be a cowgirl! Daddy said I was a natural, so it must be genetic.

Carter is crying in this video because he was upset that he couldn't ride the ponies yet. He's just a baby...I'm a big girl! A big cowgirl!

Summer time treats!

2008-09-01T23:16:00.000-04:00

Just a few pictures of some fun times this summer!

My first Coca-cola. (And no, I didn't drink the whole bottle. But I wanted to!)

I LOVE corn on the cob! Notice that this is my third piece of corn - Yummy!!! Notice Carter looking at me in awe.

Do summer days get any better than running through the sprinkler? After playing in the sprinkler, we all sat on the front porch and ate popsicles. This had to be one of my favorite moments of this summer.

Important Day in History

2008-08-21T15:51:00.001-04:00

Mommy says today is an important day in my life. I went potty by myself! Thankfully, she is not sharing a picture of it with you. But Mommy is really excited! Should I tell her that I'm just doing it so I can have some em-e-ems (M&Ms)?

Daddy's little helper

2008-08-09T23:00:00.001-04:00

Something that Daddy doesn't get to do very often any more is wash his first baby, "Sandy," his Mustang. But Carter finally let him out of the house long enough to wash her off and he asked me to help! What fun!

Like father, like daughter. I think Daddy was getting frustrated with me because I kept rewashing the parts of the car he said he was done with. I didn't want to tell him that I was doing it because he missed a spot of dirt! I can't wait until I'm a little bit bigger so I can go cruising with Mommy and Daddy! Roadtrip!!! I wonder if they'll let Carter and I tag along if they drive Route 66 again.

My new backpack

2008-08-07T22:48:00.001-04:00

Because I go to "college," I needed a new backpack like all of the cool kids on campus have. So Gram-ma-ma and Granpa-pa Day got me a matching backpack and lunchbox for my birthday. I'm the coolest kid in the class now!

I love my backpack so much, I don't want to take it off! I think it is really cool because it has all four of my initials on it.

Another beautiful day

2008-08-05T22:35:00.003-04:00

This past weekend, we enjoyed a beautiful day at the Greenfield Village. The weather was perfect and we just really enjoyed a day together as a family. Daddy and I got to do some fun things together, while Mommy and Carter hung out together and played in the grass. I loved riding the carousel! So Daddy and I rode it three times (I think I was more excited than he was!). I got to ride on a lion, kitty, and a chicken.

Daddy and I got to ride in a Model T together too. Did you know that we are celebrating the 100th year of the Model T this year?

And...we also got to ride the choo-choo. It was pulled by a steam engine. Did you know that when Daddy was growing up, he wanted to be a train engineer...not the nerdy kind of engineer that he is now? Good thing Mommy and I like nerds.

And little Carter enjoyed the day too! He's getting so big! Baby power!

My 2nd birthday party!!!

2008-08-05T22:13:00.003-04:00

And here we are a week later, celebrating my birthday...again! This time all of my friends came over and we had fun together! Thank you to everyone who partied with me and Elmo! I really had a lot of fun. My cake was very yummy, especially the frosting which I kept sneaking.

Thank you to my teachers who came to party with me! This is me with Miss Rama, Ms. Kelly, Miss Emily, Miss Siham, and Miss Janelle. Ms. Kelly - I love playing with my B's (bugs) in the tub. And I can't believe all of the bubbles that I received from my teachers. As they know all too well...I love bubbles!!!!

My good friend Katie is two too! She is only two days younger than me...and she has a baby brother now too. Little Luke is 2 1/2 weeks younger than Carter. Our parents couldn't have planned that any better!

Mommy took this picture of me in my bed about five minutes after I crawled in. Elmo, Cookie and I were pooped from partying so hard! Thank you to everyone for making my day so special!!!

My 2nd Birthday!!!

2008-08-05T22:00:00.003-04:00

Can you believe it?!!! I'm finally 2!!! Actually, Mommy and Daddy can't believe it. In fact, I think Mommy gets a little teary-eyed when she realizes how quickly I'm growing up. I learned a new trick on my birthday though! Daddy taught me how to lick an ice cream cone! It was yummy!

And here I am ready for bed on my birthday. I still can't quite tell people that I'm two. I just can't make my fingers stick up correctly. I'll keep working on it though.

A fun day at the Museum

2008-08-05T21:10:00.003-04:00

We spent another afternoon at The Henry Ford Museum and focused on transportation this time. I've been really interested in trains, buses, trucks and cars, so Daddy thought it would be good to visit the museum and show me a few things.

This is me and Daddy on the Rosa Parks bus. Ms. Parks was a brave woman and she changed the world. (See Daddy, one person can make a difference! Mommy was right!)

Here we are spinning on the stools in the old diner. Wheeee!!!!

And of course, the most important vehicle in the museum...the weinermobile. Oh, I wish I were an Oscar Mayer weiner...

A fun day at the beach

2008-08-05T20:52:00.003-04:00

Over the July 4th weekend, we celebrated a family tradition, and went to a beach to play in the water. This year we went to Lakeport State Park and played in Lake Huron. Mommy and Daddy said that I threw enough rocks on the lake to raise the water level.

This is one of Mommy's favorite pictures of me from the day.

And this is how Carter spent the day...wrapped up in the stroller. I don't think he'll remember his first trip to the beach.

My baby brother - Carter Gene

2008-06-20T05:04:00.006-04:00

Well, he's finally here and he is perfect! My new baby brother arrived on Wednesday, June 11 and I love him! He's so sweet and huggable and I just can't kiss him enough. Carter was a healthy 7 lbs, 9 oz., and 21 inches.

In fact, Mommy says I'm too good at sharing with Carter because I already shared pink eye with him. Oops! I was just so excited to touch him!

He enjoys snuggling with us too!

Little Miss Independent

2008-05-28T21:47:00.006-04:00

Ok, so I got into a little trouble with my Dad this past weekend, because I was pretty stubborn. I just wanted to pull my wagon around Greenfield Village by myself, without their help! I know I'm not very fast, but I am strong and determined (Mommy likes those traits in me most days!) And yes, maybe you are right in that it isn't the best place to try out my abilities amongst 5,000 other people. But I know that I can do it Daddy! I think my wagon was the envy of all of the other Dads though - I have a pretty cool ride!

This is my good friend Katie D. My daddy and her mommy work together, and we were born two days apart. Katie is going to be a big sister just a few weeks after I am! We all went to Greenfield Village together to have fun, see the horses, and eat ice cream. Yummy! Thanks for a fun day Katie and for all of the hugs!

A beautiful wedding

2008-05-28T21:37:00.005-04:00

We got to go to one of the most beautiful weddings ever. One of my babysitters, Sopha got married and we had a wonderful time at her wedding. I got to wear a fun, fancy dress with sparkly shoes, and my friend Sopha was a gorgeous bride.

They even had a horse at the wedding, Palestinian sword dancers, Arabic music, and yummy food. Unfortunately, we had to leave before all of the fun dancing started because I was just pooped out, but I just want my friend Sopha to know how beautiful she was and thank her for inviting us to her special day. Congratulations to Sopha & Yasser!

Here I am with my other good friend Katelin too! I miss spending time with you guys!

My big girl room

2008-05-21T21:23:00.000-04:00

Well, the baby is almost here, so Mommy & Daddy have forced me to move into a new bedroom. At least they are letting me help paint. I was very helpful (but the kitty wasn't!). I was watching Daddy paint and everytime he stretched up, I stretched up.

Everytime he bent down, I bent down. Mommy was laughing at the two of us. Thankfully, she was still laughing when Daddy tossed the kitty in the paint tray, and Sydney ran through the house, leaving little green footprints everywhere. Daddy wasn't really laughing, but it was quite funny!

I also moved into my big girl bed and I love it! I am still sleeping through the night (most nights) and haven't fallen out of my bed yet! It seems I still am a wiggle worm at night though, because when Mommy & Daddy check on me, I'm usually all twisted around in bed. I enjoy sleeping with Sydney though...she is a good snuggler.

More safari pictures

2008-05-05T23:14:00.004-04:00

Here I am sleeping in a big bed at the hotel. Mommy keeps telling me that I will have to start sleeping in my big bed at home soon too so the new baby can sleep in my crib. I woke up once or twice saying "wa wa" and Daddy thought I was dreaming of the water park. Silly daddy, I just wanted a drink of water!

They also had some animals at the hotel, so I got to see a wolf pup, a black leopard, three tigers, a huge snake, and two joeys (baby kanagroos!). The wolf and leopard were playing with each other having so much fun. I wanted to play with them, but Mommy didn't think they would have been as gentle as Sydney at home.

We went on a safari

2008-05-05T22:45:00.005-04:00

So, Mommy and Daddy have both been working so much lately, that I demanded that they take some time off to spend with me before this little brother or sister comes. So, we went to Kalahari water resort for a few days and it was awesome! It is America's largest indoor water park.

Mommy keep calling me her daredevil because Daddy kept taking me up the big orange slide and sending me down by myself. She said the first time she was waiting at the bottom, she was expecting me and Daddy to come down together - but nope, it was just me giggling away. The lifeguard said that I was the youngest one who has ever ridden this big oranage slide and loved it! "Agan, agan (again, again)" is all I could said once I reached the bottom.

And the lazy river...the wave pool...everything was so fun!

Even the kiddy area was fun. "Agan, agan, wa wa, wa wa."

And for some reason, Mommy & Daddy think this picture of me is hilarious. They took it about three minutes after we pulled out of the parking lot on our way home. So I was exhausted from playing so much; I'm just a growing girl who needs a nap once in awhile! All I want to know is how soon are we going back again?!!

Just being cute

2008-05-05T22:28:00.004-04:00

Here are some recent pictures of me being cute around the house. We've all been so busy getting ready for this new baby.

Daddy has been working on getting my new room ready, so we've been spending more time in that room, converting it from mommy and daddy's office and my play room, into my "Big Girl" room. I've recently been fascinated with birds, so mommy put a new bird feeder outside of my new bedroom window, so my buddy Sydney (my kitty) and I can watch birds together.

And here I am looking like a big girl in some of my new spring/summer wardrobe fashions. Something I am learning from Mommy is how to be a "shoe girl." Aren't these plaid shoes the best? Not quite Jimmy Choo's yet, but these are my new favorite shoes that I just have to wear everyday, no matter what clothes I have on.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T21:04:00.002-04:00

Here I am all dressed up in my new dress for Easter! Aren't I cute?!! Snuggling with me on the couch are my cousins Emily, Katie and Nathan. Oh, how we have fun together. Aunt Paula and Uncle John hid Easter eggs throughout the house, and Katie helped me find them. She's such a good friend! It was so fun finding eggs and putting them in my basket!

Play date with Katie D.

2008-03-24T20:52:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Katie and I took our parents to Java Jungle, so we could play, while they drank fancy coffee drinks. Daddy said that some smart parent figured this out and is making a fortune now by providing a clean, fun environment for kids while parents can sit and drink coffee, use wi-fi and watch us play. No video games, but rather healthy snacks, and fun toys to climb on. Katie and I hung out mostly in the toddler area, but I convinced Daddy to take me over to the big kid area and we rode the big slide together which was a lot of fun!

Daddy's Little Helper

2008-03-22T21:17:00.000-04:00

Well, you've seen me in action before, and I'm getting even better at being Daddy's little helper! How does he do any work without me?! We are rearranging the house to make room for the new baby, and Daddy needed my help putting together the new computer armoire. Mommy and Daddy are losing their office, and I am losing my playroom in order for this new baby to have a room. This little brother/sister better be worth it!
Maybe I should ask for a set of tools for my birthday? Don't get me the kiddy plastic tools, Grandpa...I only want Craftsman!
Daddy and I do work quite well together though. (Mommy says Go Wildcats!)

Eating a taco (before)

2008-03-18T20:38:00.002-04:00

My mom is in New Orleans this week so daddy has been feeding me...unfortunately it's not always the healthiest food, but it sure is yummy! Tonight we had tacos and I had my very own. I tried to eat my taco like daddy but when I picked it up, all of my goodies fell into my lap! I ended up using a fork (and fingers) to finish my meal. After we were done eating, daddy said I had to go straight to the tub for a bath--but I did sneak a hug and got taco sauce on his shirt on the way to the bathroom:)

Eating a taco (after)

2008-03-18T19:52:00.003-04:00

Bath time

2008-03-11T20:28:00.002-04:00

I enjoy playing in the bath tub. My mom and dad give me lots of toys to play with and I usually drink the water and eat the bubbles. My dad makes weird faces when I do this...he probably wants to do the same but I never offer him any.

More playing in the snow

2008-03-09T20:59:00.005-04:00

I like to eat snow whenever I can. My mom and dad have warned me about yellow snow but I don't know what that means yet.

Playing in the snow

2008-03-09T20:39:00.005-04:00

My dad likes to play with me out in the snow. My mom is in Boston this week for a conference and I really miss her. I enjoy her hugs and kisses and she gives the best snuggles. Daddy is trying to feed me healthy food but he sneaks me chocolate milk every now and then (I really like it!). He's keeping up with me so far but I have more tricks to wear him down.

Giant Snowwoman!

2008-02-27T22:35:00.005-05:00

Since I'm on spring break from college, my friends Sopha and Katelin got to spend a few days with me at home. Mommy has a very busy week at work, as they are hosting Alternative Spring Break on campus. Very cool!

Anyways, yesterday, Sopha and Katelin came over and built a huge snowwoman for me!!! Isn't it cool? I tried to eat a lot of the snow, but they were still able to build a great big snowwoman for me! Sopha and Kateline wanted to make a realistic, curvy woman for me! They are great role models!

First Day of College

2008-01-07T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yep. This is me after my first day of college. Do I look smarter to you? I started a new daycare today on mommy's campus, so I get to hang out with college students all day. They are so cool! They are teaching me so much!!! And we have a class hamster, named Speedy. Do you think Mom and Dad will let me get a hamster, instead of a puppy?

And here I am, chilling at home after a hard day in class. Just like a college student, kicking back with my cheesy poofs and beverage, sitting in Pooh. (Note Grace's favorite box still has a special place in the middle of the living room!) Mommy is super excited that I will be three minutes away all day now, and she'll even get to see me when my class takes walks around campus.

Last Day of Winter Vacation

2008-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

Today was the last day we all got to stay home together. Mommy and Daddy both have to go back to work tomorrow. I'm sure going to miss playing with them all day. For some reason, they think work will be more restful than spending time with me has been. Gamma and Gampa Day are coming to visit for a few days (yea!) because I am going to start another new day care next week. I hope you've rested up Gampa!

Last night we went out for an exciting New Year's Eve tradition...Chinese food, yummy. I didn't cooperate very well though, so it wasn't the festive dinner Mommy and Daddy were hoping for, hence no pictures. We were all hoping for a fortune like Mommy and Daddy received two years ago on New Years, right after they found out they were expecting me! At the restraurant we go to, the fortunes always have a Chinese word to learn on the back. Two years ago, Daddy's said, "Daughter!" How cool was that! This year, our Chinese words were not as psychic; they were "very important" and "joke around." Maybe my brother or sister will be a very important comedian?

Here are a few pictures of me helping Daddy out on our last day of vacation. He finally got one task checked off the "honey do" list - new drain in the bathroom sink. He said that I was a great helper, even though I kept carrying off all the pieces to show Mommy how I was helping.

And here I am just a little bit later helping Daddy shovel the sidewalk. I'm helping him by eating the snow. The more I eat, the less he has to shovel. Daddy said that it was a good thing we didn't get a dog for Christmas because he wouldn't want me eating yellow snow, whatever that means.

Christmas Day!!!

2008-01-01T19:47:00.001-05:00

I love Christmas!!! I had so much fun opening my presents and spending time with my family. Mommy kept saying that it was a good thing they didn't buy me much (yeah right!) because everyone else was so generous. Look at this pretty blanket that Aunt Monique made me; thank you! It is so soft and cuddly.

Another favorite present was this awesome Lego table (that I'm actually sitting on top of) and 100s of Lego pieces from my cousins, Emily, Katie and Nathan. This is Emily showing me how to play with the toys. Now I can spend hours playing with Daddy and building things! Mommy wonders often if I am going to be a nerd like him.

Actually, I had so many favorite presents, that I can't really say that any of them are my favorites. Thank you to everyone who thought of me at Christmas! I love you all! (A note from Kris: Grace has actually played with the cardboard box featured in an earlier post the most!)

Christmas Eve

2007-12-24T19:23:00.000-05:00

One of our family's traditions is going to church on Christmas Eve and then opening one present when we get home. I was so good in church! I clapped my hands loudly after every song because the music was so pretty. Mommy and Daddy kept saying that I looked so pretty too. Here I am at home after church, frustrating them by refusing to pose for yet another picture. As you can see by the stockings, I got a "puppy" stocking this year...not a real puppy as I was wishing for.

And here I am after my bath, tearing into my first Christmas present. Mommy and Daddy were surprised that I knew how to open my presents, but I tell you, I'm even smarter than they think. Thanks for the Cabbage Patch angel, Aunt Teri and Don! I slept so well, that I didn't even hear Santa stop by.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2007-12-23T19:12:00.000-05:00

Mommy finally has a few moments to sit down with me and translate some notes about our Christmas vacation. Here I am putting a decoration on our tree wearing my "Christmas sweater." Yes, I know I am a fashion victim, but Mommy makes me wear this.

One of my favorite presents so far is this really cool stuff called bubble wrap. It is squishy under my feet, and it makes these fun popping noises when I jump up and down on it! Thanks Santa!

My other favorite present is this really cool cardboard box, all the way from Whidbey Island, WA. Thanks Uncle Dwayne and Aunt Anne! It's so cool! Daddy later cut a window in the side and helped me wallpaper it with Christmas wrap.

Big News!!!!

2007-12-15T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I think the photo says it all..."I'm going to be a big sister!" Mommy is due in mid-June and is doing well. Although she is getting sick often, and telling Daddy, "It's all your fault!" He just laughs and is quite excited!

(Don't tell Mommy & Daddy, but this is how I really feel about being a big sister!)

New toys!!!

2007-11-19T22:03:00.000-05:00

While my Mommy and Daddy went to the Michigan State football game last weekend and sat in the cold rain with friends (Go Sparty!), I got to spend the day playing with Gramma and Gampa Day, my cousins and Aunt & Uncle. I am so loved!

My cousins, Nathan, Katie and Emily, are sharing some of the toys that they have outgrown with me and I LOVE them!!! Look at my cool new kitchen! And here I am enjoying tea with my baby doll. Mommy says that I have a bigger kitchen than she has now. Mommy likes to play Tea Party with me and she is helping me learn how to share.

A little German

2007-11-04T20:37:00.000-05:00

Guten Tag! Well, since part of my heritage is German (Mommy's side), we got to experience a little bit this weekend at Frankenmuth. Oh my gosh, I had so much fun with my family! Grandma and Grandpa gave me great snuggles; Nathan, Katie and Emily let me play in all of their games; Aunt Paula and Uncle John shared yummy treats; and Mommy and Daddy played all weekend with me.

Our hotel was great! (Thanks Grandma & Grandpa!) Five pools, a huge playhouse, indoor mini golf, lots of restraurants, a game room...oh, I'm getting excited just thinking about it! We'll definitely have to go back again.

Mommy and Daddy took me to Bronner's too. Did you know it is the world's largest Christmas store?! I was a little overwhelmed, especially when they kept telling me "no touch," and "not for Grace." Why do you torture me like that? Take me somewhere that is all bright and shiny and I can't play? What were you thinking?

Auf Wiedersehen!

Trick or Treat!

2007-11-02T20:41:00.000-04:00

You would not believe the loot I got from trick or treating! My Daddy is going to enjoy all of these treats! I got to dress up three times, once at Greenfield Village with my friend (Katie D., Katie M., Jack, and Joshua), once at my daycare, and then Daddy took me for a walk down the block on Halloween. I don't quite understand what the big deal is, but it was fun to watch people laugh at me. Just from my block alone, my bucket was dragging there was so much candy in it. Aren't I the cutest ladybug you ever saw?!!!

P.S. Daddy fixed the computer (I didn't break it honest!) and tomorrow we are getting a new camera. So I will be back talking with you more often! Yippee!

Long time, my friends

2007-11-01T16:20:00.000-04:00

Sorry it has been so long since we've chatted. Mommy and Daddy have just been too busy working and playing with me lately. Right now our computer is on the fritz and so is our camera. Mommy keeps telling Daddy that we have to get a new camera because she is missing all of these pictures of me being cute every day. This picture is of me eating breakfast this morning. Aren't I cute?!!!

My first sandcastle

2007-08-31T23:32:00.000-04:00

This is my first sandcastle. We built it behind the Seven Days' cabin near Paradise, Michigan in the Upper Pennisula. As you can see, Daddy doesn't mess around with simple scale models. I knew he was serious when he brought a full sized shovel and dug a hole deep enough to cover my cousins (Emily, Nathan, and Katie) who are much older than me.

We enjoyed playing in the castle and defending the structure from various intruders and aliens. My cousin Nathan is demonstrating effectiness of using the castle when hiding from others.

He I am doing my part to protect this valuable structure. My Wonder Woman onsie should be more than enough to scare away anyone trying to invade our castle.

Daddy was taking a break so my cousins could perform test trials of the entrance ramp and ensure the interior was large enough to fit everyone. Minor modifications were necessary and resulted in a fortress not to be reckoned with...

Crisp Point Lighthouse

2007-08-31T22:09:00.000-04:00

When we were on vacation, we got to do something really cool - we climbed up a lighthouse! The Crisp Point Lighthouse, northwest of Paradise on Lake Superior. It was so neat. Mommy and Daddy decided to take a drive one afternoon, looked at the Gazetteer and decided to go check it out. Described as the "one of the most magnificently desolate locations," it was the kind of location my mommy loves...miles down a sandy old logging road that dead ends at the Lake. Daddy on the other hand was worried about the car getting dusty. Silly Daddy.

"At the lighthouse you are about 18 miles from a paved road, 23 miles from the nearest electricity, and 27 miles from the nearest gas station, restaurant, and grocery store." Yet, at the lighthouse, you are at peace.

This is a borrowed picture of the scary stairs that we had to climb to get to the top. Mommy made sure that Daddy was holding on tight to me because she was nervous about Daddy dropping me because as many of you know, I'm a little wiggle worm.

This is Daddy and I in the lantern room. The lens has been removed as the lighthouse was decomissioned years ago.

And here we are out on the balcony of the lighthouse. It was so neat. The wind was blowing but we could see for miles. We could even see Canada.

This is the view looking west, towards Munising and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Isn't it pretty? So much sand to dig in and so many rocks to chew on. Ahhhh....a toddler's paradise.

And here is the view pointing east toward Whitefish Point. Absolutely gorgeous.

And finally, here is Daddy and I dancing in Lake Superior. I have to admit, I get to do pretty cool stuff with my parents!

Mommy's favorite picture

2007-08-27T23:39:00.000-04:00

This is one of Mommy's favorite pictures from our vacation. It was taken at the Crisp Point beach and we had the whole beach to ourselves for awhile.

Family Vacation in Paradise

2007-08-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

I just got home from da' UP (that's the Upper Peninsula for all of you out of staters) where I had a wonderful time playing with my Mommy & Daddy, my cousins, Auntie, and Gamma & Gampa. Here we are sitting on a log...in the forest. That's my cousins Emily, Katie & Nathan too. We had soooo much fun together. They included me in a lot of their games, which were really fun.

I had so much fun playing on the beaches of Lake Superior, chewing on rocks (quite tasty, yet crunchy) and getting sand into every body crevise I could. At first, I wasn't quite sure what to think of the sand, but quickly I decided it was fun to play in and I especially liked sitting in the cold water of Lake Superior and picking up pretty rocks (just like Mommy!). Daddy never understood why Mommy would bring home more rocks each time she visited the beach, but now he'll have twice as many at home!

Mommy's family has a "rustic" (that is real estate language for no running water and limited electricity) cabin in Paradise, MI near the Tahquamenon Falls. She grew up going there with her family and she says that it is still her favorite spot in the whole wide world. Mommy says that she could just sit in the woods for hours, or go lay on the beach at Whitefish Point and watch the freighters sail by. Here I am enjoying a bath in an old tub. Fun!

One of the family traditions is picking blueberries behind the cabin, but this year it has been too dry for a good crop. So, we just had to settle for blueberry pie and ice cream from the Paradise Bakery. I've never tasted anything so yummy. Thanks Gampa for sharing with me!

Playdate

2007-08-20T22:29:00.000-04:00

Last weekend, I got to see a lot of my friends from my old school, as we all had a playdate together. I got to show off my groovy new tricks (blowing kisses and walking!) to my teachers and I think they were quite impressed. I got to see my buddies Luke and Rahul, but Mommy was too busy talking to remember to take my picture with them.

I'm walking!

2007-08-16T22:44:00.000-04:00

Guess what?!!! I've taken my first step! On Monday, Mommy turned around to look at me, and saw me take my first step (that she knows of) as I walked towards some big fluffy pillows to jump in. It's fun! Already I'm taking 5-6 steps together, so I'm going to be running in no time. Mommy hasn't been fast enough to catch me with the camera yet though, but she'll keep trying so you can all see how "amazing" I am.

Daycare news!

2007-08-14T23:27:00.000-04:00

Good news! I will start at a new daycare in a few weeks! It is a Montessori center and I will be able to start right when Mommy and Daddy need me to. It is also managed by Bright Horizons, like my former school, so some things will be very familiar to me and M&D. I sure have enjoyed spending time at home this summer with Sopha and Katelin though and having my own personal assistant/teacher! But I guess I am looking forward to playing with other friends my age again too. Sopha and Katelin don't appreciate a good toe chewing like my old daycare buddies did. Mommy is excited (and enormously relieved) because now she said that she can take me "back-to-school" shopping since I can't wear my jammys all day anymore.

Tonight I got to have dinner with one of my former teachers, Ms. Kim. Gosh, I miss my teachers. Ms. Kim always let me snuggle with her whenever I needed a hug. The kids she is watching now are lucky. I also miss Ms. Darcy who always gave me fun hairstyles each day so M&D never knew what I would look like when they would pick me up. Ms. Debbie was so kind and friendly. Mrs. Krystal always had a hug waiting for me. And Ms. Ashley was fun too - she loved to laugh with me. I am looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend at the water park!

Mommy wanted to show people this picture of me and my kitty cat, Sydney. Syd is fun to play with - she let's me body slam her and then pull out fistfuls of her fluffy grey fur. This picture also shows how I enjoy playing in an empty shoe box, instead of all of the expensive toys that I have!

I miss you Daddy!

Taters in my ears

2007-08-10T21:14:00.000-04:00

Daddy is teaching me how to clean the taters out of my ears. He teases me that they grow there since I'm part Idahoian. Mommy calls me his "Lil' Tater Tot."

(Note from Kris: Don't worry. Grace is safely supervised when she is sticking anything in her ear. Well, she is safely supervised when we are aware that she is sticking anything in her ear anyway.)

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

2007-08-10T19:49:00.000-04:00

This week has been a busy one! I got to go to both a Tigers and a Lions game this week. No wonder I'm so tired tonight. I sure did have fun at both games and I was the hit of the crowd. I didn't make it onto the JumboScreen yet, but I made a lot of friends.

At the Tigers game, we got to see a lot of our friends from Northern, as Mommy's alumni group got together for the game. The Tigers didn't play very well (Tigers 1, Tampa Bay 7), but I did have a bite of my first ballpark hotdog and it was yummy!

I also learned how to do the "wave." I need a little practice though, because I was about three seconds late each time, but everyone thought I was cute!

The Lions game was fun too! They weren't playing very well either, but Mommy read in the paper this morning that they actually won after we left the game (Lions 27, Bengals 26). We had to leave the game early because someone in our family was tired (and it wasn't me...it was Daddy!) Daddy is trying very hard to be a Lions fan here in Detroit, but he says that they aren't making it easy for him!

'Da Bears...those were the Teddy Grahams that I was sharing with Mum & Dad at the game.

Dad's early-parenting philosophy

2007-08-09T14:17:00.000-04:00

"Our job is to make sure Grace is the one buying the fries, and not the one making the fries."

Learning to use a spoon

2007-08-07T20:43:00.000-04:00

So, think back if you can to when you learned to use a spoon. It's kind of hard isn't it? Which end goes in my mouth? How do I keep the food from falling off? And darn it, I keep forgetting that I need to "reload" my spoon before I put it in my mouth! Of course, it is not helping that my Daddy shows me that your spoon belongs on your nose. He's so silly! I love him. He gives me good snuggles. What do you think though...am I going to be a rightie or leftie?

I am eating well though, and my parents often poke my belly after each meal to make sure that it won't pop because it usually sticks out a lot. I love watermelon, popsicles, ice cubes, fruit, and most veggies. If you put it in front of me, I'll at least try it, and if I don't like it, I will pull it out of my mouth and hand the half-chewed piece of food to Mommy. I can't figure out why she looks at me funny then. She won't eat it either!

We are still in the midst of our daycare dilema too. I love my friends Sopha and Katelin who are watching me this summer, but they will go back to school full-time in a few weeks. Mommy found out that we are still on the waitlist for the great center where she works, so they put my name in at another center, but they have a waitlist too. So frustrating...doesn't anyone want me?! Mommy thinks that she should have attached a picture of me on the applications, because no one can say no to me! When Mommy and Daddy tell me no, I just sit down, fold myself in half and wail into the floor. (Don't tell them, but it works every time!)

I've been "Simpsonized!"

2007-08-02T23:23:00.000-04:00

Daddy "Simpsonized" me! My kitty, Sydney, is actually a lot cuter than this scraggly thing though. As you know, I really have a lot more hair than this too.

The other picture is my Daddy. Mommy told him that his hair needed to be a little more gray, but he just laughed.

More birthday party photos

2007-08-01T00:42:00.000-04:00

My birthday party!

2007-07-30T15:31:00.000-04:00

Thank you to everyone who was able to come to my birthday party! I had so much fun, and was so excited to see some of my old friends from my former daycare. (Boo to Ford for closing my school!) You can see my friend Luke and I swimming. Sorry to Katie D. for splashing you so much. I just get so excited when I'm in my pool. We had fun! Daddy even let me get messy with my cake - he usually likes me neat and clean!

And thank you sooo much for all of the presents!!! You didn't listen to my mommy when she told you not to bring any presents; she keeps saying that she doesn't know where everything will go. She also keeps telling Daddy that we need a bigger house because of me. I don't understand her, because I'm so little so I don't take up much space, right. :)

But, seriously...I had a very fun day and I'm glad that so many of you could share it with me and my family. I was thinking of everyone who wasn't able to come as well. Thanks for making my first birthday so fun!

1 Yr Check-up

2007-07-27T00:06:00.000-04:00

Today I had my one year check-up and the Dr. said that I'm in perfect health! It must be because of all those fruits and veggies my parents are making me try. I'm now 30 inches tall (75 percentile) and 21 lbs., 15 oz. (75 percentile). I was having fun with the Dr., until she poked me with those shots. Ouch! Thank goodness Daddy was there to snuggle. Now that I'm a big one-year-old I get to try even more new foods and milk! It does a body good.

In the pictures above, you can see how much I have grown in the last year. Pretty 'amazing' aren't I?! You can see how well I am almost walking too. My babysitters Sopha and Katelin got me this walker for my birthday and I just do laps around our house. And thanks to the Cherry's for these groovy Chuck Taylors! I am the coolest kid on the block.

Mommy says that I need to learn some more patience as I get frustrated when I can't get over the bumps on the floor like Daddy. But hey, I have places to go and people to see! Don't get in my way because I will run you over!

My "first" haircut

2007-07-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

Although my mom has trimmed my hair before (twice - it grows quickly!), today was my first real haircut! Lyndsay, my mommy's stylist, cut my hair and I, as usual, was very well behaved. Mommy and Daddy think I look like a different person, now that you can see my pretty blue eyes. No highlights yet, but my hair is a lot lighter than when I was born.

It's my birthday!

2007-07-19T21:00:00.000-04:00

Today was my first birthday! Oh, I had fun! I got to spend the day with my friend Sopha and then went out to dinner at Chuck E Cheese's with mom and dad. We had fun as you can see in these pictures. I ate a whole piece of pizza myself too!

Mommy can't believe that it has been a year since I was born and both she and Daddy are amazed at how quickly I am learning new things. See me brush my teeth!