G.R. Time

We arrived last Thursday, July 23rd, and hit the ground running. We have done so many fun things that I am sure that once we get back home the boys are going to crash. My parents friends, the Shoemakers, let us borrow a swing for the backyard for the boys to play with. It has definitely been a hit. They have to ride it together before they each get a turn solo. Jaxon gets right ripped when he has to wait his turn. He seems to think that he should be able to swing with his brother all the time.

It was definitely made evident that Jaxon loves his brother and wants to be able to do everything Aidan does.
Papa fashioned a seat belt out of this old belts for the boys so that when they went we wouldn't have to worry about them falling off. The swing arc was about 25 - 30 ft which did have them swinging over one of Nana's flowerbeds.

The boys just loved swinging. It didn't matter how many mosquito's were out or not as long as they got to swing they didn't seem to mind. We weren't able to spend lots and lots of time in the backyard because of the mosquito's but they definitely were able to spend some time.

Thanks, Shoemaker's your swing was a success!

The boys love being outside. We spent time playing bocci ball, golf, taking rides in the red wagon and the hammock.

One afternoon we decided to head out to Grand Haven. It is a bit of a beach town about 45 minutes away from GR. It has always been one of Jamie's favourite places (since he met me) and he had said he wanted to go there while we were here. The weather was great but the crowds were huge because of the Coast Guard Festival. Jamie and I didn't mind the crowds but I soon learned why my parents never go....they don't like crowds. They were great sports about it and enjoyed the time with the boys.

Jaxon just loved sitting in the sand and playing with one toy and dumping water from the bucket to the sand. He could have done it for hours.

Aidan struggled to remember not to rub his face with his hands. We had just cleaned off his face and he decided to face plant right into a mound of sand. He thought it was great! Didn't seem to bother him any.

We buried both Aidan and Jamie in the sand at one point. It was great watching Aidan enjoy being in the sand and water.

One of my favorite things growing up when at the lake was jumping the waves. The wind had picked up while we were there and we had some good waves. I had decided to stay on the beach with Jaxon while my parents, Jamie and Aidan went to jump the waves. That didn't last long as Jaxon could not be left out of the fun. Jamie was surprised that I joined them....but it was fun to get back out there.

We just got hit with a wave....as you can tell the boys thought it was great!

I love his smile. Everytime I would jump he would just giggle and laugh. He didn't seem to mind when he would get doused with water. I am glad that he is not a fearful kid in that way. He seems to be a bit more adventurous than Aidan ever was at his age.

Wednesday to Friday we decided to head to Sutton's Bay where my parents have their sailboat. We did not have great weather but we were able to go out and sail once and motor around the next day for Aidan. The day we motored around Jaxon fell asleep. So while Jaxon slept below; Aidan enjoyed sitting at the front of the boat with his Papa.

Thursday was the worst day for weather but we seemed to have fun anyways. Once we came back from our boat ride it started to rain so we put up the canopy and made lunch (all the while Jaxon was still sleeping).

Unkie Ben and Aidan throwing bread to the ducks.

Here was the gang in the cockpit enjoying lunch and trying to stay dry. It was rather hilarious that we were on the boat while it was pouring but because Jax was sleeping it was more important to let him sleep than it was to wake him up and go somewhere for lunch =)

Aidan absolutely loved it. I think he must have thought he was in a big fort.

The next morning we got the boys ready for the day and hit the beach across from the marina. It was a bit cool but that didn't stop the boys from playing and getting wet.

The boys did great with little to no naps during the day and playing constantly. By the time it was bedtime they would be so tired. I don't think it took either of them too long to fall asleep.

Of course, our last day at the boat it was a beautiful day. It always seems to happen that way but we were able to spend some time at the beach and enjoy the sun.

Unkie Ben took Aidan for a boat ride before we left. He was absolutely thrilled. They went out and touched the bouys at the mouth of the marina. He was pretty excited. Of course, pictures don't always show the complete excitement of a 3 year old but please do use your imagination. I guess for me it could be compared to buying a great new outfit for a great price!

I am happy that my parents and brother were able to spend some good quality time with Aidan and Jaxon. With not seeing one another all that often the boys warmed up to them quickly and had tons of fun.

I will have more pictures to post later but thought I should post a bit before we got home as I know when I get home I will be back to work and have lots to do. It has been a great time away and enjoy the time with family and cherish the memories. Thanks Mom, Dad and Ben for everything!