Slow as a Turtle

In the Sunday night heat, we let our son run around in his swimmie diaper...outside...in front of all the neighbors. It's one of those things I thought I never would do, but last night that was our son. We got out the kiddie pool and actually thought about getting in ourselves. We were moving slow as turtles, and then we saw what we thought was a cat in the backyard getting ready to pounce, but it was a turtle - a huge turtle. We watched it move slowly across our entire backyard until it disappeared in our pond. We took a few pictures too, but we didn't get too close as I was sure it could really do some damage if it wanted too. Do you agree?

**You maybe wouldn't notice, but just in case you did, we are fully aware that the trim on our garage is in need of some major TLC. We did just get it quoted, and it's going to be looking lots better next to whatever wildlife we find in our backyard next time.**

***My Title: Slow as a Turtle is a simile - not to be confused with a metaphor. I have taught these two types of figurative language more times than I would ever dare estimate. I dream of the day when my students will keep them straight. Can you? ***

Let's Go Fly a Kite

I couldn't help but sing "Let's Go Fly a Kite" this weekend because that's exactly what we did. It was a first for our family, and I must say it's not as easy as it looks especially when wind conditions aren't exactly perfect. A $1.99 Elmo special provided quite a bit of entertainment until a gust of wind ripped apart our $1.99 special. Guess we all know why it was $1.99 huh? Yes, we now need a new kite, and I plan on spending a bit more next time.

Trains and our Two Year Old

On Bright's actual birthday, I took the day off. We had lunch with "DaDa" in Grand Haven at one of our favorite spots: Morning Star Cafe. We then visited the Pere Marquette trains in Grand Haven. The trains were totally free (very unlike Thomas the Train paraphernalia), but they were the best birthday gift for our little two year old. He's been asking to go back ever since.

Celebrating with Chuck E.

Choo Choo! I'm 2!

Have to brag a bit and document this accomplishment:

Jordan and I did that cake (well, mostly Jordan).

First Cousin - Once Removed

My dear cousin Gina is Brighton's first cousin - once removed. I think I have that right. Even if I don't, aren't they so cute? Their birthdays are both in May.

On Mother's Day we had a lot to celebrate. We celebrated mothers, Bright & Gina's birthdays, and Gina's graduation and path to Michigan State University.
We are so excited for you Gina. Congratulations!

Tulip Time 2010

Bring on the Sand

With the short and sweet taste of summer that came earlier this month (before this massive cold front), we spent quite a bit of time in the sand. We thought he liked the sand last summer! It became very clear that our summer will be full of fun times in the sand as well as finding particles of sand in between toes, in pockets, in our car....everywhere.

Bring on the summer and bring on the sand.

Whirling Walcotts

Milk + Cousins

When we spent the weekend in Detroit visiting Rob & Lisa, we stayed at the Best Western Sterling Inn with the Stradley Family. Brighton couldn't contain his joy spending that much time with his cousins, but he did wonder where all their choo-choos were (they have a great Thomas the Train collection at their house).

At this particular hotel, they have a nice water park with a kiddie pool area. We were there one year ago - what a difference a year makes.

Brighton referred to the pool as milk; according to him all liquids are milk.

Milk + cousins = HUGE FUN!