Eleanor's Riding a 2-Wheeler!!!

Last Friday I took Eleanor to buy a bike. She picked out a cute little 12" Disney Princess bike with training wheels made by Huffy. Today (a week and 2 days later) she asked to take off the training wheels. I've been saying it since we bought it that it wouldn't be long. She's been riding her Razor scooter for a year and a half and is great on it. (Tips to parents, get your kid a Razor and let them learn to balance on that first) So, off come the training wheels, she starts pedalling and I can already feel her balancing. We ran down the sidewalk and I let her ride in the parking lot at Moccasin Elementary. She's a freak! Check it out...

Funny Videos

Here's Nash ringing the doorbell - he loved it. Always opening the door first so he could hear it.



And a fighting incident followed by some playing...

The KC Ohlund Boys Visit!

My brother drove in for the weekend with his two boys for a quick visit. It was too short, but we really packed in the parties and had a great time. We missed Charity, but she stayed home to work, redo the bathroom, and enjoy a quiet house.

Maddux is four and taller than ever! He's a sweet boy but tended to push the buttons of his younger cousin Eleanor. Boys will be boys, right?

And Nash was great to have around. Always happy, always smiling. And polite too. I've never heard a 1-year-old say thank you so much!

Eleanor, Maddux & Nash tickling the ivories

Frozen go-gurts - the only way to let your kids near those things.

The boys!

Eleanor & Uncle Sven (all weekend, Eleanor was saying, "Hey Uncle Sven, watch this...")

Nashy-boy

Eleanor

Carolyn. Maddux & Eleanor

Awww!

Sven, Big Madd, Tara

Nash (he loves his silky blankie just like my girls)

The Dilleys & Sven (Nash was wiped)

Great Grandma Gorski & Grandma Pam laughing at Maddux

Mom & Nash

These two were cute together (and close to the same size)

Nash in his boxers :)

Thanks for the visit guys - we miss you already!

Streidl Family Reunion on Lake 16

In early August, the Streidl's (Matt's mom's family) far and wide returned to their home state of Michigan and their quaint cottage on Lake 16 for a family reunion. We spent two days with all of them. Saturday started out stormy and cold, but the sun eventually made it's way out. And Sunday was a perfect day with plenty of swimming and Plainwell ice cream.

Grace & Matt

Chris, Madeline, Ryan & Eliott

Frances - Eleanor's best cuz

Carolyn in the hammock

Ollie, Aunt Becky, Gracie & Carolyn

John & Addie

Carolyn eating Michigan sweet corn

Uncle Pat & Eleanor - the tire swing was a big hit

Chris & Oliver

Group of unknowns on the dock

Becky & Bret

Sarah & Joe

Uncle Jock, Addie & Matt

Eleanor, Aunt Shea & Bella

Jack & Carolyn - I couldn't keep Carolyn out of the artisian well

Tomatoes, er onions.

I just found this in my notebook. Something that I jotted down before I could forget it. Something that totally cracked me up and brought me to tears. Kids rock, especially smarty-pants 3-year-olds.

So Eleanor has been studying vegetables in preschool. One day she brought home a paper onion that she had made. As she gave me the onion, she proudly proclaimed that onions make you cry.

(fast-forward a couple days)

Eleanor was showing daddy her onion while I made a mental list before heading to the grocery store. I asked if anyone had any requests for dinners that week. Of course, Eleanor tells me she'd like "something with onions". Okay, French onion soup!

(Back from the store and slicing onions for the soup. I'm crying.)

Eleanor: Mama, what are these? (points to the onions)
Me: Onions. They make you cry. (I look at her so she can see my tears)
Eleanor: But I don't hear you crying. (puzzled)
Me: Well they make your eyes water like you're crying.
Eleanor: (handing me an onion) Mama, here are more tomatoes.
Me: They're onions Eleanor. Tomatoes are red.
Eleanor: These aren't red.

Ah, you make me laugh Eleanor.

Cute Red Cabin in Kewadin, MI

For Memorial Day weekend, we were able to take a long weekend trip up to Kewadin, MI and stay in my cousin Cindy's charming red cabin! Kewadin is just north of Traverse City and Elk Rapids and the cabin is on a sand-bottom little lake called Birch Lake.

Eleanor was very excited about the bunk bed!
Carolyn found a trike and was in heaven

We all had a wonderful time, especially the girls who loved being outdoors, cooking on the campfire, hiking, and taking rides in the canoe.

Hotdogs on the fire - ohh boy!

First trip out in the canoe!

The weather was great and go up to the high 60s with plenty of sunshine. I was amazed at how clear the water was. The sandbar went out about 60 foot so the girls had a great place to wade in the water.

Eleanor enjoying the peaceful morning on the lake

Birdwatching
We took a short hike
Eleanor and Daddy looking for some ducks who may want the hotdog bun in Eleanor's hand
What's camping without 'smores

Eleanor and I were walking around looking for crayfish when Eleanor took a wrong turn and fell. After the initial shock, she was happy to continue her hunt in the nude.

This is the little spot that Eleanor called "Her beach"

We found a crayfish!

Bath time!

The last night at the cabin - we had to have cherry pudgie pies!

On our way back, we stopped in the cute town of Elk Rapids. There we found a great park, walked the town, saw the island house which is home to the city library, and had brunch at Pearl's, a great cajun restaurant. If you ever so during brunch hours, the blackened catfish benedict is 'umbagood!' (For those of you not in the know, 'umbagood' was one of Eleanor's first words and she used it whenever she saw or ate really good food)