Entering the latter half of my twenties

Yesterday, I turned twenty-six. I got a new camera, but I haven't been able to use it yet because Avery won't give it up. She did manage to get a couple good shots. Here's her best action shot. "Mommy put your hands in the air."

She also has an eye for the abstract. Avery likes to capture life as it happens. Since this is the only shot of my pregnant belly I decided to go ahead and post it. I'm six months along.

Though this birthday was simple, it was one of my favorites. Friday the kids helped me make birthday cupcakes and that night we had our friends over for paninis.

Saturday, my parents drove up to spend the day with us. Because the kids couldn't wait past 11 a.m. for cupcakes and the presents wouldn't have been intact by evening, we went ahead and did the birthday celebration early.

Then we went to the children's museum, which was special because Jess was able to go with us.

Jesse getting practice in for his OB rotation. Only solidifies my decision to have Dr. Voss deliver the baby at the hospital.

We concluded the evening by getting a sitter for the kids and going to dinner. I'm grateful to all my friends and family that sent their Happy Birthday wishes; I think it worked. I had a great day.

Saginaw, MI: Birthplace of Stevie Wonder

Well, we made it. Jess has started his third year and the kids and I have become well acquainted with the Mid-Michigan Children's Museum, the YMCA, McDonald's Playplace, the Zauel Library, and 4 foot snow drifts. We are now officially Michiganders.

Our first taste of the festivities here was the Snow Festival, held in a town just outside of Saginaw called Frankenmuth. That wasn't a typo.

So glad we did this, now guess what Avery wants for her birthday. . .

(as a side note Jack, the pony Avery's riding is 36 years old)

Latest Caleb thing, anytime I try to take his picture he thinks it's time to squint his eyes and stick out his chin. Bizarre. (to quote Linda Morris)

And of course the midwest is known for it's exceptionally oversized portions. Avery thought it was a bracelet.

Since we only live four hours from my parents, we have been able to spend a couple long weekends with my family. This is Avery's cousin Lucy. What a good sport.

I don't know why my kids hate wearing clothes.