Trip to Michigan!

*Trip Highlights*:

Cousin Daxon teaching Xander how to catch frogs!
This is the fish pond I dug up as a child with my siblings because we were jealous that all our neighbors had ponds!

Swinging on the swing we had when I was growing up!

Playing in the sand at Houghton Lake.

Kaiden being a stinking CUTIE at Houghton Lake!

Admiring the animals at the Detroit Zoo with Cousin Emery!

(See more picture on my facebook page!)

We just got back from our trip to Michigan to visit my family! It was so crazy to be home again where I grew up most my life... everything seems so different since the last time I've been there- trees are 10x as big, yard is more lush, there are chickens running around now (that my mom hopes will lay eggs some day), and my siblings are of course growing up So fast!!

The first few days, we went up to Houghton Lake and stayed in cabins by the lake. Lake was gorgeous, and we floated down the Asable River. The kids LOVED playing in the sand and water!

When we got home, we visited the Detroit Zoo, and my Grandma Kortas (Great Gramma to Xander.) It was so great to see everyone, will miss them and hopefully its not too long till we see them next!!

It takes a while to post pics on here, so here are some highlights of our trip. I have ALL the rest posted on Facebook if you'd like to see!

Family Pic

Here is an updated family picture- since we ARE a family of 4 now! I've been meaning to get professional pics done but it just hasnt happened yet! We're hoping to get them done soon...

Happy Forth!!

We went to our friends, the Emery's house for swimming, BBQ, and fireworks this year. Here we are, Watching the Aliante Station firworks from the street- they were PERFECT seats! The fireworks looked like they were right at the end of the street!

Xander covered his nose when the smoke would blow his way.

Here's a video for you, Mom of Xander watching the fireworks!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Despite whats going on nowadays, We live in the greatest country in the world, that God has prepared for us to be able to spread and live the gospel!

Shake Shake Shake

Dont worry- I didnt let Travis shake the baby too hard- he was just trying to make his cheeks jiggle ;) He's such a fatty- about 16 lbs now.. and wearing 6mo old clothes! He's definately be bigger than Xander one day- and then he'll get his revenge! (Xander can get alittle rough with Kaiden.) Love him to death!!!!

Poconos?

Its fun to hear Xander trying to say words. Sometimes he's really good- like the other day he heard a siren and said, "Ambunence?" Holy crap, ya! Here he is trying to say "Popsicle". You'd think he'd have it down by now- he says it about 50 times a day!!

Oh the Joys....

... of having 2 kids!! I know, all you mothers of more than 2 are rolling your eyes right now.. but you have to admit, going from 1 to 2 is a big adjustment! I mean, its slowly getting better- but some days it seems like if one kid isnt crying, the other one is!! But I guess, looking on the bright side- that means I always have a happy child to play with :) As it is in this video:

My Chunky Monkey

Four Months Old! *sigh* They grow too fast! Kaiden smiles all the time now. Still working on getting him to laugh. Just haven't found what'll crack him up yet. Here are some pics I've taken the last few days.

Kaiden LOVES to suck on his fingers! He's not a huge Binky fan, but is always trying to get his fists up to his mouth! Kinda worried about that cuz I know I'm gonna have to break him of that habit one day. He must be getting some sort of calories from it because he is one Chunky Monkey!! He's alot heavier than Xander.. Xander didnt grow this fast thats for sure.

Chillin out in his Bumbo chair!

This is the face he makes when he's trying to get his fist to his mouth.. he opens his mouth all wide and wiggles his arms. Poor thing.. hes starting to get it down though :)

You could tell he was trying so hard to reach this toy. Its sad to see them so helpless!

It was so funny- for the longest time, Kaiden just stared at Xanders butt! hahah