Holy Cats!

I have been horrible at keeping up the blog this summer...or to be honost, maybe since Charlie's arrival! I remember when Maggie was his age and I would blog at least a few times a week!! Either way, we have been busy and enjoying the last few weeks of summer. A few happenings since we returned from Michigan:

1. Charlie had his 4 month appointment and weighed in at 13lbs 6oz and 24". Bigger than Maggie was at his age but still on the lower side of average.
2. We had a visit with a wonderful friend from Missouri! Maggie and Charlie were able to meet Cathy, who was so sweet to come see us while in DC.
3. Rob and I went to see Tony Bennett at Wolf Trap with some friends. It was a wonderful evening out and even better b/c Aunt Kate and Maddy were watching the kids! THANK YOU!!!
4. Maggie is almost back to being totally dry all day in underpants-whoo hoo! She is also a certified fish-swimming under water and leaping into the pool. Today she even started fishing toys off the bottom of the pool.

Looking forward to visits from Bridget and Megan in the next few weeks but trying to focus on just enjoying the everyday moments with my children. Beth recommended a wonderful book "The Gift of an Ordinary Day" which has been a reminder to me how precious this days are and how quickly they pass by. I highly urge my Mommy friends to pick up a copy (if you have time:)

Michigan

Michigan was, as usual, WONDERFUL! I spent a total of 2+ weeks there with the kids and Rob joined us for the second week which we spent with his family on the west side of the state. Highlights from the trip include:

Lansing
1. Arriving to the hotel in Toledo during a tornado and sitting in the bathroom with 2 kids and a dog

2. Caddie's 3rd Birthday party (carnival theme-VERY fun) and surprise visit from Bridget and Dad

3. Visit to Brighton to meet Miss Lilly

4. Potter Park Zoo and a pony ride

5. Visit with LJ, a trip to the MSU dairy store and feeding the ducks

6. Riding the horse at Meijers and other shopping excursions

7. Meeting up with an adorably pregnant Sara

8. Visit with Great Grandpa Martin

9. Charlie's party and quilt



Spring Lake
1. Spending time with Aunt Erin, Aunt Emma and "Aunt" Larry (and the rest of the family)



2. Coast Guard Fest! Boat tours, carnival, fire works, Pronto Pups
3. Visiting Brony and Heather and dinner at Pasche's (YUM)

4. Great Lakes Irish Music Fest and Irish Dancers!
5. Date night!!!
6. Maggie's first night camping and s'mores


7. Lake Michigan!



8. Charlie's first swim




We drove through the night to get back to VA and Rob did a great job. It is a million degrees outside and we miss the back yard at Nana and Papa's very much!! Maggie is a swimming machine and was leaping off the diving board (in her duck) before we knew it. Charlie is smiling all the time, giggling, and trying to eat his fingers off these days. Life with 2 kids is so busy but we are having too much fun!