August 24, Missing Brother

"Ok Mom, I'll settle for playing with you, but when does brother get home?" She still cries each morning at the bus stop.

August 23, First FULL Day of School

This was Alex after his first full day of school. Exhausted would be a good word for it. He zoned out here, just like this, for 20 minutes, oblivious to everything around him.

August 22, Picnic Dinner

We ate dinner on the deck and Abby decided to take some of hers into the playhouse. Yes, that's sand all over her nose, and no, I do not know how it all got there.

August 21, Random Toys

Alex pulled out this random basket of toys from the basement and both kids loved exploring the treasures in there.

August 20, First Day Of Kindergarten

Not sure if he was more excited about riding the bus or starting Kindergarten!

August 19, Zoo Babies

Here are my two zoo babies. One insisted on reading the map the whole time, while the other played mainly off the beaten trail and got in lots of trouble.

August 18, Last Weekday Ice Skating Class

Tuesday was Alex's last weekday ice skating class. He was promoted to the "tot advanced" level and really seems to love it! I'll have to check out when the Saturday class starts again.

August 17, One Last Playdate

Alex and Josh had one last playdate this afternoon before Alex starts Kindergarten on Friday.

August 16, Back To Work

We all enjoyed having Brad home for a week so I'm sure today will be a bit of a long day for everyone.

August 15, His Sidekick

Abby's right next to Alex, much of the time. She always has to be doing whatever he's doing...unless Dora is on of course!

August 14, Toddler Bed

Friday night was Abby's first night in the toddler bed. She's learning, little by little, to stay in bed :)

August 13, His Favorite Spot

The screened-in front porch was Alex's favorite spot at the beach house to eat meals, especially lunch.

August 12, Sharing With His Sister

There was an awesome candy shop down the street from our beach house. Here's Alex sharing a supersized gummi-butterfly with Abby.

August 11, Mommy And Abby

Doing a little digging with Abby :)

August 10, The Rubber Finger

On Saturday night Alex got his finger stuck in the hinge of his bedroom door on vacation, ripping his fingernail out of the cuticle where it belongs :( We found the Michigan City, IN ER and after a few hours he was good as new! Each day, before we headed to the beach, Brad would wrap up Alex's finger with the finger of a rubber glove and a few waterproof band aids. His nail looks good as new at this point!

August 9, A Good Playmate

Uncle Andrew proved to be a good playmate for Alex!

August 8, How She Spent Her Days

Snacking. Not a true swimmer, she spent lots of time on the sidelines snacking and playing with Dora.

August 7, The Beach House

That screened in porch on the front was a savior once the mosquitoes came out each night. Here's Brad's Mom and Grandma before we hit the shops in New Buffalo.

August 6, Playing In The Sand

We could not tear this kid away from the sand/lake each day. He LOVED being on vacation. Talk about being at a fun age!

August 5, Off To The Beach!

It was a short, scenic walk to the beach each day.

August 4, Good Help

It's easy to get ready for vacation when you have good help :)

August 3, Scooter Love

Abby has lots of warm blankies so Scooter is her new best friend, especially in the mornings.

August 2, Bucket Wars

You have to cool off somehow around here!

August 1, Ponytail!

Doesn't she look grown up with her ponytail? She insisted on wearing this life-jacket while outside today. Better to be safe than sorry!

July 31, Fun At The Picnic

Brad's company picnic was on Saturday and Abby wanted to do everything Alex was doing...except swim of course!

July 30, It's Always Snack Time

Abby, always willing to share a little of her snack with us.