Last Summer Trip

We ended our summer travels with a trip to Syracuse, NY to be with most of Tim's extended family for 4 days. Tim's aunt and uncle and two of their three children all live very close so it made it very easy for sleeping and going between houses for activities. It was so nice to see everyone, catch up, and see how much the little ones have grown up in the past year. The weather was not the nicest but we all made the most of it. There was plenty of entertainment with 6 young kids running around! Tuesday, our last day, turned out to be gorgeous so we spent the whole day by the lake boating, kayaking, water skiing, wind sufing, playing in the sand, playing games, etc. Good times.

I love that Micah can eat at the kids table now. He is really growing up!

This was our best attempt at getting all 6 great grandchildren to pose for a photo. Ha.

Poor Grandma was all nervous about Micah riding down the hill. Of course Micah was as calm as could be. I've got a daredevil on my hands.

Lots of outdoor fun

Smores in the fire pit. Mmmmm.

Boating time!

Tim was impressive on the water skis.

Micah joined me for a kayak ride (it didn't last very long since he kept trying to stand up and was stressing me out!)

The sand pit was a big hit with Micah.

Gates Family Fun

Tim's parents and sister spent a week camping at French Creek recently and we were able to join in on the fun for the weekend. There was constant activity--boating, fishing, disc golf, playgrounds, bike riding, playing in the dirt-- and the cousins had a great time together. We also celebrated Micah's birthday while there.

On Tuesday, Tim took off and we all headed to Sesame Place for the day. Alex and Caden had a blast on the rollercoaster and Micah enjoyed seeing a rock band performance by all his favorite characters. We all enjoyed the giant water tube ride and cooling off in the spray park. It was a really fun day with the family.

A Beach Retreat

We were so happy to get a weekend away at the beach in early August. A big thank you to the Grossmans for letting us stay the night! We had great weather and wonderful fellowship. It was so nice to see Mimi and Greg again with their adorable little girl, Adie.

Micah loved digging in the sand, running into the water, and strolling on the boardwalk. He also liked burying Daddy in the sand and chasing the seagulls. Hoping we can have a longer stay next summer. It really does my soul good to breathe in that salty air, dig my feet into the sand, and watch the waves roll in!

Two Year Profile

Micah @ Two Years

• Measurements: 36 1/4" tall and 29+ lbs. -- 90% height and 70% weight (to think Mommy was worried about me growing as an infant!)

• Words that Describe Me: inquisitive, loud, energetic, silly, courageous, talkative, adventurous, affectionate

• Activities I Enjoy: playing cars and choo choos, dancing to fast-paced music, reading books with Mommy and Daddy, eating dinner outside, playing baseball, walking into town, riding my bike, playing at playgrounds and in the water, taking bike rides with Daddy

• A Few of My Favorite Things: fruit, baths, ice cream, Sesame Street, music, animals, the beach and lakes, soft pretzels, puzzles, smoothies, Gumby, airplanes, swings, drums

• Most Used Phrases: "Micah do it," "Mommy, hold you," "What happened?" "What's that?"

• Favorite Songs: Jesus Loves Me, Barbara Ann (Beach Boys), Kickdrum (the Avett Brothers-- this one really gets me going!), Whenever God Shines His Light (Waterdeep cover of Van Morrison), Wheels on the Bus

• Songs I Can Sing on my Own: Jesus Loves Me, Holy, Holy, Holy, God is So Good, Wheels on the Bus, ABCs (though I tend to leave out D through K)

• Favorite Books: Let's Fly a Kite, Charlie Brown!, I'll Teach My Dog 100 Words, Frog & Toad series, Little Critter series, and Bible stories

• Recent Developments: swimming "like a fishy" (in the tub, in a lake, in the ocean, you name it-- I'm a little too brave for Mommy's liking!), joining in on bedtime prayer, putting on my own shoes, swinging a bat, saying "Cheese!" for the camera, announcing bodily functions (Mommy thinks it's time for me to learn to use the potty)

Two Years Old!

Last Saturday our little boy turned two years old. I can't believe how quickly the past year has gone by. Micah sure has grown this year. There is not an ounce of baby in him, which makes me a little sad but mostly just so proud of all he has learned to do. The toddler stage certainly has some challenges but it is also so much fun. Micah is constantly making us laugh and amazing us with his growing vocabulary and skills. He is a bundle of energy and joy.

Micah really enjoyed spending his birthday weekend with his cousins Aidan, Liam and Nora this year. I am pretty sure we reached 100+ degrees on Saturday so it made it a little tricky to do anything outside. Instead we enjoyed lunch at Wegmans and watching the train go round and round while grocery shopping. That evening my sister, dad, and aunt came in for dinner. The boys loved sitting at their own table in the kitchen. It got pretty silly and a little out of control in there but we just went with it. Hearing those boys goof around and laugh at each other was just too sweet. The night ended with cupcakes and presents and a lot more laughter.

Sunday evening we invited all my dad's family to come celebrate and meet little Nora for the first time. It was really neat to have all the family there at once. Everyone gushed over Nora and laughed at the boys who provided nonstop entertainment for the party. It was fun to see Micah get excited about presents this year. Every time he opened a gift, he would say "Open this right there?" He also loved his Elmo and Cookie Monster cakes, which I must say I was quite proud of. Emily was so kind to help me make them and gave me the encouragement I needed to make my very first birthday cake. I have always felt intimidated about making my own cake but knowing I would have her help this year I became determined to do something fun. And it really was fun! And they turned out great! I wonder what I will make next year...

cousins are the best!

Caitlin tried out Aunt Tricia's gift for Micah.

We did it!

Happy Birthday to You!

Micah and Liam started their own dance party. Fortunately there were no major injuries.