A New {playground} Adventure

The weather sure didn't feel like May 5th as we made our way down to Lake Michigan. The whipping wind tossed our hair into our faces and pushed us backwards. This couldn't stop us from tossing stones into the crashing waves. We were on a mission; searching for a little playground adventure.

I didn't know there was a new, totally cool playground set built in the state park. It is almost the same set up as the one we visited at the Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater. I like these set ups with the climbing rocks (even if it is plastic), twisting steps and bright colors. E sure likes them too.

 Attempting the spiral stairs. She did pretty good with a little help from Dad.

I was not kidding about the wind. Our hair was whipping all over the place. Well, except for Dad's of course.

The bright yellow slide reminds of the one on the jungle gym that Dad built me and my siblings. I slid down that slide over and over and over. Oh the memories. 

Maybe the wind just tired her right out. This has got to be my favorite photo from our Grand Haven State Park Playground Adventure. I like that the play set has the anchor and life preserver on it. In my mind that is a perfect representation for Grand Haven. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing photos from our playground adventure at the Grand Haven State Park.

Until next time...

Bangs, beach and being silly

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads! I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating Father's Day with their Hero! 

Speaking of heroes; I never thought cutting hair was a Dad duty, but it turns out it is one of many. At least for this Dad, who does a great job at this too! He came to my rescue again today. 

At 20 months old E got her VERY first hair cut. I finally worked up the courage to say goodbye to a few of her baby strands. Honestly, it was long over due. Putting her hair in pony tails was working up until last week when she started pulling the little rubber bands out of her hair. Yes, I tried head bands, bandanas and clips. She wanted nothing to do with those. I really didn't want to cut it but she was starting to really struggle with keeping the bangs out of her face and eyes. It was time. 

It took a few smarties for her to hold still.

Dad did a pretty good job. 

Why do I struggle so bad with cutting my little girl's hair? Is this one of those emotional connections Mommies have? I am seriously so attached to her little curls. But, if I have to admit it, her bangs look pretty cute. The best part, she can see now! 

The girls were so adorable today. They rolled around on the floor and play wrestled, tickling and squealing the whole time. I love when they are just being silly together. I'm so glad M connects with her lil' sis like this. It's so natural.

We made it to Grand Haven beach for the 2nd time this Summer. E couldn't get enough of the lake and kept chasing the waves and then running away from them. So, R and I took turns keeping her from washing away with the waves. Should I be surprised that M was in the water within minutes of arriving? Of course, she went under. Crazy kid! All though the beach was a bit windy and cut our beach trip short it was well worth the walk! 

All and all a great weekend! I am thankful to spend it with these 3. 

Til next time. Keep Loving. 

What a great weekend!

R says to me on the way home from the beach, "what a great weekend." It truly was. Pure blue sky, sun shine, fun with M and E all weekend. A weekend of family time was exactly what I needed.

As we were leaving Grand Haven beach around 5:00 I realized that the last two sunny seasons in a row, on any given day, I would have been heading to work. I realized right then that this Summer is going to be an entirely new experience for us. I felt so peaceful and happy when I realized how much my new job, our new routine has improved our lives. I can't count the days I would force myself to walk into work to serve vacationers dinner, while my family sat at home without me. How many days I wished I was watching the sunset, cradling my baby girl, camping or enjoying an ice cream cone. I can't count them all.

This Summer is going to be an entirely new experience us.

E not only splashed in the waves and shoveled the sand but rolled, crawled and ate it too. Last summer she stuck one finger in the beach sand and then fussed because she wanted nothing to do with the gritty stuff. Not this year. Our first family trip to Lake Michigan was entirely different. After figuring out how to walk on the soft sand she couldn't get enough of the sand her Daddy and big sister were digging. Soon enough the girls were sandy head to toe and flinging wet sand everywhere.

I really enjoyed watching my family dig and splash as I soaked up the sun. My biggest concern was soaking up the rays and believe it or not I did just that.

Having M this weekend was equally enjoyable. She always surprises me with her questions. I remember last Summer how sad she was as I would walk out the door to work, only seeing me each other for a short time. Today she asked me, "do you have to go to a coffee shop to work?" Luckily I found time to squeeze in some work related tasks before beach time and didn't need to leave. I couldn't anyways, especially after the her sweet heart melted mine! I love that she very politely shows her affection. I can't wait for our three week vacation with her!

Reflecting on where we were a year ago really puts our life into perspective. I will never take a day for granted as long as I reflect on how much we've changed and grown. I will never take for granted time with my family, my job, E's toddler days and days when R and I can just sit and enjoy our time together.

Keep Loving.