Shots of Jack

More pictures from Chicago.

Lunching at Yolk.

Checking out the fish at the Shedd Aquarium.

He got excited when the dolphin swam by.

This picture was taken specifically for Jack's Gramps - a Bears fan. As you can see, Jack was totally bored and unimpressed by Soldier Field. I'm sure he would have been all smiles had it been Lucas Oil Stadium.

Shot of Jack

We just got back from a quick trip to Chicago to see Kelly. It was Jack's first visit to the Windy City...and despite a few naps - he liked it! Jack's buddy (and future Pledge Father) Oliver was there with his mommy, Kassey. And Kelly's sister, Shannon, came with her son Braden. Oliver and Braden are both one...so Jack was the "baby" of the group. But he appreciated that they let him "tag along" for the day. He promises to work on his mobility by the next get-together.

Kas said it best..."Next time we have them all together we won't be wearing flip-flops, we'll be wearing running shoes."

Stealin' Smooches

Shots of Jack

Look who was reading instead of napping.

"You caught me, Mom!"

Playing fair

Yesterday, Jack and I had a playdate with Molly at her NEW house! Brooke had things to get done and Molly doesn't like when she can't see her food source/best friend. So, I brought over the next best thing...Jack. Molly was happy.

Two seconds after this picture was taken, she decided she liked Jack's left eye so much...she wanted it for herself. She tried to claw it out. As you can imagine, that didn't set well with him.

I evened the playing field by letting him sit up too.

As a teacher, I enjoy observing children. In my observations yesterday I learned that Jack likes to hit and bite things...Molly will gently shake toys or lick them. Interesting.

Warning to the rest of the world: We are about to be on the MOVE...so clean your floors!

Shot of Jack

Where are Jack's pants? They were a casualty of a dirty diaper gone bad...

Shots of Jack

We have a little monkey man on our hands. He loves hanging upside down.

(Notice Tucker in the background...hoping someone will play with him. Poor pup.)

Shots of Jack

Aunt Gina took some time to read books with Jack yesterday before we headed home. I must say, his reaction to them warms my teacher-heart.

He wanted to turn the pages.

Studying the pictures...like any good reader...

"All DONE! That was a great book!"

Shots of Jack

On our journey back to Michigan, Jack and I made a stop at the lake to see Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Denny. It was the perfect stop! Jack ate, I ate, Jack got changed, I used the potty, Jack got worn out, and I was re-energized with lots of Dt. Coke. We like stops like that! Plus, Jack was able to impress his grandparents (doesn't take much, on either side) with his sitting, rolling, and knowledge of shapes...

The School Psychologist was coming out in Grandma Nancy. She says she was just playing with him, but we all know there was an assessment going on.

Jack found where the red rectangle went...does this mean he passed??

Working on the yellow square.

Shot of Jack

Jack and I ran out to see Tyson as he was finishing up on #16 this morning. He played with Gramps, Uncle Joe, and Uncle Jon. Gramps was the winner for the day. Jack can't wait until he can make their four-some a five-some...someday.

Sorry...

I intended to put up a picture of Jack with his Grandma Nancy...who kindly volunteered to take the afternoon off to watch him while my mom and I did some shopping. However, he proceeded to Unicorn Nap during 97% of her visit ...a blessing and a curse.

Shots of Jack

Practicing his sitting technique. It requires some serious concentration.

"If Grandma isn't going to wear her wig, I AM!"

Mowing

Tonight Gramps taught Jack how to mow. I was afraid he would be scared, but he wasn't! He kicked his legs (which is usually a sign he likes something!) I'm sure Tyson will be more than happy to allow Jack to mow, when he's old enough.

Buddies.

Shot of Jack

Yeah, I love my new Fisher-Price highchair. (Thanks for the recommendation, Oliver!) Also - Jack's new favorite "toy" - cloth napkins or burp cloths. Lifesavers on our car ride today. He played with one for 35 minutes. Glorious.

Congratulatory Dinner

Jack's Grandma Shirlee treated all of us to dinner at the Boathouse tonight to celebrate Karley's GREAT news! We kept Jack occupied by shoveling Gerber Puffs into his mouth. He's a big fan.

Gnawing on a puff.

Couldn't resist a sunset picture in front of beautiful Winona Lake.

Silly Uncle Joe dunked Jack's toes into the water. Jack was really hoping for a post-dinner swim. No dice.

And then Aunt Gina walked him to the car. He was a happy boy. The smiles are for his Grandma Shirlee...she has treatment #2 tomorrow and he's her personal cheerleader!

Congrats, Aunt Karley!

Jack's Aunt Karley was accepted into IU-Indy's Law School today! Yay! She completed her first year at the University of Dayton, but will be transferring to either IU or Valpo in the fall. We don't want to put any pressure on her, but...we love IU...we love Indy...and promise to come visit. There, that should help.

Shots of Jack

I have learned that taking my (Hoosier) son out in public wearing "maize and blue" draws comments like, "Go Blue!" or "Look at you, you're a future Wolverine." I always says, "No, actually he's a Hoosier." -blank stare- Okay, fine...he can go to Michigan for Med School.

And when I do dress him in IU gear - they say things like, "Awww, a little Red Wings fan." I've learned my lesson on that one. Before I knew better I would say, "No, we don't even like hockey." But I now know just to keep my mouth shut and go with it...because in Michigan, you don't make friends, if you don't like hockey.

Some things matter, some don't

In my 28.5 years of life, I have come to learn that some things matter - but most don't.

Some things that DO matter are how you treat others, your manners, family, friends, and personal happiness.

Some things that DON'T matter are the jeans you wear, purse you carry, car you drive, and hairstyle you have.

My mom shaved her head today. And I must say, she is the HOTTEST bald lady I have ever seen. So take that, Demi Moore!

Shot of Jack

Jack is a mover on his belly these days! He can work his way around the blanket from toy to toy during "tummy time." And he is starting to pull his legs up under his body...into "crawl" position. I'm not sure I'm ready for a mobile baby.

Sharing is Caring

Their Kindergarten teachers can thank me later...

No Air

Our air isn't working.

Jack is mad. Tyson is mad.

Thank God for Frank. He came out today to fix it for us. He is Tyson's new best friend.

Just have to share...

So, you know I have been obsessing about coupons...I actually have a binder full of them. Yes, I am THAT woman, holding up your check-out lane. Sorry.

Anyway, I have a "coupon" to share with all of you! Tyson and I really enjoy eating out. We like to find good restaurants and then pledge our allegiance to them by frequenting them...often. I have been looking at restaurants.com for a while now...but have only recently started purchasing from here.

Here is what I know:

- I have purchased $60 worth of gift certificates (to three of our local favs) for $17. Yes, I spent $17 and they gave me $60 worth of gift certificates.

- There are ALWAYS online coupon codes to make your price even cheaper! I just used the word "vacation" and got 60% off my total. The other day I think I used "alltime" and got 40% off. If you google it, you will always find codes.

- Some offers have rules. (ie: min purchase of $35, alcohol not included, 18-20% gratuity added, etc) This won't be a problem for us...we will gladly tack on an appetizer or, even better, a dessert. Or we will invite friends to join us...(any takers?)

- You need a printer! You have to print your gift certificate right away. (sorry, Mom & Dad - that leaves you out)

- Almost all cities are included! As I've said, Metro Detroit has some of our favs... but Fort Wayne also has great offers (Henry's and Club Soda), Indy, Chicago, etc. Again, unfortunately for Warsaw - they are not on the list. (Can someone work on that, though? Ceruleans, duh.)

Anyway - I wanted to pass this info on to friends and family! I know, from experience, that eating out can add up. So, this is one way to make date nights a little lighter on the wallet.

Shots of Jack

"Dad, where is the air conditioning?"

Jack does not enjoy 90+ degree weather.

New Baltimore, MI

Today we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and our beautiful state! As Hoosiers, attached to our "homeland" - we tend to travel south A LOT and in the two years we have been up here, we have never explored our local beaches. Today we traveled along the "thumb" shoreline to see what we could find.

Our first stop was New Baltimore, MI - only a 35min drive from Royal Oak. It's a cute town located on Lake St. Clair. They have small public park area with a pier for fishing, a clean, sandy beach, picnic tables, and a playground for the kiddos.

Jack loved the water! He was really into the little waves that "crashed" on shore.

He enjoyed the swingset with his Daddy - then he ate, was changed, and we continued on our way!

Lexington, MI

We continued along M59 through Marine City, St. Clair, and Port Huron. Our final destination was Lexington, MI - a cute, up & coming town on Lake Huron. There are cute shops lining the main drag - Huron Street and a rustic area known as the Smackwater block. There we found Smackwater Jack's. We had heard about their gourmet pizzas, so we decided to try it out. Delicious! Our only issue with Lexington - not a stroller-friendly town. We had to eat outside (which was fine) because no strollers are allowed in most stores & restaurants. Good to know for the future!

(Can you find the mistake in the above picture? Somebody needs spell check!)

Ty & Jack in front of a fountain in the Smackwater block.

Waiting for pizza.

Walking through Lexington

We left Smackwater Jack's and headed to the water.

It started raining just as we were walking out onto a cool pier - it's lined with HUGE boulders. In the distance you can see tiny sailboats. They are taking part in the Bayview Mackinac Race that goes from Port Huron up to Mackinac (that's a long way!) The race started this morning and some boats won't finished until Monday or Tuesday.

The marina in Lexington.