Goodbyes

I don't do them. Or at least, I don't do them well. I tend to pretend its not happening...which is what I've been doing for weeks now. But time has run out. We are leaving. Leaving the first home we bought together. Leaving the little town that we've explored and grown to love. Leaving our dear friends that have become our "Michigan family." Goodbyes like this aren't forever. So instead I say, "See you soon, friends!"

Who loves IU?

Jack does!!!

It has already begun...

When Jack goes to bed - his friends stay up to hit on his sister. Not cool.

Look at Woody! I'm pretty sure I saw him yawn and stretch before he slipped his arm around her.

And then Buzz showed up, flashing his cheesy smile!  I'm not sure how Jack will feel about this.

Miss Josie

Because she doesn't get as much Blog-attention as her brother...

I love her chubby cheeks, her big blue eyes, and her fat rolls.

Focused on her neck workout. She's always so tired after a few minutes on her tummy. I only wish this worked for Jack...

Jos Bunny

Some bunny loves her bath...and her bunny towel (thanks to Ethan & Maddie's grandma, Karen).

Four 4am Ruminations

1. Things change so quickly! If someone would have told me ONE YEAR ago today that I'd have a 6 week old daughter, be in the process of moving back to Fort Wayne, and IU's basketball team would be ranked in the Top 10 - I wouldn't have believed ANY of it!

2. Apparently Ben Roethlisberger needed to spend less time hitting on the ladies and more time "Tebowing." Timmy came up big again. We all know he's a 'believer' - but everyone else is starting to believe in him, too. He's impressive and I like him. Go Timmy!

3. I'm kind of in love with the "This American Life" (TAL) app on my iPhone! For those who don't know - TAL is a radio show on NPR that focuses on human interest stories...some are serious, some are funny...most have a liberal undertone (just a fair warning to our conservative followers). Tyson and I started listening when we were living in Cleveland and making frequent drives to Indiana. The app has every show since 1995! But shows are also available for free on iTunes. Highly recommend them!

4. My best friend Katie turned 30 yesterday. (Happy birthday!!) My turn is coming up in a few days. Seriously?!?! How can I be 30? How can I have a 2 year old? Time is going by so quickly! I feel like I might blink and Jack will be driving. Or worse Josie will be getting married. I don't like it.

Bad News

Apparently being two isn't setting too well with Jack. He aged significantly overnight. He really does have "Clevenger genes."

(yes, Dad, I paid a dollar for this app)

Jack's Two...Time Flew!

Last weekend I started feeling guilty that Jack wasn't having a birthday celebration with his Royal Oak friends.  So I decided to put together a little "something." The invitations were hand-delivered...except Lucas didn't get a balloon because Jack popped it. (Sorry, Lucas)

The "theme" was Jack is TWO...Time flew! And I incorporated airplanes into it...simple and easy. (although I did have to Google how to fold different types of paper airplanes)

All of Jack's best buddies came! You know it's a fun party when the drink of choice is apple juice and the adults in the room also serve as referees.

Josie was happy to be passed around to anyone willing to hold her...which was just about everyone.

 Our new "family of four" photo! Doesn't Jos look thrilled?

We had no problem convincing the toddlers to eat the cupcakes. The pizza and fruit was a different story...

 Jack and Molly - having a "moment." I think this is a frameable photo! It's too cute!

Jack got SO many fun new presents! Tyson and I got him a Buzz Lightyear and a Woody doll (from Toy Story)...he also got a new choo-choo, two books about trucks, a matching game, a new car (the toy kind), a new boat, and (in order to help him with his New Year's resolution) a POTTY book!! Fingers crossed.

Tyson and I can't believe our little guy is already two. Time really does FLY by! I vividly remember this day, two years ago, as if it were yesterday.

We (all four of us) feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends here in Michigan.  Jack has spent two years with three kiddos that are sweet, funny, and adorable.  Yes, they may have their differences...especially when they all want to play with the same toy...but we couldn't ask for better friends, neighbors, and playmates.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Jack Dyer! You are loved.

TWO

Today is a special day in our house! Jack turns TWO today. We had a wild & crazy party with his best buddies earlier today. Now we are recovering resting...but we will get lots of pictures up soon!

Gettin' Nerdy

Yesterday, Brooke, Christina, and I braved the Cranbrook Museum with four kiddos (and one in the oven, Lucas' baby brother or sister). It was an adventure!

First, Josie stared down a bear! She must have her momma's "mean look," because the bear was scared stiff!

Jack interacted with a lizard and a penguin. Now there's a combination you don't hear too often.

Molly and Jack hung out with a really mean tiger, but they weren't afraid!

And then Molly, Lucas, and Jack got a head start on their Ichthyology. They were all - "Look at the ornate colors of that sea anemone....Ohhh, that Tang Fish is gorgeous."  

"HEY LOOK - IT'S NEMO!!!"

Just another day in the life of a toddler.