Holland, MI Part IV

On Sunday, we woke up to sunshine!!! We were so excited that we could finally go and really check out some of the beaches and parks we had been told about. It was still too cold and a little windy, but the sunshine was great! We went to Tunnel Park, which requires a hike up a sand dune (or stairs if you're a weany like us) and then displays the beautiful view behind us.

Kellen and Mommy trying to stay warm on the beach. He's more of a snuggler than Campbell ever was!

Then, we enjoyed a walk on the beach for a while.

The next stop was the Holland State Park. It was a beautiful beach and had a great lighthouse, too.

Campbell and Daddy... somewhere in between the two is Kellen!

Campbell trying on her princess dress we got her on the trip.

Holland, MI Part III

The weather was a bit better on Saturday- no rain but still chilly. We were able to get up and explore Holland a little bit better, from the wonderful farmer's market to the New Holland Brewpub. We ate lunch there with Liv's friend from their days at Butler University, Kristen. It was so nice to see her and introduce her to Campbell and Kellen. In fact, the last time Liv saw her we had just found out we were pregnant and she was in law school. Now, she's a big-time lawyer in Grand Rapids!

Of course, later that day we had to try out the ice cream store again. Good thing Campbell's so cute... Mom doesn't share her ice cream with just anyone!
We finished the evening with some swimming again...

... and this time, Mommy & Kellen came swimming, too. Although he looks "a little" freaked out here, Kellen did actually like the pool.

We didn't have a swim diaper with us, so we put Kellen in a regular diaper and then put Campbell's pull-ups over them. Guess the swim diapers would have worked out a little better for the poor guy. Pull-ups are not meant to take on that much water, and I think his circulation to his legs (and hopefully nothing else) were actually cut off a little bit!

Holland, MI Part II

Friday morning, we woke up to a cold and slightly soggy Holland, MI. We were able to get out and see some of the sights, though. We drove up to Grand Haven and walked out to see the lighthouse on the beach. Although we didn't get to swim in Lake Michigan, at least Campbell finally got to see a beach (which she might actually have a memory of).

A picture of our family all bundled up
In the evening, we went to a local Holland park to listen to a band and play on the playground. Campbell and Daddy loved riding the purple dinosauer.

They almost got the name of the park right.

Of course, we had our share of ice cream, too! Campbell tried some new favorite flavors- Blue Moon and Superman. Why do all kids love the most colorful flavors they make???

Kellen, on the other hand, was not too interested in the ice cream. He preferred his sleep instead! Note that he is wearing a hat that we had to buy (in late August) because of the cold temperatures. That's ok, he looked pretty cute in it!!!

Holland, MI Part I

We decided it was time to get out of the Fort and take a family vacation. We thought we'd try a mini-vacation to see how the kids did with it all, and it was just the perfect amount of time for a 2 1/2 year old and 6 month old to be out of their daily routines.

Campbell was very excited for her "bacation," although she never quite caught on to the fact that a vacation is not just one place but the whole time being gone from home. We tried to reason with her and explain it, but she couldn't quite grasp the concept and got upset a few times because of it.
So was Kellen. He slept the whole way on the ride up there.

After checking into the hotel, we checked out a local pizza place. Campbell sure does enjoy her pizza!

To end the evening, Daddy & Campbell went swimming in the pool.

Warner Family Reunion

We had the annual Warner Family Reunion near Cleveland, OH, this year. It was great seeing everyone again, and fun to see Campbell interacting more and more with her cousins. Here is a picture of the whole gang.

Campbell resting up for the long day ahead of her.
Eating lunch with Megan, Kaitlyn, & Ethan
Sean, Kaitlyn, Megan, Campbell, Ethan, Shannon & Kellen

Kellen hanging out with Cousin Erin. He had been getting pretty cranky up until this point, but Erin had the magic touch. I think it means he needs another little one in his house!

Nice Kicks

Aunt Weno had gotten these gym shoes for Campbell when she was a baby. We decided it was time to try them on our little guy, and he didn't seem to mind them at all.

Kellen's Dedication

We had Kellen's dedication at church on Saturday night, which worked best for our family and friends. Here is our little guy getting ready for the big night and visiting with Aunt Geri, Uncle Mike, and Cousin Yuki who came up early from Lafayette to visit.

Cousin Yuki, who just made the Purdue marching band, Campbell & Kellen
Uncle Mike and Kellen. We made him promise not to do to Kellen what he used to do to his little brother. He's the reason Andy is afraid of heights!!!

There were two other babies dedicated with Kellen.

Kellen wore this gown that all his cousins have worn when they were baptized or dedicated. It is a very special gown that Mimi made with lots of love for her grandchildren.

They showed a picture of Kellen, all smiles.

But he was just interested in his binkie...

and neither he nor his sister wanted to close their eyes during the prayer.

A family picture at our house after the dedication.

This is the special handkerchief that Mimi made to commemorate the day. His wife will get this as her "something old and something blue" on their wedding day.

We had everyone back to our house to enjoy some food and cake to help celebrate Kellen's dedication. We feel so blessed by all of our family and friends that were able to support us and Kellen on this day. It definitely makes parenting much easier having this community around us to guide us and pray for us.

Campbell and her cousins loved playing on PawPaw's gator.

Lookout, Dad, just a few more years until this girl is driving!

Eating Peas

Kellen has started eating his veggies, and he loves them! Liv was told about a recipe book for making homemade babyfood, which takes a lot of the mystery out of the process. It is actually very easy and the daycare is allowing us to bring in "unsealed" food. Mmmmmm, peas...

You can't it by these pictures, but he loved them!
"What are you feeding me, Mom?"

"Oh wait, I DO like them."

He likes his mohawk, too!

Campbell ate her fajitas while Kellen ate his peas. She enjoyed her meal, too. In fact, she piled a whole bunch of tomatos on and can't get enough of them now.

Campbell's Hair

These are some fun pictures of Campell's hairstyle that daddy did before school. He typically has hair duty since I am busy feeding Kellen and getting him ready. Andy has gotten quite good at it and enjoys experimenting with different hair styles... hence the "side-pony."

A girl with attitude!