Bikes

We have had a couple of really nice days following the massive rain storms. We have made the best of them by playing outside each afternoon. Both boys love being outside and getting into everything. Here they are enjoying yesterdays sun. Liam loves this car. He will open the door, climb in, sit down, pretend to drive, get out, close the door and push it to wherever he wants to go. He will then repeat the process over and over.

Samuel has two new bikes at Nana and Papa's. Here is in on one of them. This one is a bit harder for him and something he can grow into. He loves the tricycle he has and will ride it to the end of the road and back over and over. He also is willing to wear his helmet but most times by the time he makes his way back it is falling off. Guess we better figure out how to get it a bit tighter.

Trash

Liam has been quite the handful lately. He is into everything! If he isn't trying to get downstairs to get to the cordless phone or the computer mouse, he is in the laundry room getting into the dog's water. Walking has slowed his pace a bit but since he is pretty steady on his feet now he is getting faster everyday.

A few mornings ago I was attempting to get Samuel dressed for preschool while Liam was playing with cars in the living room. Not a minute later as I am getting Samuel's shoes on I round the corner to find Liam picking through the trash. Apparently there was a really cool lid and straw in there that he wanted to play with. He was so proud of himself I could hardly punish him! What next...?

Fun in the Rain

This past week we got hit with a big rain storm. Samuel wanted to go out and play so we let him. Since Liam was sleeping in the bedroom we didn't go in to get his swimsuit, instead he went in his undies. He thought it was great!

The water came up to mid calf on him. It was really pretty warm since the day had been hot and the asphalt served as a heater. It was also coming down pretty hard as he was playing. We let him run around and jump in the water for awhile before having to come back inside and get dressed.

Cousins

This past weekend, Samuel and Liam got to spend some time with their cousins. On Saturday, Addision came down to Coldwater to spend the day with us. Samuel and Addison were so excited to see each other. That lasted for about 20 minutes before they both started arguing and fighting with one another. By the end of the day they were getting along like siblings! I think if one would have said the grass was green the other would have argued that it was purple!

Despite some crankiness we had a great day. We spent time playing out around the pool, getting ice cream and playing at a local park. It wasn't long after Addison left that Samuel was asking about here and when she could come and play again!

On Monday we made it up to Lansing to catch up with all of Mike's step-siblings. We had a dinner at his dad's and let the kids run wild. There were six of the eight grandkids there ranging in age from 4 days to 5 years old. We played soccer, hide and seek, and tag. It was a small glimpse at what Christmas for the next 18 years may be like.

Here is the newest addition to the family.
Kasey Aaron Ellis

Congrats to Scott, Erin and big brother Evan!

First Day of Preschool

Well, today was the day that Samuel has been waiting for, the first day of preschool! We have been preparing him for today for the past three months. Talking all about preschool, visiting his school and his teacher, talking about sharing and telling "preschool stories." Although I thought he was pretty prepared I didn't know what to expect.

This morning he woke up at 7 and came running up the stairs talking about preschool. He was eager to eat breakfast and got dressed without a fuss. He even wore a button up shirt without complaining. After a couple dozen pictures we loaded up and headed out. He talked nonstop in the car, explaining to me how he was going to say hi to Miss Lisa, how he was going to eat a snack and how he was going to share with his friends. He was ready!

We got to the school about 5 minutes early. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by the pastor of the church. Samuel instantly hid behind my leg and refused to talk. He wished a good day to Samuel and we headed to his classroom. He eagerly hung up his backpack and headed into the room. He hesitated for about a second then saw the dress up area. He walked over, grabbed the police helmet, put it on his head and headed over to say hi to Miss Lisa. Since he appeared to be doing great I said my goodbye and headed out.

Once I hit the car I had the realization that I just dropped by baby off for his first day of preschool. I felt a twinge of sadness but was more overjoyed and excited for him. I then realized that I had only one kid for the next two and a half hours!

When we went to pick up Samuel he was sitting (yes sitting) with his class. He yelled "Mommy!" then ran over to give me a big hug. He told me all about his new friends, his new playground, what he had for snack and that he wanted to go back again.
I don't think I could have asked for a better first day for him.