It's a Busy Time of Year!

Before heading back to school on September 7th, we headed north to spend Labor Day weekend with my family. The kids enjoyed every minute of fun with all their relatives and are already asking to go back! On Tuesday, 3 out of 4 of us headed back to school. Both Russell and Sloane are loving their new classrooms. I too am enjoying my new classroom, in a new school, with a new group of students!!! This time of year is always so exciting as well as stressful with all the business of settling into a new routine. After a busy week, I was able to relax a bit with 12 of my girlfriends in Saugatuck, Mi. We rented a house this year for our annual Girls' Weekend. AC took the kids to see his mom in St. Joseph, where they were spoiled endlessly! Every day I thank God for all the blessings I have...

Sloane enjoyed her first caramel apple from Papa.

Russell had target practice for his new cross bow from Great Papa.
Cousin Katie is always up for keeping an eye on and entertaining the kids.

The kids love spending time with Kelly. They sweet talked her into one more ride before we had to leave.

Busy End to the Summer

I have been busy preparing for another school year, but also trying to fit in a lot of last minute FUN for the kids. This past weekend was a whirlwind of errand running, play dates, and fun. The pictures will tell our story...

Friday - Russell has been a HUGE fan of The Wiggles since he was 17 months old. I would turn on the show in hopes of entertaining Russell while I was trying to comfort Sloane (my colicky infant). Anyway, I promised Russell that this would be the summer that he would FINALLY see The Wiggles live! So Friday night was date night for Russell and me at the Palace of Auburn Hills. We had so much fun!!! He had huge eyes the entire time and was such a gentleman remembering all his manners. He saw Anthony (blue Wiggle) up close and even touched Captain Feathersword!

Saturday - I have no pictures of this day, but we were busy, busy, busy!!! We started our day by visiting the local dance studio for their open house and to sign Sloane up for her first ballet and tap classes!!! She was so excited to see the dance room and meet her teacher, Ms. Amanda. I am equally thrilled with her decision to take dance considering I also began taking lessons at age 3! I can't wait to see her in tights, ballet slippers, and a leotard! After the dance open house we headed to Barnes and Noble for book shopping (thanks to my mom)! Then off for haircuts!!!

Sunday - This day began with a breakfast play date at Steve and Heidi's house. We all wanted to get our hands on Baby Stella!!! Russell was the one who did NOT want to put her down. It was so cute! He absolutely loved holding her. Sloane kept busy playing with Luke. We are so thrilled for Heidi and Steve. What a beautiful family they have!

After leaving Heidi and Steve's, we headed home for lunch and nap time. Upon awakening from nap, we headed down to the park for our annual neighborhood picnic. It was hot, hot, hot! Sloane ate 3 slices of watermelon back-to-back. After a lot of fun eating and playing, a surprise rain shower got us SOAKED from head to toe! The rain felt so good on our hot skin!

The rain didn't stop these boys from having fun!

Taking cover under the play structure.

Cupcakes under the slide.

We love our Altadena Avenue Family!!!

Raising a Boy and a Girl

I am constantly amazed at how Russell and Sloane are naturally interested in gender stereotyped behaviors and toys. I have never pushed sports and weapons on Russell nor dolls and jewelry on Sloane. However, they seem to gravitate towards these things. Russell being "ALL boy" spends his days running, climbing, pretending super heroes and cowboys, and managing to stress his mother out completely with his aggressive and hyperactive behavior! Sloane being "ALL girl" spends her day wearing pink night gowns and princess crowns while playing with baby dolls, doll houses, and jewelry. Rather than stressing me with aggressive behavior, she terrifies me with behavior of 3 going on 13!!! Motherhood... awesome... surprising... interesting... terrifying... stressful... joyful... THE HARDEST JOB I'LL EVER LOVE!!!

My little cowboy!

My Little Princess!

It's A GIRL!!!

I spent Wednesday afternoon at the hospital awaiting the birth of my best friend Heidi's second child! At 3:50 p.m. Stella Corbett Whirley came into our world...6lbs. 13oz. and 19 inches! She is precious. Big brother Luke, Mama Heidi, and Daddy Steve are all doing great. It was so fun to be there for the announcement of her arrival. It made me go home and kiss both my kids and hug them extra tight! They grow up way too fast!

Heidi and Stella! Both beautiful!!!

Stella Corbett Whirley...awwwwwww!

Closing Up the Cottage

I headed up to our family cottage on Wednesday with the kids to help my dad close it up for the season. The weather was hot, Hot, HOT!!! I only wore two things: pajamas or a swim suit! The kids were in the water more than they were out! We were spoiled by yummy dinners with my Grandma and Aunts along with a fabulous fish fry at our friends' the Toaz's! The kids, my dad, and myself were missing my mom terribly, but we were sure to take in all of her favorite things about the lake. We filled our days with final boat rides, final swims, and final sunsets of summer 2010!

Free scrapbook design made with Smilebox

Family Fun the Wilcox Way!!!

This past weekend was our annual Wilcox Family Reunion at my aunt and uncle's home in Crystal. I decided to make this event into the kids' first camping experience by staying in my brother's camping trailer. Upon arrival on Saturday, my aunt and uncle had the camper all set up with running water, electricity, and beds already made! My first thought, "this is MY kind of camping!!!" The kids loved their camping experience, but even more they LOVED the pool! It took no time for them to get into their swimsuits and begin doing cannon balls off the diving board! We had so much fun hanging with family...especially Grammy and Papa!!! We were thrilled that Grammy felt well enough to join us for the reunion. Sloane was sure to give her lots of kisses to help her feel better.

Russell received cowboy and Indian figures from Aunt Marilyn. He had fun playing with Great Papa.
Water baby on the move!

The kids love playing with cousin Katie.
Russell insisted on trying on flippers.

Swimming in the deep end.

1-2-3 CANNON BALL!

Russell was hilarious posing for pictures in mid-air.

Russell had fun spending time with his cousin Nolan.

Sloane and Grammy enjoyed slushies.

Another treat...fudge sickles!

My hero! Corn hole champion 2nd year running!

The Laughter Continues!

I am thankful for so many things, but lately I can not thank my children enough for all the zillions of smiles they bring to me! Last week Sloane woke up from nap asking to make "M&M cookies." I have never made this type of cookie before so after a quick Internet search I found the perfect recipe and we began whipping up a delicious batch of "M&M cookies." Both kids found these cookies pleasureful to their taste buds, but after two cookies a piece I told them it was time to head outside for some exercise. Russell quickly responded, "and then we can have more cookies?" I replied, "yes, but now it's time to go outside and get some exercise." Well...Russell took my words quite literally. All I meant was to go outside, ride your bike, run around the yard, kick the soccer ball, all normal everyday activities in our backyard. When I went to the back window to check on the kids, Russell was in the middle of our driveway doing push-ups! His face was so serious. The hysterical part of the entire story is that on this particular 90 degree day, he had chosen to wear head-to-toe camouflage!!! I about wet myself laughing while imagining the neighbors walking by wondering what kind of boot camp I was running during my summer off! Needless to say, Russell did earn himself a 3rd and 4th cookie!!! I unfortunately do not have pictures from this event, but here are a few other photos to pass on.

Aron has a friend who lives on Lake Orion so yesterday we went over and enjoyed a beautiful day on the lake!

Russell tried out a new activity on the inner tube!

As always, both kids were little fishes!

We got new furniture last week and Mac is thoroughly enjoying nap time on the new sofa!