Alex has mastered our basement stairs. He still can't quite get up the first step (it's a little higher than the rest) but once you help him with that he's off! Will likes to put on "Crawling Shows" with Alex in the evenings before bed. They crack each other up.

Grann!

We had a very fun weekend because Grann came to visit! On Friday, we drove up to Ramona's Table for dinner. On Saturday morning, we took the boys to swim lessons (see post below). After a non-existent nap for Alex, we grabbed lunch at Forest Hills Foods before going to Koetsier's. They set up their greenhouse as a fall fun center for kids. They had bounce houses, pumpkin decorating, a maze, corn sandbox, a hayride, and other fun fall activities. Will had a great time bouncing and playing and even Alex got to try out the toddler/infant bounce house. In the afternoon, we walked up to the playground for a bit. Then Grann took care of the boys so we could meet up with some friends in the evening. On Sunday, we went downtown to walk around ArtPrize for a while.

Ball pit

Farmer Will

Loving the hayride!

Grann and Alex on the hayride

Will refused to smile

Alex was underwhelmed by ArtPrize

Swim Lessons

The boys' swim lessons started this weekend. On Saturday morning, we headed over to Wealthy Pool. Alex's class was supposed to go from 9-9:25 and Will's from 9:30-9:55. Alex's was a parent/child class but Will was bumped up to the preschool class which did not have a parent with them. Unfortunately, there was a mix up and the life guard didn't show up. So we had to wait until a back-up arrived to let us in. Fortunately, both classes were small so I was able to just take Alex into the pool to splash around while Will had his class.

Both kids had a great time. I was a little nervous - I didn't know how Alex would react. The few times we've put him in a pool or lake he has cried but the water was also very cold. (They keep Wealthy pool at 85 so it was quite pleasant) Will was nervous about going in the pool without mom or dad but he did really well. There were only 2 kids in his class. They spent most of the time on the stairs but Will did try floating, blowing bubbles, and splashing. He is really looking forward to the next class.

Learning to Float

Holding on all by himself

Wonderful Wednesday

Despite the kids being a little under the weather (non-stop runny noses) we had a really fun Wednesday. Alex did not have a good night Tuesday to Wednesday, so he slept in a little Wednesday morning (must be nice). Will was up at 6:30 so we had some quality time. We managed to make a batch of soup for Grandpa, bake a batch of cookies and build a fort all before 8:30am. After Alex woke up, we played some more and then decided to go to Robinette's for lunch. We had some cider and split a donut and Will was able to run around and play on the wagon slide. A school group came towards the end of our visit and Will made a lot of new friends.

The kids took great naps in the afternoon and we decided to go to Member Appreciation Night at the John Ball Zoo. It was a perfect fall evening and we figured Alex would get more rest bundled up in the stroller than he would at home crawling and climbing. They had a band set up, free sting ray pets, free bird feeding, and crafts for the kids. Will was actually very interested in the animals (instead of just the waterfalls). He especially liked the Bobcat (due to the Bobcat Walk song on one of his CDs), the river otter, and the flamingos. Will was able to feed the birds - several landed on his food stick which he thought was pretty cool. The birds seemed to really like Phil - at one point he had three on him including one on the top of his head. We packed a picnic and had dinner at the zoo while listening to the music.

  Last night, Alex actually slept from 8:15 - 6:30... we hope that trend continues!

The Big Apple

Will loves the wagon slide

Sting Rays

The birds loved Phil

We had a very fun weekend. On Friday afternoon, we actually met with a builder to discuss some major renovations we are thinking about doing to our house. These include: new front porch/entrance, expanded dining room, expanded kitchen (w/ all the upgrades), mudroom, larger family room, and screened in porch out back. The builder seemed confident all could be achieved and the price range he gave us off the top of his head was within the range that we felt was financially feasible. So we have plans to meet with an architect next Friday.

After work on Friday, we walked up to town. Unfortunately, Ramona's Table was closed for a private party, but the owner saw us and gave Will a giant cookie as a consolation prize. So we ended up at Big Bob's instead and ran into two families we know... it reaffirmed that we want to stay in EGR and not head out to Cascade/Ada.

On Saturday, we stayed around the house in the morning and then went to our friend's house. Their daughter turned 1 and they had us over for a tailgate for the Michigan game. It was fun to see all the kids in their Michigan gear. The food was delicious and Will had a great time running around their house.

Alex is a pro at pulling himself up on furniture.  He can even do it on flat surfaces like walls and windows.  I've caught him letting go a few times - he can balance for a second or two before falling down.  He has even gotten himself up to standing without holding on to anything a few times.  He is only on his feet for a few seconds but he is so determined! He was at Grandma and Grandpa's on Friday and was able to climb up their stairs unassisted.  I tried at our house this weekend, but our stairs are a little steeper and he had a little trouble.  I'm sure he'll master it in the next week or two.  He is also quite the babbler now.  He can make the "M" and "B" sounds really well.  Occasionally he will throw in a "D."  He has to keep up with Will who talks non stop!

Playing with the Big Kids

The Kiddos

I found him cruising laps around his crib this morning

Boring Weekend

We were a bit under the weather this weekend so we have very little to report. Will has decided that he and Phil are best friends. They also like to have "boy parties" with just the three of them ("Mom - you are not allowed!").

I was finally able to get a picture of Alex's tooth. It is on the bottom and is the white/grey spot on his gums.

Alex is also doing some cruising along furniture and the hearth of the fireplace.  I was able to get video of him pulling himself up.  He cruises a little - but he keeps getting distracted by his reflection in the fireplace. 

Watching the Lions

Check out my tooth

Better shot of the tooth

Best Friends

Visit with Uncle Andrew

This weekend was the annual Renaissance Festival trip for Phil and Andrew. This year, they met up in Detroit and then Andrew came to GR for a day and half after the fest. Will was so excited to see Uncle Andrew. They immediately bonded and spent the day and half listening to music, dancing, and chasing each other around. Alex was happy to meet Andrew for the first time - he reached out and grabbed his hand with a big smile on his face when he walked in the door. It was a short visit but we crammed a lot of fun in. We are already looking forward to next year!

Meeting of the Minds

Lunch at Founders

Outside the GRAM

So cute!  Will wanted a picture in bed with his brother.