Outdoor Fun

What great weather we had this Memorial Day! We were able to spend a lot of the weekend outside. We did some general clean up of the beds and landscaping around the house, worked up the vegetable garden, mowed the entire lawn, moved Marie's plants from the basement outside, planted more in the garden (zucchini, cucumbers, green beans, peas, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers), put flowers into some beds, and still found time to have some fun! Thanks, by the way, to Uncle Mark who helped erect the fence around the garden last weekend.




Jon and Marie went to run an errand and ending up returning with a bat, ball and tee. Marie loves playing with it. But, I'm not sure how she convinced Jon to get a pink set considering that she does have a little brother...


On Sunday, we all went to Lansing to check out Potter Zoo. It is a nice place, just about perfect for an afternoon outing with smaller children. It took us about two hours to check everything out and so Marie was able to walk the whole time. She really loved it. She kept saying, "Let's go find some more animals!" She even got to ride a pony! We weren't sure how she'd do, since we had to stay behind the fence. But, it might have been her highlight of the day....or maybe it was the ice cream she got afterward. :)

Here we are examining the map....in search of monkeys!!

In Joey news, he finally figured out how to get his arm out of the way so that he could roll completely from his back to his belly. He doesn't stay on his back for very long now. Unfortunately, after he's on his belly for a while, he gets mad. He hasn't quite figured out how to get back yet. He is also starting to eat some solids. He's only had rice cereal and banana so far. He was pretty unsure at first, but he's starting to catch on. At least he isn't trying to suck on the spoon quite as much.

No one was really sleeping here. As you can see, Joey's not even trying!

In general, it was a nice, relaxing family weekend close to home. Hope yours was just as great!

Congratulations Joel and Jenn!

What a great trip to New Hampshire we had this weekend!! We started our journey in Cleveland where we met up with the rest of the Shibata clan (except Uncle Joel and Jenn). We all flew out of Hopkins, thinking that a 7:3 adult to kid ratio gave us pretty good odds of getting to the wedding without any major catastrophes.

The kids (and adults) all did really well on the plane. One lady actually commented that we must fly with our kids all the time. Ha Ha!

Getting ready to check-in.

Marie loved looking out at all the trees and houses down below.

Our "down time" at the hotel consisted of a lot of running up and down the hallway, checking out the pool, and generally hanging out. The weather on Friday was beautiful, so we went to downtown Portsmouth for a sandwich and a picnic. Then we headed to the rehearsal and dinner at Newick's Lobster House.

Evidence that Marie did actually drop some petals at one point (more on that later).

Shrimp and french fries. Yummy!

Before we knew it, the wedding day had arrived. Jon was with Joel and the other groomsmen most of the day, so I (with the help of Grandma and Aunt Jaclyn) got Marie ready to go. We spent a lot of time talking about what was going to happen and how silly it was that they actually wanted her to throw the "leaves" on the ground. I thought she was well prepped. When the time actually came, she and JJ set off down the aisle. For a split second, I thought they were going to make it. But, they ended up getting a bit shy and the best man and another groomsman (their respective fathers) came from the front of church to fetch them. All in all, it was still pretty cute. Then halfway through the ceremony, Marie whispers, "I want to throw the leaves on the ground." I just sighed....

The ceremony was beautiful. We got LOTS of compliments on Marie's dress. Thanks Aunt Karen! It was really perfect. The thunderstorm held out until during the reception when everyone was undercover, thankfully. The dance floor was packed as soon as the music started. Between that and the open bar, I think everyone had a great time.

Getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Marie and the girls...

Joey's still working on the whole picture taking thing...

Helping to pass the time while pictures are being taken.

The happy couple.

The maid of honor, best man, and ring bearer.

Parents of the groom.

Not sure what's going on here...

JJ says, "Let's boogie!"

"WE ARE FAMILY!"

Is that Uncle Ray on the dance floor?

JJ knows where to get the good stuff.

What good role models.

Late at night back at the hotel and exhausted, but still smiling.

On Sunday, we started the trek back to Michigan. Marie had to take a pit stop in the Manchester airport to test drive a new Mustang. Then, she got to sit by Grandma and Aunt Jess on the plane ride home.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip with many firsts and many laughs. Welcome to the family, AUNT JENN!!

Happy May!

It's May already! Since I virtually neglected to do any blogging last month, I'll have to bring you up to speed quickly...

Our big adventure for April was our Easter trip. We took off and drove down to Illinois on Thursday night. The kids started out the trip well; after all they were rested at this juncture. Joey slept almost the whole way. Marie was very excited to be going to Grandma and Grandpa's house and slept very little, but was agreeable for the whole 7+ hours.

There was lots to do on Friday and Saturday. Marie, Joey, and I went to visit some of our cousins. I got to catch up with Jenny and Ang and their respective two kids each. Cousin Beth also came, probably to bring a little sanity to the bunch.

It had been very rainy and we ventured outside to check out the puddles. Grandpa cleverly fashioned some boots for Marie out of ziploc bags and masking tape. And, of course there was time to color Easter eggs and paint Easter cookies.





Marie got a kick out of watching the dove that was making it's nest in Grandma's flower box.


On Saturday, we headed to St. Louis to visit Great-Grandpa Boedeker. He was pleased to meet Joey, his only great-grandson (he has four great-granddaughters). Marie also got to try on her "official" flower girl dress. It fit just right. She of course didn't want to take it off.




On Easter Sunday, we all made it to Mass, looking splendid in our Easter best. Then we headed to the Meinhart Easter gathering. It was so nice to see everyone and Marie had a blast. She really came out of her shell and wasn't shy at all about making friends. She pleased quite a few with her renditions of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." When we got in the car to leave, she sighed and said simply, "That was fun!"

During our trek back to Michigan on Monday, we swung past Valparaiso to visit with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Speckhard. It was a quick visit, but it it was well worth it. We think they especially enjoyed seeing the kids.




Since we've been back it's been life as usual. Jon has finished his course for this semester and has (thankfully!) made it through at least one round of cuts at GM. His job has been keeping him busy lately; there were a few late nights working last week.

The weather has been more and more spring-like. Things are really greening up. Jon mowed the grass for the first time today. We've been getting some rain, but we get out as much as we can. Marie has taken a liking to eating lunch on our deck. She asks to eat outside almost everyday.

We are really looking forward to our trip to New Hampshire this week for Uncle Joel's wedding. We went to a wedding last weekend and we think Marie is beginning to grasp the concept of what it all entails. She is certainly looking forward to seeing all the Shibata's. I'm sure there'll be lost of photos and good stories to tell next week!

I'll leave you with a few recent around-the-house shots....

Marie posing in an outfit that Grandma made for me when I was her size.

Jon and Joey watching hockey.

Marie sharing her ice cream with Daddy (notice Daddy's already empty bowl).