The Great Flood of 2013!

Jim and I took the kids downtown today to check out the flooding of the Grand River.  It was quite impressive!  We couldn't believe how much the river has risen! 

Walking across the pedestrian bridge by the Ford Museum.  It was awesome to look over the side of the bridge and see the water right there!

 

Those windows are partly underwater!  I saw a picture on Facebook that someone took from inside that building looking out- you could see a fish swimming by!

Looking at the Public Museum from the Blue Bridge.

We ran into Uncle Dave while we were walking around.  Uncle Dave has been downtown quite a bit since the flooding started- one of his pictures made it to the GR Press. 

Lucia and daddy looking at the flood waters.

The Blue Bridge.

 

Lucia getting ready to show daddy "a big jump!" 

Lucia, "la gattina"

On Friday night we went to an Art Party benefit with Aunt Kerri.  The family who puts it on asks that everyone bring an unused art supply that they donates to the Children's Hospital in memory of their son/brother.   The kids had a lot of fun eating cupcakes, dancing, and doing are projects.   There was a face painter there and Lucia decided on a cat.   I think it turned out pretty cute! 

 

Baseball!

Jim and Ethan went out today and came back with a new baseball bat and ball for Ethan.

He was pretty cute practicing with Daddy!

Like father, like son!  The two handsome men in my life!

Ethan Returns!

Grandma GiGi and Lucia waiting for Nonna and Ethan's plan to land. 

Ethan and Daddy, reunited.  Ethan was pretty tired after his flights.  This morning, he was up around 5am or so.  Hopefully by tomorrow he is back on track and not feeling jet lagged anymore!

While Ethan was in Italy . . .

I thought we would have a bunch of free time and get a ton of stuff accomplished while Ethan has been gone, but Miss Lucia sure has kept us busy on her own!  One thing we did complete was repainting the nursery (thanks Francesca!).  I figured after 5 years it needed a change.  I'll post some before/after pictures once it's all done- we went with a nice, soft yellow color- it turned out great!  Anyway- here are some pictures from the past few weeks (mostly this weekend when the weather was so nice!), while Ethan has been in Italy.  The above picture is Lucia after a nap- I love the dazed look!

The weather this weekend was finally decent- we spent a lot of time outside!

Zero after his bi-yearly bath (we really need to increase the frequency of those!).  He smelled awful before his bath- I don't know why we waited so long!  Now he smells like a normal dog!  At least I don't get whiffs of his stink when he's laying on the floor next to me- except last night when he had the most horrid gas- it was gross!

Lucia riding her tricycle, she can go backwards really well, going forwards is a work in progress!

We went for a walk downtown with Oma and Grandpa on Saturday evening.  It was nice seeing everyone out an enjoying the weather.  Lucia spotted this little dog and ran up to it. 

Miss Fabulous! 

Family Picture- minus one.  Ethan return Friday evening and we can't wait to see him and hear all about his trip!

Lucia sitting by the Request Food sign by the Devos Place.  I told her "this is where daddy's works."  I wonder if she thinks Jim goes and stands by this plaque when he's at "work."?

Oma and Lucia enjoying a moment. 

Lucia in her Easter dress, she's turning into such a proper little girl!  

But then she shoves candy in her mouth and reminds us that she is still our Lucia!

Ethan leaves for Italy!

Ethan and Nonna left for Italy on Tuesday.  They will be gone for 3 1/2 weeks!  Oma, Jim, Lucia, Gigi, and I took them to the airport to see them off.  Ethan was such a good boy and was very excited to go on the plane with Nonna.

We sure are going to miss this guy!

 He absolutely loved his carry-on bag Nonna got for him!  He was pretty cute walking around the airport with it!

One last family picture before he leaves.  Jim and I were able to hold it together and not cry when we said goodbye.  However, after we watched him go through the security check point and he was out of sight, I turned to Jim and said "well, we did it" and started crying.  I'm pretty sure Jim started crying then too, but I couldn't look him in the eyes because that would just get me going again!  It sure is hard sending your child across the world without you, but knowing he is with Nonna and his aunt/uncle and cousins sure does help!

Happy Birthday Grandma Sue!

We celebrated Grandma Sue's birthday this weekend.  Here's Aunt Kerri, Jim, Ethan and Lucia with the birthday girl!

Lucia was loving the birthday gear!

Grandma Sue and her baby girl!

Grandma Sue wanted pizza for her birthday, so all the kids got to decorate their own pizza pie.  Lucia had to be told more than once not to eat her pizza until it was cooked!

Addy with her pizza covered in olives!

Butterflies and MG

We spent a lot of time at Meijer Gardens this weekend.  On Friday, Oma joined us to see the butterflies.  There were a bunch flying around!

It was also super hot in the conservatory, Lucia's cheeks turned red in no time. 

Ethan, Lucia, and Oma enjoying a break. 

I need to get a picture of this kind of butterfly with it's wings open, they are a very brilliant blue color- quite awesome!

Today, we joined Nonna, Gigi Bree, and Kaylen for a walk at the Gardens.  

The kids had a lot of fun running and burning off energy. 

Nonna, Ethan, and Lucia walking towards the big horse. 

"I'm scared"  We came across a sculpture that Lucia did not like- she looked at it and then immediately looked down and closed her eyes.  

This is the sculpture, I think it was called "Sleepwalker."  It left quite the impression on Lucia, she was even talking about how "scared" she was at Meijer Gardens tonight at the dinner table.