Ethan never did this . . .

Stand up in the highchair that is. Lucia started doing this about a week ago. We have an older highchair with only a lap belt- well, she scoots he little butt back and then pushes up on the tray and slides her butt up along the back of the chair until she is standing. Something tells me she is going to be climbing out of her crib one day too!

Lucia had her 1 year doctor appt. this week. She is doing great. Compared to Ethan at 1 year- they are pretty close- Ethan was 24lbs 14oz and Lucia is 24lbs 10oz. Lucia is a bit taller than Ethan was- but Ethan's head measured bigger- he must get that from his father :-)

Sunset Pictures from Leelanau

There were some spectacular sunsets!

Leelanau, MI

Jim and I were lucky enough to tag along with our brother and sister-in-law- Dan and Bonnie- and Bonnie's parents, to the summer cottage they visit every summer. It's located in Leelanau, MI- sort of between Leland and Northport. The cottage is right on Lake Michigan, you walk about 50 steps and you are on the lake! It was awesome!

The first night we got there, the lake was super warm as well as the air- we went for a swim- Lucia decided to go in naked.

Lucia enjoying the beach- she wasn't too sure about the sand.

Ethan and Addy getting really sandy.

Bonnie and I took Ethan and the girls to paint pottery one day. It was kind of stressful with the kids in the pottery store- "stop touching everything!" They had fun, here's the octopus Ethan painted (I helped reapply his eyes and mouth!).

Here are Emily and Addy posing with their creations- a puppy and a unicorn.

Ethan getting flung into the air.

Lucia and Ava do not know what to make of the rocks on the beach- Lucia tried more than once to eat some!

We went into Leland and Fishtown one night- Ethan, Addy, and Emily posing on the big anchor.

The waves were really big one day after a storm. Jim tried to bring Ethan in- he did not appreciate it one bit. Ethan did go in with mamma later on in the day and did great floating in the big waves!

Our last night there we drove up to Leelanau State Park to see the Light House. During the day they have tours set up and you can climb the light house tower- but we were there too late in the day for that.

Picture of the Light House.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Jarrod making the stroller ride fun for the kids- walking up the Brooklyn Bridge. We only walked about half way- then turned around- it was hot!

At the first resting point on the bridge- Lucia and I hung out here while Jarrod, Jim, and Cecca went a little further up the Bridge.

View from the Bridge

Marco making his "marco" face.

Marco and Lucia resting.

Jarrod and Jim celebrate their accomplishments.

Jim gives Ethan a better view.

The view as you are walking up the bridge- it was spectacular!

New York City!

While in NY- we spent an afternoon in the big city- mostly wandering around the financial district. I will say this- NYC with two kids in a double stroller- was . . . Awesome (ish)! Jim and I spent a lot of time talking about coming back to the city sans kids!

Jim loving the sights! It is so fun to just walk around the city.

Ethan and I walking the mean streets of the city.

Don't we look confused! This is pretty much our normal relaxed face!

my handsome husband having a great time.

cecca and marco on a street corner.

Passed out!

Enjoying a cool treat- Lucia would scream and cry when the ice cream left her mouth. Then she tried some of Ethan's smoothie and got brain freeze.

Family Reunion Day!

Here are some pictures from the actual reunion. It was held at my Aunt Mary Jo's house-like usual! Aunt Mary Jo and Uncle Syd have worked hard the past few years remodeling their house and re-landscaping their yard- and boy- was it Beautiful! Here are Oma and Lucia enjoying the party!

The boys enjoying some food- I love Ethan's face in this picture!

Bob (an old family friend), Dad/Vinnie/Grandpa, and Cecca

My cousin Nellie and her girls- Charlotte and Amelia

My Aunt Claire and Lucia- Lucia sure did love Aunt Claire and her kisses!

Alessia, Lucia, and Marco (my brother).

Cousin group shot!

William, Thomas and Ethan enjoying some ice cream.

Sharing with Thomas!

Lucia practicing walking with Daryl, my cousin Gretchen's husband.

Jim, Aunt Meg, Cecca, and Vinnie.

The clan back together! My dad with all his siblings- from left- Vinnie, Aunt Janet, Aunt Meg, Aunt Mary Jo, Aunt Claire, Uncle Tony, and Uncle John!

My cousin Anna Claire (aka Birdie :-)) with Lucia.

Dad/Vinnie and B.K (my cousin Lauren's fiance) won the 4th Annual George Herrmann Horse Shoe Tournament. Horse shoes is kind of a big deal in our family :-)

Party shot! What a great reunion it was!