Another Visit to the Gardens

Last week, the boys and I went with my sister, her kids, and my mom to the Frederick Meijer Gardens for the second time this summer. The kids love the Children's Garden and we wanted to check out the Chihuly exhibit another time.

Here are some pictures of the fun time we had:

Three out of four looking at the camera - that was the best I could do!

A new favorite! I missed this one the first time through.

Cousins checking out the Koi pond.

The whole gang...

...plus Reuben - wishing he could get out of the stroller!

Levi by a sculpture in his favorite color!

Freedom from the stroller for Reuben...finally!

Grandma is the BEST!! Thanks for taking us again!

Can't leave him alone!

Apparently I didn't learn my lesson with the nail polish!

Today wasn't nearly as bad, but Levi was back at it again.

I have to give him credit for creativity...


No, Meleah isn't hurt - big cousin Levi just found the box of band-aids in my bathroom and helped himself to a few (or six)! Below is her "I'm the victim in all of this" pose. Thankfully the band-aids came off easily!


Then during nap time, Levi struck again - this time to himself:


He was so proud of his "artistic" work!

First Date

It was the summer of 2000.

I had just returned from nine months in Ecuador, began a new job, started CPA review classes, and was reconnecting with friends.

Then HE walked in.

I had never seen him before and I secretly hoped he would head to the only remaining seat at my table.

He sat down.

We talked that night, as well as most of the Wednesday nights that followed.

Then one Wednesday night, in early August, I decided I was too tired from work and class so I headed straight home.

On Thursday, he called to ask me out for Friday night.

I said no.

I told him the truth - I wanted to go out with him, but I was moving that weekend and I had a wedding to go to on Saturday, so Friday was my only night to pack and move. I think he offered to help, but I turned down that offer too.

On Friday, he called to ask me out for Sunday afternoon.

I said yes.

Ten years ago today, on August 13, 2000, I went on my last 1st date!