Before him

Before him I didn't know how much I could love someone.  I didn't know that my heart would jump with joy and break in half and that I would be able to feel both all the way down to my toes!  I didn't know that I could love someone so much that I would think about them constantly and worry about their every move and every breath.

Even as an infant, he would put his hand on mine like this.  LOVE!!

Before him I didn't know that I would agonize over decisions that affect his little world like preschool, daycare, kindergarden....oh my!  That sends me into panic mode just thinking about it!

Before him I didn't know how much fun it would be to play with cars or trucks or anything "boy".  I didn't know that I would laugh at gross boy words like "poop" simply because his laugh was infectious.  (It is not ladylike to talk about bodily functions...but for him I will make an exception.)

Before him I liked to have my space.  Now I will take every hug, snuggle and cuddle that I can get!  Even if these means that he climbs in my bed every night or at some unknown early morning hour and I end up with his feet on me!

Before him I didn't realize how important every tradition was and how I would want to start a bajillion new traditions for our family and how I would want to make every new experience special.

Before him I had no idea what the world of little boys was like.  In a house of girls, everything was pretty and pink when I was growing up.  My world was full of blue when he came around.

Before him I had no idea how much I would love having my little man with me!  I had no idea how much fun little boys were.  I had no idea that he truly would be a dream come true!

Four years....wow!

Can you believe it?  Can you believe that it has been FOUR years since I received that amazing phone call that changed my world!  (Okay...it will be four years tomorrow but I know that I have a busy day ahead of me so I won't have a chance to write.)  If you want to hear more about that day, you can go back and check out this post.  Little did I know what life was about to bring me.  Joy!  Pure joy! Little did I know that it would come in the form of this beautiful little soul!

Now that our family is complete and we have been blessed to become parents to two beautiful babies, it is funny to look at how our family came to be.  I am such a planner and nothing about our story was planned by me.  I have no doubt that God had planned this and I believe that the way He brought Gus into our life was absolutely perfect!  I had  about four months to prepare for his arrival.  I had a chance to wrap my head around it.  I had a chance to create a beautiful nursery and to fill it with everything baby!  I had a chance to fill the dressers and closet with an excessive amount of clothing.  I had a chance to rearrange it and reorganized it a plethora of times.  I had a chance to go to the remainder of the doctors appointments with J.  I had the chance to be in the delivery room when Gus took his first breath!  I had a chance to be ready!

I had no idea that I would never be ready enough!  How do you get ready for a pair of beautiful eyes to stare back at you with all of the trust in the world?  How do you get ready to discover that this beautiful little one has a nose just like yours and their is no scientific reason as to why?  How do you get ready for your heartstrings to be yanked so hard that you can barely breathe?  How do you possibly get ready for the best adventure in the world?  I thought I was ready.  Ready or not....this little man captured my heart instantly and continues to do so over and over again every day of his little life!

I had no idea on that snowy day in January of 2009, that my whole world would be changed with a simple phone call....but I am so happy that it did!

One Week Old

5 months old

20 months old

2 years old

3 years old

An Unexpected Tuesday

Earlier this week I saw a post on our social workers Facebook page. "Looking to find a new home for an artificial Christmas tree." I noticed "J" had commented in the post that she knew of a house that needed one. Unfortunately, the tree in the post had already been spoken for. We had purchased a new tree on Black Friday and had an old tree that we could donate so I texted "J" and offered her the tree. (I am the crazy one has 3 trees up in her house. One real, two artificial. We certainly did not need a fourth!).

Yesterday I got a text back from "J" that said, "Thanks for the offer but I can't find a way to get the tree from you." I had already taken the day off work to go to Gus' preschool party and was going to spend the afternoon as Santa's helper and get caught up for Christmas. So I responded and told her that I could drop it off on Tuesday afternoon....just needed to know where to take it. She gave me an address and told me that she would meet me there.

That got me thinking. Was she expecting Gus to be with me? Did she want to see him? Would she prefer not to? She hadn't seen him since the day she left the hospital. We send pictures and texts and Gus had a FB page just for her to see but she has never asked to see him. So did she even want to? Would she be disappointed if I showed up without him?

I quick called up Joel and asked what he thought. Should we offer? Or should I go alone like I originally planned? We decided that we would offer. We let her know that it was okay either way but that the choice was hers. She quickly responded, "that would be great to see him!" So there you have it....Gus was going to meet his birthmom the next day!

Joel and I talked to Gus about it and told him that we were going to go see "J". When we explain adoption to Gus we tell him that he grew in "J's" belly and then she gave him to us to keep forever and ever. So when we talked with Gus about what was going to happen he asked, "is she gonna take me back?" As I struggled to breathe and answer him, I quickly questioned whether or not I should take him the next day. I panicked for a moment before taking a deep breath and explaining to him. "No. In fact, he was gonna stay with me and Dadoh and Penny forever and ever." He seemed very content with that answer and bounded off to play. But what a huge question from a 3 year old! I was a little nervous about how he would react the next day but decided that we were gonna go anyway.

Gus and I spent the morning at his preschool for the Christmas party. I love that I am able to take time from school for things like that. I think it is really important to share the love of learning with your kids! Afterwards we headed north to "J".

We got to her house and unloaded the Christmas tree and then went in to chat. We got to meet her roommates and Gus ran around like crazy checking out all of their Christmas decorations and found a coloring book to play with. He talked to all of them and told them stories. He "read" them a book and was a little show off. "J" and her roommates all chatted for a bit. Got a few pictures of "J" and Gus and got ready to head home. Overall it was very relaxed and I was surprised at how easy it was.

I am happy that it went so smoothly and would be completely fine with meeting up again sometime. I knew that when we chose adoption, days like today would happen. I just didn't know that it would happen so unexpectedly on a random Tuesday.

Impatiently Waiting Patiently

Lately I have been talking to Gus about adoption.  I have always talked to him about his birth mom and when we say our prayers, we say a special prayer for her.  I am beyond thankful to "J" for making the courageous decision to choose an adoption plan for Gus.  And I am one lucky lady to be Gus' momma!  (Sidenote- Gus likes to call me "little lady" which comes out as "yittye yady".  Thank goodness he doesn't call me "lucky lady".  That would sound like "yucky yady".  Not nearly as sweet.)  When we talk about adoption, our conversation usually goes like this:

M: Gus, where do babies grow?

G: In beyies ("bellies")

M: Whose belly did you grow in?

G: J_____'s

M: And then what?

G: She gave me to you....to keep forever!

He is little so the fact that he is starting to know about this makes me happy.  Our adoption is semi-open.  We haven't physically seen "J" since the day we all left the hospital.  For Gus to understand adoption at this young age and in our semi-open arrangement, would be amazing.  But to start talking about it and to continue to talk about it is very important.  We have always and will always be very open with Gus about adoption.  We have always talked about it and I am kind of excited about the fact that he is starting to talk about it with me.

M: Hey Gus!  Did you know that you were adopted?

G: I a doctor??

And that is where the conversation currently ends before he is off and running to play with a car or a book.  

I am such a lucky girl and I am often amazed by how much I love this little boy.  I can't imagine my life without him in it!  I found this quote below while reading an adoption blog.  It completely describes how I feel. I would just add, "and I knew that God planned for you to be mine."

Adoption has been on my mind a lot lately, in addition to chatting with Gus about it.  As you know we are currently waiting.  I learned while waiting for Gus that I am not a very patient person.  (I know...big surprise, right?)  But with adoption, we are expected to be patient.  We have been officially waiting for over two months.  We are told that it could be two years!!  Two years?!?!  My heart is already about to leap out of my chest and yet I am expected to wait patiently for that very exciting phone call.  I try hard not to think about it too much because that will only make the waiting harder.  But that is pretty difficult to do when it is a constant prayer on my heart right now.  And to make matters worse, I did something horrible today!  Yes....horrible!  I sorted through all of Gus' baby clothes.  Seriously??  What was I thinking??  First of all, I am a super emotional person of attaches easily to inanimate objects because of the memory it brings up in my mind.  I didn't do too bad sorting through the 8 boxes....got it down to 6.  Part of it is because I remember specific days that Gus wore the outfit and what he did that day and I simply can't bear to give it to someone else.  Secondly, it just makes me ache for another baby!  I can't wait for another little one to snuggle into our arms and our hearts and into all of these clothes!  (By the way, you realize that because I have 6 giant boxes of baby boy clothes, we will end up with a girl this time around.  But because we don't have any boy names picked out, we will end up with a boy.  Yes...this is my luck.  Either way, we will be beyond thrilled...but you can see the conundrum that I have here.)  After sorting through these clothes, I realized that I just need to keep moving on and not focus on what is yet to come. So instead, I read a bunch of adoption blog posts and success stories and restored my hope in what is waiting for us in the future.  While reading, I found this poster... it is a good reminder that while I am pretty impatient, I must remain calm and continue to wait patiently to be a momma again.  Check back in about a month to see how patient I am staying.

Little Moments

I have discovered lately that it is the little moments that are becoming the most important to me.  The other night, I walked upstairs to discover a little boy who was up way past his bedtime.  He was entertaining himself by singing.  I took a moment to go in and snuggle with him while he sang.  I had so much fun that I HAD to record it.  I want to keep this fresh in my mind for a long time to come.  I want to remember him exactly as he is right now.  (And now I am obsessed with recording his sweet little voice.)  Of course I also want to share it with you!!  (Depending on your computer system, you may have to download the sound clip to hear it.)

The Whole World

ABC

And my Favorite....Little Lady (Gus has been calling me little lady lately...LOVE!)

Still in LOVE!!

I can't believe that it has been two years.  TWO WHOLE YEARS!!  I have been Gus' momma for over 700 days!  (See this blogpost.) I have been so blessed by him.  I am the luckiest lady alive!  It was a rough go there in the beginning when we had to wait out those 5 weeks until his birthmom relinquished her rights.  But I have loved every day and every moment that I have had with him.  I am devastated if there is a day that I don't get to see him.  Or if I am going to be away from him for any reason.  (I know, every mother feels that way, but I know I am crazier than most.  Did you read my post about my Seattle trip?? Check out Xanax and Espresso if you didn't hear about it!)  I know that I will try to move with him some day when he dares to consider moving out of my house.  And God bless the woman he chooses to marry....she WILL have a crazy mother-in-law!

I have LOVED watching him grow.  He was so little in our arms when he was first born.  Now when he is in my arms, his legs hang way off my lap.  It just floors me to think about how quickly they grow.  And I know that he has grown even in the past four months that we have been in this house.  When we first moved in, he couldn't reach the handrail on the stairs and now his head almost hits it if he isn't careful.

I cannot get enough of watching him learn.  I feel like he learns something new every day.  I swear his must be a genius! (But I think every mom thinks that about their child.)  Okay, I did think he was genius but that thought is a little unsteady now after he tried to eat a clump of dirt today.  Hmmm....I think he figured out quickly that eating dirt isn't the best idea.  But seriously....I love watching his face when you can tell the wheels in his brain are turning.

I could go on forever and ever...I am still head over heels in love with this sweet little boy.  I can't wait to see my TWO year old when he wakes up tomorrow morning!!  But right now....I gotta get this place ready for a party tomorrow!

Breakin' Up Is Hard To Do

I was very lucky to exposed to a lot of music growing up. My dad was a band director and made sure that my sister and I were exposed to the many different classical pieces out there. It was because of this that music was very important to me at my wedding. I remember sitting in my parents kitchen agonizing over which Bach, Handel or Mozart piece would be played as I walked down the aisle with my dad. And what would be played when I walked back with my new husband. Not to mention, I was having a brass quartet so I needed to make sure it sounded good with the brass instruments. I certainly hope that my children get as many opportunities as possible to experience the classical music that their Papa taught to many others.

By I must admit....I love, love, love the classic renderings of the 1950s, 60s and 70s! Those tunes are all so catchy! My mom made sure that my sister and I were exposed to "oldies" music every time we were in the car together. We didn't have DVD players and other crazy technology in the car that kids have today....but we sure were entertained. To this day, you could probably play the first few notes of an oldies song and my sister and I could belt out the rest of the song. I was probably in 6th grade before I knew that there were other radio stations than "107.3...all oldies, all the time!". (And that is only because I was introduced to the oh so popular New Kids on The Block.)

I make sure to play a variety of music in the car for Gus, but I must admit that I often sing to him when we aren't in the car. I like to change some of the lyrics to fit what is going on. My favorite is "Splish Splash". Very appropriate for bath time. Or "Great Balls of Fire" comes in handy sometimes. My friend, Tanya, and I always say that when something bad happens or you are going nuts, you have to choose to laugh or cry. Well sometimes I choose to sing. My version when I am on my last nerve:

"You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much crazy drives a mom insane
You broke my will, oh please sit still
Goodness, gracious great balls of fire"

I am sure that with his exposure to oldies music, Gus will be adapting his own tune tonight when he goes to bed. I am sure he will be channeling Neil Sedaka and one of his most popular tunes....




Gus and his nunny (aka. pacifier) will be breaking up tonight. I am sure this will not go over very well. He has had a nunny every night of his life since the day that he was born....all 22 months. He doesn't use it all night long....just to fall asleep. He has had his nunny about 8 months longer than the pediatrician wanted him to have it so in my opinion we spoiled this kid. So as you are sitting down to relax or laying down to go to bed...you can chuckle to yourself thinking about a little boy standing in his crib singing about losing his love, his nunny. Or perhaps he will sing the Lesley Gore hit, "It's My Party". But it may go something like this: "Miss my nunny and I'll cry if I want to, cry if I want to....you would cry too if it happened to you!!"


Yes, I may seem callous about it right now, but with all things, there is usually an end and he will get over it....eventually.

A New Hat

If I had known that Gus would have this much fun with his cousins and a happy meal box.....

I could do it forever....

I could hold his little pudgy hand forever! I think what I love most is when he yells my name and puts his hand out for me to hold. I can't get enough of it!!  Oh Gus-Gus....you melt your momma's heart!

"An Idea Emergency!!!"

We took Gus to his first concert.  We went to see the Imagination Movers downtown Detroit.  It was AMAZING!!  (Funny...I never thought I would feel that way about a kids show.)  If you are not familiar with the Imagination Movers, I definitely encourage you to check them out.  We are big fans in the Stape House!  They are problem solvers who help solve "idea emergencies"!  I could sing their brainstorming song all day!

Gus actually sat still for 90% of the time.  The only exception was when he transferred back and forth between Momma and DaDoh.  He was just in awe most of the time.  Every once and a while, he would start clapping or yelling but for the most part he just watched in amazement.  (And once again...I sat in tears for 1/2 of it thinking about the fact that this was another first for Gus.  I get very emotional about those kids of things....heck, I get emotional about everything!)

Little did we know that we would have to wait in line outside to get in.  (Yes, I felt like the mother who dressed my child inappropriately. If I had known, I would have brought a proper hat and perhaps a blankie...it was windy and cold.)

Before the show, Gus loved climbing in and out of his very own seat.  It is a little irritating that they require you to purchase a seat for kids over one, but I'm glad that they did.  It was perfect for him!

Genevieve and DC from Choo Choo Soul opened up the show.

Clapping along.

MOVERS!!!!!

Hmmmm..... I'm not really sure what is going on at this time, but Joel captured this little face and I just think it is too cute not to share!!

WAREHOUSE MOUSE!!  We love this mouse and his love for cheese!  Our little mouse, Gus Gus, also loves cheese!!

HOLY MOLY!!! Mover Rich came out the door right by us.  We could have touched him.  (And yes, I LOVE Mover Rich!  He is my favorite!  I think I was more excited that any of the kids around us!)

Gus and DaDoh outside the Music Hall showing off Gus' new Mover's hat.

We had a FABULOUS time!!

I Gotcha Baby!

Cool Dude!

It has been a year since Gus officially, legally, became Lil' Stape!  I can't believe how quickly a year went by.  It seemed like it took so long for his adoption to become final.  I remember sitting in my office at school when I got the voicemail telling me that the agency had received word that it was final.  I could barely breathe, I was sobbing so hard.  We had been through a lot and this meant that all of my worries were gone.  I immediately felt a sense of relief.  The waiting was over.  He had our last name now.  Our names were finally on his birth certificate as the parents.  We could finally move on how and not thinking about the adoption process for a while.  I think that I sobbed most of the day after that.  I am the luckiest girl!!

I gotcha!!!

Happy 2 Year Anniversary My Dear Blog!

Can you believe it?!?!  I have been writing this blog for TWO years!!  I went back to the very beginning at my first post.  Wanna see it?  Click here!  I remember thinking, "Man, I really can't stand everyone asking me about our adoption process.  Still waiting.  Not much to report."  I decided then to start a blog so that I could just tell friends and family to check our blog for the latest news.  Little did I know that I was going to have lots to post soon after that! 

Today I spent a little bit of time looking back on those earlier posts.  And I have been bawling like a baby ever since. I did fine during the first couple posts but it was the third one that got me.  I was fine until I read "Today we met the birthmom of our baby!"  Instant tears.  I remember feeling so excited that I was shaking and so nervous that I was throwing up in the parking lot of the church we met her in while Joel was cool as a cucumber and asleep in the car while his wife was freaking out!  I remember calling my family and friends and trying to tell them through uncontrollable sobbing that I was going to be a momma!  Finding out that you are pregnant and getting to tell people is very exciting....but for those of you out there who have had a long road to parenthood like we did, understand the uncontrolable sobbing because you are excited that it is finally happening.  Something that you have waited so long for and struggled for is finally happening.  I'm pretty sure that everyone that I spoke to could barely understand me....but I didn't care.  I wanted to scream it from the rooftops!  I was going to be a momma!!!  (In case you are wondering...yes, I am still crying as I write this post.)

I continued to read through some of my other posts, some from last year and some along the way this year.  I can't believe how quickly two years have passed.  I wish that I wrote more eloquently and was more diligent about posting on my blog and I hope that people enjoy reading about us (I know, mom...you do.  Thanks for being my #1 reader!)  but I am pretty proud of myself for continuing to write about our crazy family and the life we lead.  I can't wait to see what 2011 brings for Stapes House.  And I can't wait for the day when I get to post about the Stape House growing again.  So stay tuned and see what is in store for us in the future.  THANKS FOR READING!!

My world

Wow!  It's been a while since I have been on here.  Life has been pretty hectic lately.  But today something happened at school that brought me to a complete halt.  Made me so thankful for "my world".  Made me always want to protect my world.  I have yet to find someone who says it is illegal for me to wrap my world in bubble wrap to protect it from harm.  Although there are moments where I am incredibly frustrated with my world, I wouldn't change it for the anything!!  My world is super crazy...but simply wonderful.  I can't wait to wake up tomorrow to my world again.

My World!!

Halloween 2010

More to come....

Crunch, Crunch, Crunch

Gus and I decided to take advantage of this beautiful fall weather that we have been having and go play at the park.  Couldn't help but post some pics of my little man who LOVED crunching through the fallen leaves!

Fun Times and Breaking News

I have had so much fun this week.  Now that we are in full swing of the school year, I am finally starting to get back in my groove.  It is a little strange because I am not teaching full time this year.  I am counseling for the first half of the day and teaching only 2 hours at the end of the day.  It is a little bit awkward and I feel like I am being pulled in many different directions, but at the same time, it is the best of both worlds.  I get to counsel and teach!!

Unfortunately, Gus has been having a rough week with some teeth coming in so I am sure he has kept his babysitters busy while he is there during the day.  (Once again, THANK YOU Stephanie and Miranda!!)  On the upside, we finally found a second type of sippy cup that Gus will use.  WHEW!!  The other ones that he would use are really hard to find.  I am so happy to have FINALLY found another one suitable to my little picky one.  And speaking of picky...at what age do kids learn how to pick their own noses?  Gus has come down with a cold this weekend and I really hate having to pick his boogers.  But he doesn't know how, so what's a mom to do other than pick her baby's boogies? And thank goodness for Boogie Wipes!  If you haven't tried them for your kids, I highly recommend them!  (I wonder if I can buy stock in them?  That's how much I love them!)

Gus and I also had the opportunity this week to make a quick trip to West Michigan.  (I miss that place more and more.)  We literally went for less than 24 hours this time.  We got there on Thursday evening and my mom watched Gus while I went out to dinner with my friend, Tiffany.  I love getting a chance to catch up with her.  We don't get to see each other very often but when we do, we pick up right where we left off.  I love friendships like that!  The next morning Gus and I finally got to go to the 2010 Blogger Bash put on by Sassy Baby Co.  Oh baby!!  It was so fun!!  Stay tuned because I am going to tell you ALL about it.  But in addition to all the fun that we had, I got to see my friend, Stacy from college.  It was great to see her.  I am so impressed by her and the blog that she writes.  Maybe someday, when I grow up, I will be like her and have a great blog.  So stay tuned to hear about all of the fun that Gus and I had at the Blogger Bash.

AND IN BREAKING NEWS....
Brace yourself.  The link to our blog has changed.  This is a big step in our blogging life.  We originally started this blog as a way for friends and family to go and keep up to date on our adoption process.  (I was getting really tired of hearing, "have you heard anything yet?".  "Umm...no.  I'm pretty sure the whole world will know when we hear something.)  So instead of having uncomfortable conversations about the adoption, we started the blog.  And then it became a place for our family to chronicle our life together.  Recently it has opened up some opportunities that I never knew were possible.  There are a few adoption sites that have our blog listed on their site which have led some people to us.  We have been asked questions by people thinking about adoption but want a real life perspective.  And the coolest by far is the invitation I received to the Blogger Bash with Sassy.  I will always keep this blog as one for our family.  I don't do this as a career or any other monetary gain.  I do this for us.  I do this as a way to get some thoughts out.  But if I have a chance to help others, especially in adoption, then I am ALL for it!!  So a few things will be changing but the important things will remain...our family being the center of that.  But in case you have us bookmarked, you are going to want to change the link.  We can now be found at http://www.stapeshouse.com/.  Okay...how cool is that?!?  Really excited about that.  Please stay tuned.  I am sure that there will be a lot of really fun things coming at Stape's House!

First Day Back

Today was our first day back to school.  I love the first day.  All the hustle and bustle in the hallways, you can feel the anxiety hanging in the air as the new freshmen wander down the halls, new groups of kids who do not know me yet, old groups of kids who feel too comfortable with me and feel like they can get away with anything, a fresh start for everyone...I love everything about it.

Today was a fresh start for me as well.  I started in my new position as part time counselor/part time teacher.  It was perfect!  It was the best of both worlds.  I was a little apprehensive about starting as counselor.  It is a lot of pressure.  By not putting a kid into the right class, you can actually screw up their chances of graduating on time.  That is pretty heavy!  Luckily for them, I didn't have to make any earth shattering decisions today that would affect graduation.

Gus also had a new day today.  He started to go to Miranda's house today.  He will go there every Tuesday and Thursday this school year.  He gets to play with Miranda's nephew, Brodie.  It appears from the pictures I had sent to me, these boys are having a little too much fun.  And according to Miranda's Facebook post, the boys kept her on her toes!! 

So day one with Gus and Bro! Gus needs a nap, we take him up to Bros crib. Bro wants to lay in the floor and take nap too!I then have to trick Bro to get him to come out of the room.Then Bro gets pen marks on the couch.Gus throws a sprite in the toilet, discovered when Bro has to go potty!I then take two steps out of t...he bathroom to throw away his diaper to return to Bro getting his turd out of the toilet DISGUSTING! (From Miranda's Facebook status)

Thanks, Miranda, for loving our little boy!!  And for sending me the pictures today!!  Check it out!!   http://www.stapeshouse365.blogspot.com/

Sassy Baby

We had open house tonight and I have been at school ALL day.  I couldn't wait to get home to jump on my blog.  (We can't access it from school.)  I received an email from Sassy, Inc.  This company makes such great baby products.  I think that Gus might own most of their products.  (And I LOVE that they are a Michigan based company!)  Sorry...I'm rambling.  Today I received an invitation to an exclusive party for blogging moms!!  I get to go (and bring Gus) to meet with their company representatives and learn about their products and see the new stuff that they are coming out with.  In return, all I have to do is blog about it.  Umm....how fast can I say "yes"??  Not only do I get to check out their great products, but I get to take a day off of work, go to my favorite side of the state AND take Gus with me.  Can it get it better?!?

I'm going on the 17th of September so stay tuned!  I am sure that I will have a ton to say.  Who knew that this blog would not only be a great place to talk about my family but also open doors to so many other opportunities?  Loving it!!

Gus goes to Gramma and Papa's

As much as I would like to think that our son sat and twiddled his thumbs and counted the hours until we returned, I know that he actually had a lot of fun.  Gus (& Gramma) kept a journal and took a bunch of pictures.

Helping Papa get his fishing boat ready...didn't get to go fishing this time.

One of my favorite things...the dog cage.

Made Gramma read me every book on the bookshelf.

Got some work done on my tool bench.

Pushing my car....much more fun than driving it.

Long walk up the driveway to Gramma and Papa's house.

I really like rocks.  Lucky for me, Gramma and Papa's driveway has plenty for me to pick up along the way.

At the Hudsonville Fair with Gramma and Aunt Annie.

Holding a prize zucchini.  (When Momma was my age, she took a bite out of the prize pepper!!)

See ya next year, Hudsonville Fair!

"Now where did I put those keys?"

Cheering on the Fennville Blackhawks with Aunt Annie's cheer team!

"Umm....I need some help here folks..."

Didn't get to ride the tractor this time but helped Papa outside and got to play with his ear muffs.

Helped Papa, Aunt Annie and Mr. Nate set up the tent and get it cleaned up and ready for Labor Day weekend.  I don't get to go this time...maybe next year.