Millennium Park - 09/20/09

The Miltgen's went to Millennium Park for mine and my sister-in-law's belated birthday dinner. Here are some pics from the beautiful Sunday.

Grandpa showing the girls how it is done

Aunt Kelly

Look at Ava trying to get up on the swing!

So, we didn't bring their suits because we were just there to eat dinner (plus I thought it would be freezing). Grace spent the entire walk down to the beach asking me to take her shirt off because she couldn't get it wet.

There goes dress #1

Then Grace was running in the water and fell. Once she was over it, she thought it was hilarious and just went swimming!

We were getting ready to leave, but Grace didn't want to, so I had to carry her out.

School a.k.a Day Care

Nick and I decided to put the girls into day care two days a week instead of just one. Grace was having a really hard time adjusting since she would see that group of people once a week. We knew that she needed to get used to being around others with preschool just around the corner. The girls now go Thursday and Friday to Freedom Early Learning Center, just down the road from us.

Ava has always enjoyed going and she has now moved up a class. She seems to be one of the youngest kids there, but academically is growing quick. They do spanish each day and Ava is picking up on it quick. She also is into learning shapes and colors. I just can't believe that she is already to that point, my baby is growing up so quick.

Grace would cry and cling on to you when you would drop her off. I finally made Nick start taking her because it would kill me to see her do this each week. She has only gone two-day weeks for the past two weeks, but the results are wonderful. They said that she didn't even really hold bunny (her security blanket) much at all on Friday and she was acting so silly and making everyone laugh.

Today when I was reading Grace a book about why it gets dark out, I read the word planet. Grace immediately said "I live planet mom. And it spins round too!" I asked who she learned that from and she said "Miss Kelly."

That makes Nick and I feel so much better about our decision to have them go an additional day. I always asked Grace if she is silly at school and her response is "no, I quiet, no silly." Now she just says she wants to go back!

Grace is definitely Nick's kid!

Grace asked Nick to help her make some new funny faces!

Grace has been even more hilarious and than normal - never thought that was possible. Here are some examples of my silly girl:

1. Grace was sliding along the coffee table onto the floor. While she was doing this she was shouting, "I'm coming out mommy's tummy!" I think my mom watches a little too much Baby Story on TLC when she baby sits.

2. Every time grace sings a song, she has to shout "AMEN!" at each pause. Not only does she shout it, but she has to cross her eyes at the same time.

3. Apparently Grace has a soundtrack running through her head 24/7. No matter what she does, she sings her words. From the classic "my name on it, my name on it" to "Milky, milky, milky!" She is entertaining just to watch.

That is just a few of the things I saw today! Each hour it seems as though she has me laughing so hard I am about to cry.

Beautiful Sunday

Today was beautiful outside, so we spent a good portion of the day playing or going on walks. Here are some while we were waiting for Uncle Andy to come over.

Ava pushing sissy in the stroller

I bought the girls sun hats at the beginning of summer and they haven't really worn them. Today Grace told me her head was hot and she needed her white hat. What a goof!

Laundry

Grace loves to help with anything. One of her favorites is laundry (lets hope she continues this love!). She has to help put the soap in the washer, transfer clothes from the washer to the dryer, but her favorite is folding towels. She always gives me the "big ones" and she takes the hand towels and wash cloths. She lays them all out flat and then rolls them up. It is just the cutest thing. She is so proud of herself when she is done. Here are a few pictures from last week.

Hudsonville Fair

These are a little late (and only a few of them), but here is our trip to the Hudsonville Fair. Nick had his first softball game so he had to miss the fun. Last year, Grace screamed when we tried going on rides and this year she couldn't get enough of them (and she wanted to do them herself). Ava loved the food and people watching the entire night.

Go away mommy!

Grace has been trying to do everything herself lately. From buckling herself in the car seat to putting on her own clothes, she is determined to do it without help. It is really cute watching her grow up, but it hurts too.

Example - We were heading home from the mall and decided to pick up some dinner and eat at home. The only problem was that we couldn't decide on one restaurant, so we stopped at a few. Grace wanted her favorite, the soup place (a.k.a. Panera Bread). She said she wanted to go in and get it herself. Nick and I never thought she really would, we thought once she got to the door, she would cry and come back. Nope. I gave her $5, got her out of her car seat and away she went without looking back. The door was too heavy, so I went to help her. Instead of 'thanks', I got "go away mommy!" She went right in and stood at the cashier. That is when she got stuck and needed my help, but we never thought she would get that far.

Naughty...

This story is from the night of the girls' dedication at church, but I still get a kick out of it. As you can see in the pictures below, Grace and Ava were given some gifts for the event. When everyone left, Grace wanted to try on her bracelet from Aunt Lindsey and Uncle Andy. She asked what the beads said on the bracelet and so I told her; faith, cross and love. She seemed satisfied and went about her business. A few minutes later, I hear her yelling and pointing at her bracelet "Naughty, naughty!" I kept asking her what she was doing and finally figured out she was pointing to the word 'faith' on her bracelet. I quickly caught on and asked if she had someone at school named Faith and she said "Yes, and she's naughty!" I started laughing so hard. She probably thought, 'why did someone buy me this bracelet, my name is Grace not Faith!'

We're still here...

I literally think about updating the blog each day, but life has just been so busy. So, please be patient with me. I have to get caught up with work and get in the swing of this grad school thing. Hopefully post to you soon!

Carpet Burn

Grace thought it would be a good idea to get on the ottoman at my brother's house and try to jump off to the bean bag. She missed the bean bag and bit it on the ground. This picture doesn't do it justice...it was a goose egg with carpet burn. Now today, two days later, it is a big scab. She also has a cut on her lip. People are going to think we hurt our kids!

Child Dedication

Nick and I had the girls dedicated at church on Sunday. Our church does private ceremonies for each family instead of having it part of the normal church service. We had the ceremony at 2:30 p.m. and then had the family over for dinner afterward. Here are the pictures, sorry they aren't in the right order.

Part of the desserts I made.

Ava cried almost the entire 15 minute service. Poor baby was sick!

Ava and Grace only wanted their mommy!

Thanks Andy for being the photographer!

Gracie had to wear her bracelets from Grandma and Ava's ring from Aunt Kelly. Ava's didn't fit her, so Grace wanted it.

We didn't even ask Grace to give her a kiss. How sweet...if Ava would cooperate!