Good-bye Detroit Zoo!

We decided to make our last zoo trip an extra special one! We invited our friends Melayna, Ace and Nisha to join us...and the weather ended up being perfect!! We couldn't have asked for a nicer day to visit the farm animals, hippos, penguins, monkeys, etc.

Happy Birthday Grant and Marcela!

We have such a great group of friends here in Michigan. We are going to miss you all VERY much!!

Jade is going to miss her besties Melayna and Bella.

Our Last Family Zoo Trip

We got to spend a beautiful September Saturday at the Zoo!! Our Zoo pass expired in the middle of September, so this was our last trip as a family.

Raspberry Picking

We loaded up 5 kiddos and three moms in the Ridgeway Party Van!! The kids (and moms) had lots of fun picking raspberries!

Arts, Beats and Eats

We had so much fun with the Allens at Arts, Beats, and Eats.

"A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost."

~Marion C. Garretty

For Jade

Jade, thank you for being such a wonderful little girl. You are one of the greatest blessings in my life. I know you were meant to be mine, and that you were meant to be first. You have taught me how to have patience, how to stop and smell the flowers, how to depend on your father for support, how to find balance, how to laugh when I'm frustrated, how to live simply, and how to love more deeply.

I love how you're a free spirit.

I love how you love to party (this includes singing and dancing).

I love how you are the perfect big sister for Zoe (you are so kind and loving towards her...plus you show her how to have fun!)

I love what a good friend you are (and how much you enjoy learning and playing with friends at church).

I love what a good swimmer you are!

I love how you enjoy drawing, coloring, painting, crafting and reading.

I love how much you love animals (I can't even count how many times we've been to the zoo).

I love how tall and beautiful you are.

I love you Jade Erin!

For Zoe

Zoe, thank you for being one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Because of you, I have become a better mother, I have experienced more joy, I have gotten to witness first-hand what a great big-sister Jade is, I have seen my husband grow as a father and I have fallen in love for the third time!

I love how you show all your teeth when you smile :)

I love how you roll over to your side and pull your blanket to your mouth when you are tired.

I love how excited you get when you know we're going to pick you up!

I love your big blue eyes.

I love how your hair flips out.

I love how content you are in your car seat.

I love how you sometimes question life.

I love what a good sleeper you are.

I love you Zoe Amy!!

Guess Who Came To Visit??

Aunt Mimi and Uncle Chance!!

We had so much fun chatting, eating good food and seeing some of the sights in the area. We love you both so much...can't wait to live closer to you!!

Matchies :)

Why not start them early??

Final Good-byes!

We had tons of fun this summer!!!

Thank you to all the family and friends that showered us with your love, time, attention and wonderful gifts. We love you and can't wait to see you in 2011!!!

Jade and Layla having a snack after a fun swim.

Not yet Bentley...

give it a few years :)

Devin got to meet his newest little niece before we went back to Michigan! We had a great afternoon smoking some hot dogs and enjoying the beautiful sunshine. We can't wait to see everyone again at Christmas time!

Guess who sells Epicure now?? I am so excited that Arynne is going to be selling my favorite spices...I needed a good in on specials and new products!

One last swim in Grandma Kathy and Grandpa Mark's pool!! Thanks for a great stay!! We love you!

We're really going to miss everyone!