Field Trip to Stubnitz

Here we are in the Stubnitz Class Room on our field trip. Two classes went today, yesterday I forgot to take the camera with me. Yes, I was lucky to get to go for two days in a row! With different kids, so it was a different experience on both days. They do seem to enjoy all of it and they get to see things that a lot have never seen before. It's fun to watch their reaction to some of the critters that we see. Mrs. Bunch is explaining to the kids what they will be doing for the day.

This is one of the outside games that they played called "Oh, deer!" Learning about the effect of supply and demand on the habitats of the wildlife in Michigan.
This is one of the residents of the classroom, a salamander. Quite a bit bigger than the ones you usually see.
Here the students are checking out the dead logs for bugs and critters that live under them. Lots of things are found, snails, slugs, spiders, centipedes, milipedes just to name a few that we were lucky enough to see this day.
At the end of the day, we were all on a trail hike and checking out the environment of the critters we were just learning about. We were lucky on both days (the rain held off for us!). It's a great outdoor experience for everyone. Many of the kids don't get to experience things like this so it's a great day for everyone.

Dinner at Joe and Jen's

My daughter informed me she was tired of looking at the same ole pictures for the past month! SORRY!

So here are a few, older pictures, that I found. Hope you enjoy seeing something new, or different anyway!

Visiting Joe, Jen and Jackson

During the summer, Don went to Angie's to help work on her kitchen and while the kids were at Grandma and Grandpa Ringman's Joe and Jen invited Amy and I over to the house for supper. After supper, Jackson wanted to play cars, so Aunt Meme really got into playing cars with him.

Here is Aunt Meme and Jackson posin' for the camera.

First Day of School

First Day of School!

Jackson on his first day of school waiting for the school bus to arrive. He's not too sure by the look on his face.

But he sure was proud of that new backpack he got to take with him! His favorite, "Cars."
Grandma and Grandpa Ford came to the house to see him get on the bus the first day too, Papa is watching closely here too! The bus aide is helping him "climb" the steps to the bus.
OK Mom, he'll be back soon! Jen couldn't hold it in after the bus left the bus stop. Joe is filming "the back of the bus!"

He was so proud to get on that bus and start a new adventure. He's doing great, and now he tells Mom to go on to work, Papa will put him on the bus.

Very Busy Weekend!

HAPPY 1 st BIRTHDAY BRENDEN

We had a very busy weekend when Mommy got back to Michigan. So many parties and celebrations! Ben's BD was on Thurs., Bill's, Ben's Dad, birthday was on Friday, and our Big Boy, Brenden, turned one on Saturday. The party was held at the park so the kids could play on the playground. All of them had a good time.
Riley swang on the swing with her brother, who wanted the big kid swings too! He's not a baby anymore!
Even the Big Kids had fun too. Uncle Joe showing August and Gabby the way to swing the rocker!
They all had fun playing the Diego version of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Diego needed his patch put on his vest. They were all winners!
And of course no birthday is complete without the cake! Brenden did get a little messy with his own cake, but Angie was hoping he would make a real mess!

WELCOME JACKSON TO THE FAMILY!

The celebrations continue! After Brenden's birthday on Sat. we went to the court house on Mon. for Jackson's adoption. Yes, he is finally legally a family member! Brock and his little brother were all smiles.

After the proceedings at the court house we were all treated to lunch by the adoption agency. We went to Wendy's and had lunch, then they had a cake made for the occasion. It was very nice to sit and enjoy the time with all the families together.

Jackson and Mom and Dad got several gifts given to them so he was enjoying his birthday party too!

We are all so proud to be part of Jackson's life, and he has added to ours too! Love you, Buddy!

Talking to Mommy

Riley talking to her Mommy about the picnic that she was having when she called. She wanted her to see where she was at, so she moved the phone around so Mommy could see the "park."

Riley leaning right into the phone so she could see mom. While Brenden is cooking up the food for the picnic.

OK, Mom can you see, this is the best seat in the house. (The phone is in the cup so Mom could see better.)

Visit with Grandma in Michigan

While Mommy and Papa were in Tennessee putting in the "new kitchen" at Angie's house, the "Kiddos" stayed at Nana's and
Grandma and Grandpa Ringman"s. We have been having a good time. Even with the teething process going on with Brenden!He'll be eating steak soon! Aunt Amy was here to give lots of kisses too.

We are learing to jump rope too. Even Brenden is learning to twirl the rope for sister to jump.
Cousin Jackson came for a visit one evening, and they were taking a "milk with chocolate" break.
When Mommy would call, Riley was all about "showing" her whatever she was doing at the moment. She was on a picnic the last time she was on the phone and she's showing Mommy the pink plate that she gave Mommy to use on this picnic. (Notice the phone on the floor beside the pink plate)
Brenden was on the picnic with them.
They have been doing a very good job, waiting for Mommy to come back to Michigan. They have never been away like this before and I think they are doing wonderful.

Visiting the Fair

We got to go the fair this year and check out all the animals and the fun stuff!

Angie and Riley waiting to ride the Big Slide.
Riley and Mommy coming down the slide, she wanted to be on the blue slide, but they got the green one instead.
This is the first time on the carousel, she didn't want to be on a horse, so they got to ride in carriage seat!!
This time around, with Brenden she decided the horses were OK. Brenden loved the horse, he hung on to the pole the whole ride.
The dragon train ride was another of their favorites. Brenden couldn't take in the sights fast enough. He even tried to walk away from us one time!
These are the first place horses in the competition. They were beautiful and so in sync when the were going around the arena. Just beautiful.
Riley checking out the rabbits in the cages and trying to keep her balloon from flying away.
This was an interesting guy. He juggles all sorts of things and on a unicycle no less! He was quite good. The kids and adults enjoyed his show.
Finally at the end of long afternoon at the fair. A little snooze was snuck in, I could have used a seat like that too. But we had a good time and I love to watch the kids when they see all the activity going on.