Dad's Buddies

We were able to introduce the girls to a few of Chris's old friends while we were in Michigan.

Here are Addison and Emily with Justin and his girlfriend.

Damon and Angie brought their little girl, Annabelle, to the Paltes' for a visit.

Swimming Tuckers Us Out!

Emily and Addison went in the lake almost every day while we were in Michigan. After spending time in the water, afternoon naps were a must and often happened in the shade of a tree in the yard.

Final Shuttle Launch

3, 2, 1 Lift Off! Emily and Addison are engrossed in watching space shuttle Atlantis launch for the last time! (July 8, 2011)

They Notice Each Other!

Road Trip to Ohio

While in Michigan, we took a day trip to Ohio to visit Chris's Aunt Sister Joan. The girls did great in the car, and enjoyed spending time with their great aunt and meeting other nuns at the convent.

Uncle Mike and Aunt Rachel

Mike and Rachel visited Michigan from Wisconsin, so Emily and Addison were able to spend time with their aunt and uncle! Mike, Rachel, Chris, and I enjoyed wakeboarding. The girls even came out on one of the boat trips to watch Dad wakeboard!

Hanging Out at the Lake

While we were in Michigan, we spent a lot of time in and around the water. The girls were very brave swimming in their very first lake!

Thursday Smiles

Good Morning Everyone! We were hanging out on the deck this morning...clipping nails, drinking coffee, and listening to birds. Emily and Addison thought it was pretty fun. :)

Hadley 4th of July Parade

Hadley is a tiny little four-way-stop kinda town just minutes away from Sue and Larry's house. The girls got to experience their very first parade in Hadley this year, complete with firetrucks, tractors, and Tootsie Rolls thrown to the crowds!

Addison is amazed by whatever's coming up in the parade, and she can't believe we're all just staring at the camera!

Addison looking like a big girl on Daddy's knee

Emily showing CeeCee her new trick of taking her own passi out and then putting it back in (sometimes even the right way!)

Information about Hadley, taken directly from the "Pure Michigan" travel site:

Located in the southwest corner of Lapeer County, Hadley Township lies at the base of the Hadley Hills. Hadley is a small town and holds tightly to its heritage of natural settings and quiet living.

Local businesses include a post office, blacksmith, antique store, an ice cream and pizza parlor and more.

Two special events are the Hadley Harvest Festival in September and a Fourth of July Parade with floats, kids, cars, tractors and fire engines. Planning a pleasant "Sunday drive" to Hadley will be an event not to be forgotten by both young and old alike.

TROPICAL STORM EMILY

agghhhh! she's moving closer to florida!

(yes, this is chris' post)

Belly Dancers

Cee Cee and Pop Pop brought the girls belly dancer outfits from Turkey. Here they are trying on the headband portion of the outfits. Check back at the end of October to see the girls in their entire outfits!

Fireworks!

Last month we took a trip to Michigan for 4th of July and CeeCee's 60th birthday celebration. It was the first plane ride for the girls, and it went pretty smoothly. Chris and I couldn't sit next to each other on the plane because each group of three seats only had four oxygen masks, so we had to sit across the aisle from each other. Luckily, we both got aisle seats so we were able to trade off babies and gear. Emily cried for about 15 minutes before take off, but then did fine during the flight. Addison seemed very content and did great on the flight.

On our first day in Michigan, there was a firework show over the lake that Sue and Larry live on. We took the girls out on the boat to watch the show. First time in a lifejacket, first time on a boat, and first firework show equals one amazing night. We had more fun watching the girls watch the fireworks than watching the actual fireworks!

The next day, we bought some firecrackers to light off at the house. Emily said they were all for her.

CrackPots

CrackPots is a paint your own pottery studio in Longmont. Jennica and I were feeling creative, so we took the girls to do some painting.

I painted a tea cup and saucer for Emily. I'll make one for Addison next time, I figure we have a couple years until we have our first real tea party.

Jennica painted a fun watermelon serving dish.

Emily's tea cup has a little kitten sitting inside it. :)

Two Girls and a Dog

This summer, Emily and Addison met their first dog, Doogle.

Emily approached the new creature with curiosity, reaching out for him, and letting him sniff and kiss her.

Addison was a bit more cautious, not quite sure what to think of this new, quick moving, white fluffy thing.

Happy Birthday Cousin Callie!

Callie turned two on June 28th. It's so hard to believe it's been two whole years since this little sprite came into the world! Callie, you are such a spunky, outgoing, sweet, fearless, and beautiful little girl. We love you!

We can't wait till we're big enough to run in the fountain with you, Callie!