Yogi Bear and the Great Monsoon of '11

The first Friday of Summer Vacation, we all went on a camping trip to Jelly Stone in Indian River. We went with Grandpa and Grandma Huddas, Uncle Steve, uncle Mike, Aunt Kim, Aunt Becca, Uncle John, Clay and Drew. Uncle John's Nephews Chris and Ben were also with us the first 3 days. On Friday we walked around, looked for Yogi at "Yogi's House" and played at the Playground. On Friday night Aunt Christi and Uncle Wayne got to the campsite. On Saturday all of us went to Fort Michilimackinac to walk around some history. The kids had the most fun at the playground, but also went into the buildings to look at some of the artifacts. We also watched the cannon get fired, and even got to hold and touch a cannon ball. Sunday was Father's Day, and Uncle Mike took Grandpa, Steve, John and I on a Fishing Charter. We all caught a fish, but Mike was the only one to catch a keeper. After the Charter we met up with everyone else at Petoskey State Park where all the kids got to play in the water and look for Petoskey Stones before going out to lunch. After lunch Christi, Wayne, Becca John and his Nephews went home. Clay and Drew stayed with us for the remainder of the week. On Monday we all went on the ferry ride to Mackinac Island. We went for a walk after lunch around the Island and decided to got to Fort Mackinac. The first thing we saw was the rifle fire before checking out all of the buildings and cannons. The kids seemed to enjoy this fort quite a bit, and Seamus eve sat through a movie about the history of the Island. They were all very good, even though Helena had a few instances where she forgot how to listen and just lay down. After the Fort the kids ran around the hill right underneath the fort. After that they were all pretty tuckered out and we went back soon after. We stopped on the way back to get pasties for diner. Mary made the mistake to say we were taking the food "home." All of the kids then said they wanted to got to Yogi. Mary told them she said home on accident. Al three of them asked Mary "Why did you say the wrong word?" for about ten minutes. After dinner, the kids were playing and Seamus was getting whiny. So Grandpa, Steve and Mary took him fishing. Seamus was amazed by the truck driving through the small path to the lake. I was told that Seamus caught three fish by himself. On Monday night, the rain started. Tuesday it rained pretty much all day. We tried to got the beach, but we ended up just going to Cabella's with everyone else before lunch then heading back to the campsite to watch Tangled. It rained for the rest of the night. On Wednesday we went to Cross Village to have lunch at Legs. After lunch we looked out at the water behind the restaurant, we even saw a deer eating some grass right off the side of the road. The time we spend in the car and in the restaurant was one of the only time it did not rain. There was a span of about 45 minutes it was dry, and all of us went fishing and every kid caught a fish (with some help from Mary). It rained the rest of the day. On Thursday, Mary, Grandma, the kids and I went to go walk around Mackinac city, but it rained. We ended up having lunch and shopping at one store. We drove around after the trip to Mackinac because the kids all fell asleep. When we got back, the kids all decided to watch Tangled (again). When the rain finally let up Steve, Melanie (who showed up Wednesday night) Mary and grandpa went fishing. They actually caught some keepers while Grandma, all the children and I went for a walk and to play for a bit. When the fishers got back we cleaned the fish and cooked them up to have with dinner. Unfortunately that night Grandma got sick and Steve and Melanie took her to the Hospital. They were gone until 1:00 in the morning, but she was okay. On Friday the weather was nice, and Becca and John got back at lunchtime. After lunch we left for home. On the way home we stopped at a Rest stop that had a field of Yellow flowers the kids took a few minutes to run through. We stopped at Birch Run to get the kids some shoes and get dinner before we got home. It was a fun trip, even though it rained for most of it, but it was nice to be back at home. In two weeks we do it all again when we head out to Sesame Place.


Drew and Seamus with Yogi


Boo Boo-Katie


Cindy-Helena


Christi, Seamus and I at Fort Michilimackinac


Christi and Katie at Fort Michilimackinac


Helena at at Fort Michilimackinac


Seamus at the Beach


Katie and Helena at the Beach


On the Ferry to Mackinac Island


The Family at the Fort


Katie and Uncle Steve at the fort


Helena and Seamus with the cannons


Katie and Drew with the cannons


Helena's fish


Seamus' fish


Katie's fish

Katie in the flowers


Helena in the flowers


Seamus in the flowers

Animals and Neurology

The week after the big third birthday party, we had a relaxing week at home. Our excitement of the week was walking around the neighborhood passing out info for the HOA. On Saturday we all went to Wolcott Mill to see the cows get milked, and see all the other farm animals. We had a lot of fun there, but Helena got a little scared of the cat because it started to follow us. After our trip to the farm we packed up a cooler and a basket and had a pic nic lunch at Stoney Creek. The kids were so tired after our lunch we could not stop at the beach, so we went home to nap. After nap we went into our pool for the first time this summer. On Sunday we went to the zoo, and we saw all the animals there too. We even went to the 4-D theatre to see the Dora Rain forest movie. We put on the special glasses and saw 3-D, got sprayed with water and smelled the flowers and bananas. They all liked it, but I think Katie enjoyed it the most. On Monday, Seamus had his appointment with the neuro-surgeon. He looked at Seamus' scans, checked and measured his noggin and told us there was nothing to be worried about. We were all very relieved by the news. Today we were busy getting ready for our garage sale this weekend. After the sale we have Clay's birthday party before starting the last week of school. The pictures are from Saturday in the pool.

Happy 3rd Birthday!

We have had an awesome Memorial Day and Birthday weekend so far! The kids 3rd birthday party was on Saturday and was a great success. The weather held out even though it looked like it might rain for most of the morning. At party time, the sun even poked through a few times. The kids again got tons of present... thanks everyone! We got to spend a bit of time visiting with friends and family that we never get to see often enough. After the party Grandma and Grandpa Murphy, Uncle Ed, Uncle Joe with his kids, and Aunt Kathy hung out for a while. The kids all watched a movie which was so cute to see the cousins hanging out. We made some sandwiches for dinner and before we knew it, it was way past bedtime! Yesterday was the kids actual birthday and we all woke up and went downstairs where the kids got their new bikes! They were so excited about them and the fact that Aunt Kathy stayed the night with us. They love having her here. The kids tried out their new bikes and played with their new toys while Pat and I worked on cleaning up the aftermath of the party. After lunch and birthday cake we then went over Grandma and Grandpa Murphys house to visit for a while. The kids were so tired from 2 days without naps that all they really did was lay on the couch and watch their new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse dvd. Today we're off to a bbq at my Uncle Ken's house. Good thing we go back to work tomorrow. We're all going to need the rest!


Helena in her new princess crown


Seamus swinging at the pinata


Katie at the ice cream sundae station


Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Birthday Cake


KMM's grabbing a snuggle at the party


Helena and Shannon looking cute


Seamus and Keiran watching Toy Story after the party


New Bikes on Birthday Morning


Singing Happy Birthday!

Katie's 3rd Birthday Letter

Dear Katie,

I can’t believe that you are another year older. In 6 days, you will turn 3 and be officially a little girl. No longer a baby or a toddler, you are becoming so grown up. As we look back at the last year, it’s amazing how much has changed. You no longer sleep in a crib, you are potty trained, can drink from a big girl cup, can dress yourself- even though you don’t like to, went to the ocean for the first time, and can put on your own shoes. I can’t believe you were the first one to be potty trained, especially since you didn’t want anything to do with potties up until the day you decided you wanted princess underpants! You love to be funny and are by far the loudest in our family. That’s saying something because Daddy talks just like a Murphy as well! You like to be in charge and can get a little bossy at times with your brother and sister. For the most part they let you, but when they’ve had enough they let you know. Usually one of you ends up crying but that’s okay, you love each other. You are also very caring. You are the first to comfort anyone who is sad and give hugs saying “it’s okay.” You still love to carry around your dolls Baby Mary with hair and Baby Mary with no hair. You told us she has no hair countless times on the way to see Aunt Kathy Murphy in NC. You love princesses, nail polish, and the color pink, but also like to be a tom-boy and run around playing in the bushes and the dirt. If only we could get you to stop breaking out into itchy rashes because of it! Playing in your tunnel and with blankets building forts make you happy. You also like to play with your cousin Drew. You are bigger than your brother and sister and end up getting most of the new clothes. We had to run out and buy you new shorts because you outgrew most of yours from last year! In gymnastics class you were the most cautious of trying new things. Even though you could do everything, including walking on the balance beam, you were sometimes afraid to try. Don’t be afraid to try new things in life, Katie! There’s nothing you can’t do if you are just willing to try. Speaking of trying, you are becoming quite the picky eater. You like fruit, dessert, and ham and cheese sandwiches, but don’t like very many veggies right now. Let’s hope that changes soon! You are still Mommy and Daddy’s big helper and are the first one to help us clean up the toys at bed time. You love to help us fold clothes and helped us redo the landscaping by carrying us wood chips in your little shovel. Katie, we love you more and more every day. As you get older it is wonderful to see the amazing and beautiful little girl you are becoming.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Seamus's 3rd Birthday Letter

Dear Seamus,

May 29, your birthday as you love to tell us is in less than a week. You will be 3 years old and be right when you say, “I’m a big boy now.” You’re not the little baby who liked to lay like a frog on Mommy and Daddy, and you’re no longer the toddler who was constantly on the move. You still love to get into EVERYTHING, especially things we’ve told you not to touch. Your listener still gets broken sometimes when you’re tired or hungry. You almost can’t stop yourself when it comes to anything that opens- doors, windows, closets, cabinets, it doesn’t matter. You are the main reason we still have child locks on everything! That’s okay though, we hope you always keep that inquisitive nature. It’s good to ask questions in life! Seamus you love to push people’s buttons as well. One of your favorite pastimes is annoying your sisters or trying to make Daddy feel like his head might explode. Even though you like to tease us, you also like to put the family’s names into songs and sing about how you love your sisters, Mommy and Daddy. You are very athletic and were the first one to be able to do all of the exercises at gymnastics. Even your coach was impressed. You are also very brave. You went to the head doctor for more appointments and tests than Mommy and Daddy would like and you were good for every one of them! We still need to work on some of your pronunciation of words, but if you slow down we can understand most of what you say. Many things have changed for you this year, you have your own room and a big boy toddler bed, you are potty trained, can drink from a big boy cup, can pick out your own clothes and dress yourself, can put on your own shoes, went to the ocean for the first time- even though you cried because you weren’t sure you liked walking on the sand at first. You are so skinny! Daddy thinks you need to eat more, but Mommy thinks it’s because you never stop moving. You love food, except for breakfast and your favorites are French fries, yogurt, and chicken nuggets. You are very handsome and love to wear your “work shirts” and ties. You also love anything with Buzz and Woody or Sponge Bob. Your favorite color is green so anything green makes you happy too. You are the one who likes to have stories read to you the most still, and are the first to ask Mommy or Daddy to play with you or build a “Buzz and Woody” House. We love when you ask us to play, it makes us feel important! Playing with your red ride-in car or on your big wheel outside and swinging on your swing are some of your favorite activities. We just have to make sure you’re not running over your sisters! Seamus, we are proud of the little boy you are becoming and love you very much.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Helena's 3rd Birthday Letter

Dear Helena,

In 6 days you will be 3 and a big girl, not a baby or a toddler anymore even though Mommy likes to say that you’ll always be her baby. You have grown up a ton this year. You have a big girl toddler bed, can drink from a big girl cup, you pick out your own clothes and dress yourself, can put on your own shoes, and are even potty trained! You were our holdout and wanted to wait until you were 3 as you liked to tell us, but you decided to be a big girl and did it! You also went to the ocean for the first time and went roller skating. You did really well on skates and didn’t even want anyone to hold your hand. You are still our cuddler, and like to be held when you wake up from naps and while you have a few minutes of quiet time to yourself. Good thing because Grandpa, Mommy, and Daddy would miss that special Beana time! You are so smart and know all of your letters and numbers. You can even make your letter H and love to draw it on everything, including the driveway with your sidewalk chalk. You like to play by yourself or with Katie and love to read books and color. You like to pretend that the round building blocks are cups, and like to play with the plates, forks and spoons to bring everyone food, and then ask “You like it? Want more?” This makes Mommy and Daddy see how you can be creative and care about everyone in the family. Baby Deer is still your favorite bedtime pal and we’ve had to have talks with you about him keeping you awake because you have to sing to him. Silly Baby Deer, he even jumps out of bed sometimes and makes you lose your blankets! Gymnastics has been fun for you, you love to run around and be silly. Sometimes the listening and following directions part of it were tough though. By the end, you had gotten much better and could run around like crazy and still come back to do the exercise you were on. You love the water and want to “swim” in the bathtub all the time. You are so excited to go see Yogi Bear this summer and swim in the pool. We even have to stop you from playing and splashing in the puddles after it rains. You also love to swing on your swing outside. Helena, you are still the most sensitive and get very upset when you get in trouble. Keep that sensitivity, it’s a good quality to have if you can keep it in check. You can also be the most stubborn which sometimes works against you. Blame Mommy for that! Your favorite color is purple, and you love anything "cute" or with Tinker Bell, especially your purple earrings, nail polish, and dresses. Mommy and Daddy love their little Bean very much and are proud of the beautiful little girl you are becoming.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Gymnastics Class

The kids had their last gymnastics class this past week and we finally managed to bring a camera. They've all come a long way since that first class months ago. They have perfected their log rolls, egg rolls, and forward rolls. They can also bear crawl, crab walk, and Spider-Man walk with the best of them on the bars. The balance beam is finally all of their friend and they all love to jump on the trampoline. Next winter if they are still interested we'll probably register them for the next level class. This weekend brought about many firsts. The most important being that Helena is finally potty trained! She didn't want to wait until she was 3 after all. Once we started using her new potty chart she really seemed to get the hang of it. We did have a few days of jealousy from the other two, but I think we can officially say that we are ALL in underpants permanently! Yay!! On Saturday we took the kids roller skating for the first time for Aunt Christi's birthday. They all did really well. Helena even tried doing it without holding any one's hand. Seamus and Katie did a few laps around and were very brave about it. I'm just happy that I didn't fall, it's been been over 20 years since I've been on roller skates! On Sunday we went out on Grandpa and Uncle Steve's new boat for the first time. We all had a really good time. I was nervous at first because last year Katie was terrified of boats. Maybe it was the larger size and more stability of the new boat but we were all laughing and smiling into the wind while we zipped around Lakeville Lake. Uncle Steve even went water skiing. The only drawback was on our way back in, somehow we snapped a blade off the prop. Guess we're bad luck... Hopefully it'll get fixed soon and we'll be able to spend time out on the water this summer. The kids are super excited for their birthday party on Saturday. Say a prayer that the weather cooperates!


Hee-Haws on the bar


Helena doing donkey kicks


Seamus walking the "S" course


Katie on the balance beam


Playing parachute with Coach Keith