Fall Photos

Fall Photos

Niedzinski Family Visit

Jim's parents recently moved to Chelsea, MI. It is about an hour drive from us. We were able to spend a long and relaxing day with them a few weeks ago in their beautiful new place. It backs up to woods so Grant and Kate joined Jim on a wolf hunting expedition after dinner. Kate loved showing Grandma all over her recent projects and school work and enjoyed Grandma's focused attention and constant affirmation.

Happy Anniversary

Jim and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this month. We were blessed to have my parents watch the kids while we escaped to Florida for an adult only getaway. The kids planned a surprise for us at home- a romantic dinner prepared by chefs Grant and Kate. We enjoyed buns with taco meat, scrambled eggs, carrots, apples, string cheese and chocolate covered blueberries for dessert. They even borrowed a candle and lighter (Grant's favorite part) from a neighbor. It is a night we will not soon forget!

Wake up, mom!

It has been 3 years since I was diagnosed with prolonged epstein barr. It has definitely been a trial for our family. The kids have had to learn to make their own breakfast and become more independent. We've had to ask for help more often then we were previously comfortable with before this all began. I am thankful to say I have turned a corner. I am awake more often than I am asleep these days and can feel my energy returning. I had to include a photo of a note Grant put next to my bed last year when I was napping. It must have been around lunch time. I am hopeful this won't happen any more. :)

Fall Fun

This fall we enjoyed carrying on many traditions (the cider mill!) and enjoyed making new memories as well. One of our neighbors has an annual Halloween party that was a blast. All the kids from the neighborhood meet up during the party and then trick or treat in one giant group of about 20 kids. This year we had a monkey and a ninja.

Ice Cream Fridays

It is a 3 year tradition for me to pick the kids up from school on Fridays and head to an ice cream parlor of their choice. They always bring their folders in and tell me about their work while they eat. We recently started frequenting an ice cream shop where a man whose body is 90% burned sits in his wheelchair selling books and asking for money. From the moment Grant saw him he wanted to bless him. On our second visit he emptied his entire piggy bank, giving it all to Delbert. They have formed a great relationship and Grant always asks to visit Delbert when we are in the neighborhood.

The Big Move

A week after school started we moved into our new house. We love it here! Because we previously lived in townhomes, this is the first time the kids have had a backyard. It is a neighborhood that is outfitted with a playground, a forest and plenty of kids.

First Day of School

Kate's 6th Birthday

All Kate wanted this year for her birthday was an American Girl doll! We celebrated with 3 friends at our house and then at the pool with family. Hooray Kate!

Family Times

Summer Happenings

A few of the things we did this summer include: Bowers Farm Camp, Fencing Camp (Grant), had a bottled water/dry good stand, want to lots of parks, rode bikes, bought a house!!!!!

Up North

We made lots of great memories up north staying in a cabin for a week with 3 other families in July. We were right on both a lake and a river so the kids had plenty to do. I think our kids' favorite part was the s'mores! We also made time to sneak over to visit Jim's oldest friend, Corey, and his family of 5. We are thankful for our friends, both new and old!

School's Out!