Micah's "Projects"

Last night Scotty was going to get his laptop out and work on some things while I got dinner ready. He then had an idea for something for Micah to do...Scotty dissappeared into our lower level and then reemerged with my ancient, colossal college lap-top, (which my dad generously gave to me brand new when I went off to Moody in 2003, and used up through a couple years ago).

Scotty told Micah that he was now big enough for his own computer, and you should've seen Micah's face...oh boy, was he excited. He watched in silent awe while dad set it up and turned it on. Scotty opened up a blank document and let Micah type away. When we asked Micah what he was working on, he said it was a "project." When further pressed, he declared it to be an "alphabet project." He and daddy worked steadily on their projects until dinner was served about 20 minutes later...

A fast 9 hours...

This past Wednesday Micah and I drove down to Indiana to visit a good friend from college, Julie. I haven't seen her for a year and a half; the drive was only 2 1/2 hours, and I ask myself, "why didn't I visit her sooner?" The drive was actually really fun! I hardly drove a main freeway, but rather my faithful GPS took me down state highway roads, which weaved in and out of small towns throughout southern Michigan and northern Indiana.

When I arrived at Julie's, we just seemed to pick up where we left off and spent the day talking non-stop. She was a more than gracious hostess, and fed us an amazing home cooked lunch and dinner, and took us on a walk around a quaint little main street of her city. I was in no hurry to depart that night, and as I started out down the road, I realized we had spent 9 hours together - it had flown by SO fast! What a blessing from God to have a friend you can be yourself with and enjoy 9 hours of fellowship...

A super cool slide that Micah was only brave enough to go down when Jules went with him.


Thirsty after a walk and play at the park.


Classic self-portrait shot - have to squeeze one of those in. :-)


A neat piece of art (in my humble opinion).


"Helping" Jeff (Julie's husband) work on digging out the crawl-space under their house; Micah was fascinated by the process of hauling all the dirt.


Sitting down for a DELICIOUS "breakfast" dinner - eggs, potato hash and sausage (with Jeff's brother Nathaniel who's staying with them this summer).


In front of the house they've worked SO hard on since purchasing last fall (walls, trim, cabinets, mold issues, etc)...we too know what it's like to be in first time home-ownership!

A kite and Cars

This past Sunday Scotty, Micah and I swung by Papa and Mama's house after church, as we usually do. They had picked up a kite for Micah, and he enjoyed his first kite-flying experience. And the weather was just right - the kite stayed up there for at least a half hour.









Later that evening, Micah enjoyed watching "Cars" for the first time. He seriously watched every minute of it (nearly 2 hours)! It's funny to see him look at and appreciate all his Cars PJs, clothes, toys and puzzles differently now. He's convinced that Sally is Lightning McQueen's mom, and I haven't tried to tell him otherwise...

PA vacation, a quick glance

Last Thursday (Scott's and my 4-year anniversary), our little family of 3 loaded up in our faithful car and headed out to PA for the 4th of July weekend. We drove the trip in two days, with a stop in Ohio Thursday night. Before doing the second leg of the trip, we all enjoyed a dip in the hotel pool and hot tub.

We arrived Friday night just in time for dinner. We were preceded by the Brad/Amanda and G'ma/G'pa Ruth caravan who left Michigan early that morning. I knew that they would beat us to PA even though we left a day early - a newly potty-trained toddler and no pressure to arrive at a certain time made for a slower (but very enjoyable) drive for us.

We checked into the hotel in PA, and then drove over to great g'pa and g'ma Ruth's house for dinner (we were teaching Micah all about the "great" title in the car ride. At one point he referred to the "greats" and the "goods" - I think meaning Scott and Lisa)! :-)

On Saturday, we all had a blast at "Dutch Wonderland," which was Micah's first amusement park experience (thanks, Papa)! He loved his first "ride" on a train around the park, and then we couldn't slow him down - he rode so many rides (even his first little "coaster"). We were on our last ride (a ski lift across the park), when Micah experienced another "first" - a bee sting, right on his thumb! Brad and Amanda (who he was riding with) took good care of him while in the lift, and then we headed over to first aid, where Micah insisted on some ice on his red little thumb.

Saturday evening was spent with devouring some delicious pizza, hanging out at the "greats" again, and enjoying another "first" for Micah - an AMAZING display of fireworks. He LOVED them, and had to comment on nearly every one. :-)

On Sunday, after visiting a local church for service, we headed back to great g'ma and g'pa's house for some good eats, lots of fun and family galore (aunts, uncles, cousins...). God was very kind to let me marry into the Ruth clan - what a great bunch of people.

We hit the road again Monday morning, full of new memories, a couple pounds heavier from all our feasts, a little sleep deprived, but so thankful. Here's just a sampling of the nearly 300 photos I took while we were there!!

The only "naps" Micah took while on vacation - a few Zzzz's in the car here and there...


Scotty showing something to great g'pa and Scott on the computer (Scotty was found here on more than one occasion...setting up wi-fi, showing people some tips and tricks, etc)...


Micah's first "ride" in an amusement park, along with the rest of the family.


A fun log ride!


Micah's first "coaster!"


Enjoying AC in the "greats" house (and great uncle Warren came to visit).


Getting ready for the Lititz fireworks show on July 3rd:


Uncle Tony cooking up only SOME of our Independence Day feast (great g'ma also cooked her famous baked beans and scalloped potatoes), which was all followed by some scrumptious pies, cake and ice cream...


Micah showing off this goofy monkey that rolls on the ground and laughs (I got at least one photo of aunt Shelly - she's behind Micah on the right):


Great Aunt Velma and Micah were like two peas in a pod - having fun and laughing all day long. :-)


Micah with great grandpa and great uncle Jim:


Cousin TJ and LeAnn (with baby Aubrey in her tummy), and family watching bean bag toss:


A bonfire in the backyard (Brad, great g'ma and Micah):


A "4-generations" photo (right after Micah busted his knee, so he wouldn't smile for the camera)...


Some family came to see us off at the hotel - we miss you guys already and love you tons! (Great grandpa, Uncle Tony, Aunt Vicki, us 3, Scott, Lisa, Amanda, Brad, and Great Grandma).

Flower Song (for daddy)

After a nice family walk last night, the 3 of us headed into our living room and plopped down on the couch. Scotty and I were talking about something, and Micah was sitting next to us. All of a sudden a familiar tune started streaming from Micah's mouth, but with new lyrics. He was looking across the room at our ironing board which has "flowers" on it (leaves really). Before we knew it, he was in full song, and this is how it goes:

(to the chorus tune of "Jesus Loves the Little Children")
Flower, flower, flower song
Flower, flower, flower song
Flower song for daddy
Flower song for daddy
Flower, flower, flower song

Scotty and I couldn't stop laughing. Too cute.