July 4th

Trevor went to his friend Evie's b-day party on the 4th of July. He gave her the princess dress featured in the picture. He also ate princess cake, broke a princess pinata, and watched a small scaled fireworks display (the regular fireworks are postponed on account of the Mississippi flooding).

arts faire

I participated in a local arts faire and the boys came often to visit and see the art. Joel enjoyed riding in the kiddie backpack. Trevor was all hands in my booth and wanted several business cards as well as labels that accompany the art.

michigan

After Ohio, I took the boys to Michigan for a week to see Oma, Papa, and Uncle Bud as well as Auntie Heidi and Ella (who were visiting from Phoenix, AZ). The theme of the week was "John Deere tractors" but activities also included visiting the Critter Barn, going to the beach, watching street performers, swimming in the pool, and going for ice cream.

nelson family vacation

The Nelson clan vacationed on Lake Erie in Ohio for a week. During that time, we played on the beach, visited "dinosaurs", rode a ferry to an island, explored a cave, went to a lighthouse, and relaxed on the lakeview cottage deck. Here are some pics from the trip.

chillin on the couch

The boys enjoy sitting together on their little couch. They like to drink milk and watch their tractor movie.

tara

Aunt Tara spent the weekend with us and bonded with the boys, especially Trevor who enjoyed having an extra reader in the house. He continues to inform us that she lives in Pennsylvania. This picture was taken at the farmer's market on Saturday morning.

birthday spoils

The boys have been enjoying Joel's presents. Yes, we are indeed crazy for purchasing instruments -- yet, somehow the drum seems less annoying than the plastic talking toys that repeat and repeat and repeat......

Also, check out a new video clip of Joel walking by clicking on the You Tube link in the right side column.

#1

Joel turned one today, and we had a party with friends to celebrate. Although he has yet to say his first word, Joel makes really good car noises -- so, we went with a car theme. He has also been practicing walking this week and can now cross a room without falling. Trevor enjoyed helping Joel celebrate, but is very much looking forward to "Trevor's party", "Trevor's birthday", and "Trevor's presents."

spring visit

Grandpa and Grandma made the trek from Pennsylvania just in time for Quincy's Dogwood festival. It was a fun-filled 5 days of bonding with the boys (and Penny). Highlights included a parade, several walks, going out for pizza and Mexican food, a Sunday School picnic, reading books, and going to the park.

first haircut

So, we finally gave in and cut off Joel's "tuft" and "earmuffs." He looks much more like a little boy. Here are before and after pics as well as a sweet one of him waking up.

florida forever!

We've been back for over a week now and a post is long overdue. We all had fun on vacation and enjoyed being spoiled by Oma and Papa. Oma's Yellow Fin Tuna is the best! Trevor loved the ocean, the sand, and the pool. Joel loved the golf cart rides and the giant chair. Erin's Easter egg hunt was also a big hit. We can't wait to go again :)