Preschool!

Jonah had his first week of Preschool this week! He was so excited to see some of his friends from last year and meet his new teacher, Mrs. Wiersema. On the first day the kids got to bring their mommy's or daddy's along to help everyone adjust and learn together how the school days would go. We got to do a little scavenger hunt finding things in the classroom, did a craft, and sang some songs. The rest of the week Jonah was on his own... what a difference from the beginning of school last year! He has no problem with me leaving in the morning and can't wait to get started on his projects for the day. He is absolutely loving it, though getting back on a school schedule has been a bit of an adjustment for him... he was so tired tonight he was in bed by 7 o'clock! ;)

Madison's Garden

Last spring we cut down a huge, dying pine tree in our front yard, and in its place we planted a garden in memory of Madison. Our wonderful neighbors had gotten us a gift certificate for a tree, and after reading "I Will Carry You" by Angie Smith {amazing book for any baby loss mamas reading this}, I knew I wanted to get a Japanese Cherry Blossom tree. It will have beautiful pink flowers in the spring, but they will only last a short time... just like we only had a short time with our beautiful baby girl.

We want to thank our neighbors, family, and friends for your contributions to the garden, and help taking down the old tree. You have all been such a blessing to us. We are so thankful to have this beautiful garden to remember our little girl.

Summer

Well, school has officially started, so I guess its time to do a quick update on our summer! As always summer has flown by, but we have had a great one. Lots of weekends up in Cadillac spending time with family on the beach and in the lake, my sister Liz & her husband Javi's wedding, swimming lessons, trips to the zoo, the beach with friends, hanging out with neighbors, camping with friends from our small group... lots of fun stuff! Rather than try to remember lots of details from the last few months I'll just share some pictures :)

{playing Wipe Out in Cadillac}

{swimming lessons}

{Binder Zoo}

{my little triceratops}

{camping at Hungry Horse}