I haven't done the best job keeping up with my blog, but I will try to add some pictures more often. I can't believe that we are already in the middle of September. The next few months are pretty busy for us so I'm sure they will go by fast. Ben is excited to almost be 6 at the end of October and have a "Luigi" birthday party. Ben has been in school now since August 14th. Lucy and I have adjusted to him being gone a big chunk of the day. I think she enjoys her "mommy time." Ben has loved school so far and going the whole day hasn't worn him out too much!  We went to a TinCaps baseball game in August. It was through Curt's work and they had face painters there for the kids. Ben really wanted the lady to paint Luigi on his face, but she wasn't sure that she could do that. Then, she said she could paint a Luigi mustache. It ended up more like Mario's mustache, but Ben still thought it was cool and walked around telling everyone that he ...

The next weekend after our Chicago trip, we headed to Cadillac to see Curt's family. July was a pretty busy/tiring month. We had lots of things to fit in before Ben started school and soccer in August!  Curt's friend Maike, from Germany, was visiting Cadillac at the same time as us. Curt was able to plan a time to catch up with her and for the kids and myself to meet her. She was an exchange student at Curt's high school. It was nice to finally meet her!  I really did not get very many pics from this weekend at all! This is one of Ben and his cousins doing a little art/book project at the art fair that was going on downtown.  We got to meet more of the animals at the Nickel farm.  They have some funky chickens! :)  Lucy liked the baby goats.  Pointing to herself in the camera. Hanging out while the grown-ups talked. This picture is deceptive because she sat for like a minute and then just kept going and going around the farm...

Back in July, Curt and I took a trip to Chicago for our 10th anniversary. We stayed downtown and enjoyed walking around and exploring the city. My parents watched the kids for a couple days. It was nice to have some time alone together. That really never happens for us.     When we first got to the city we headed to Shedd Aquarium. It was crazy busy there! Curt had never been there and I hadn't been there since I was a kid, so we both really wanted to check it out. We decided after our trip though that we would definitely cut that out if we could do the trip over. I think the crowds and the cost didn't really make it feel worth the time we spent there.  We had dinner at Gino's East. Curt really wanted Chicago style pizza.  The next morning we headed to Navy Pier. Neither of us had ever been there before. It was a perfect day for it...sunny and in the 70's.  We had a super healthy lunch of Garrett Popcorn. The addition of the Jamba Juice makes...

The summer seems to be flying by. We have several things planned in July, so I'm sure that August will be here before we know it. I'm feeling cranky that Ben's school starts so early in August, but I'll just have to get over that. At least we still have five more weeks together. That doesn't sound like much. :( Below are some things that we've been doing the last couple of weeks. Curt and Ben have been out playing golf together several times this summer. There is a course near out house that has a 5 hole rate. It is the perfect amount to start teaching Ben.    Ben's baseball team had their last game on Curt's birthday. Ben missed the two games before that because we were out of town, so we were all happy he could make it to the last one.  We spent the morning of July 4th at the zoo.  Giggling Lucy.  Ben wanted a picture with me in the tent. I think we have several pictures like this from every summer. :)  Looking at the le...

  On Friday, June 21st, we celebrated my brother Matt's wedding. We were able to get a baby-sitter for Lucy and that really helped us relax and enjoy the wedding. Ben did an awesome job through the wedding and reception. The guys taking a break after pictures. My sister's family at the church before the wedding. My sister came down with pneumonia that week and wasn't feeling her best. My brothers Joe and Jake.  Ben, Emma, my mom, Mya, and my Grandma Bierema  Curt got a few phone photos for us during the wedding. :)  Matt and Ashley Bierema!  The getaway vehicle  Everyone blowing bubbles at the new couple.  My mom and dad at the reception.  The happy couple and the best man (my brother Joe) on the right.     We decided to stay the rest of the weekend to visit. The weather was really warm and we went in my parent's pool a couple times. Ready for pool time!    On...