St. Joe Beach Day

Following her face plant in the cold waters of Lake MI, Caroline much preferred digging in this wonderful sandy stuff. She took her shovel and pail like she knew exactly what to do, and went for it. How do kids know this stuff?

It was really fun to feel the sand in her hands...and let the wind blow it over to her sleeping sister!

But I guess she doesn't seem to mind!

Beach goers. Not sure what's going on in the middle of the lake. ..some sort of digging rig set up.

Giggling with my girl!

Where'd the boat go, Daddy?

I think we found the boat! It's right there!

Oops....did we wake you?

Some serious concentration going on here...or we're still asleep.

Love it when you capture the drool coming down...as it's being blown by the wind. Click to enlarge that photo- you'll see what I mean!

A sisterly shot! Really mom? We'd much rather sit and chat.

Caroline relaxes- apparently her foot is in need of a break, while Lucy laughs at the hilarity of it all.

One. happy. girl.

Baby love.

Hotel Play

Snacking on pizza and raisins and milk. M-mmmmm

Calling room service? Perhaps she wants a better meal?

Rick imitating what Lucy looks like in her bed - konked out!

Caroline is oh so helpful -putting on Daddy's clothes while he's in the shower. We're not convinced that taking two children under two is a vacation...especially in the confines of a hotel room!

Lucy is all smiles and ready for a day of play!

St. Joe was a real "SPLASH"

After the Carousel ride and a walk out to the beach, we decided to check out the splash park. This was Caroline's first visit at one, and boy was it a hit!

She jumped right in, fully clothed, and loved every minute.

Fearless!

She had so much fun running to all of the spouts- she was hilarious.

She would run around to all the kids saying "Waga" like she couldn't believe there was water coming from the ground.

Then she'd run out to me and say "Hi Mommy. Waga" and run right back in!

She had everyone around us laughing and watching her. Wish I'd had the video camera with us.

What incredible fun. We made plans at that moment to spend more of our time at Michigan visiting the splash pad. Stay tuned!

And this was our fun ride back to the hotel following the splash pad. Did I forget to mention that someone only took an hour nap today?

It's not obvious, is it? Fun times!

Lake Michigan Vacation - First stop: St. Joe Carousel

Stopping to rest atop the 'corn dog' near the amtrak station. We finally made it to St. Joseph and headed to the beach to see what was there.

A Carousel ride for $2...not so sure just yet about this adventure!

Now she's got the hang of it - Saying 'Hi Mommy' with each pass around!

Relaxing with Daddy.

Relaxing in the stroller. So far, we're all happy and we made the five hour trip relatively pain-free.

I've become "The Lunch Lady"

It's official. I've failed as a parent. (okay, perhaps a bit harsh, but Martha Stewart and Gordon Ramsey should probably stop reading here.) I can't stand it when the school cafeteria serves lunches where the food is all the same color. And, yes...I've done it. In my attempt to clean out the fridge before vacation, Caroline is dining on her yellow dinner.

Corn, pears, chicken, and noodles. Uggh...Let it be known, that this will NOT be happening again. Perhaps when I go to the grocery later I'll pick up some rainbow chip cookies...In fact, I'm pretty sure that cancels this whole ordeal out! Yes, I'm certain it does. In the meantime, Caroline seems to be enjoying her 'pot of gold'. Sigh. See you in the lunch line!

Hangin' in my crib!

Caroline loves it when I bring Lucy in her room and insists I put her sister next to her.

Lucy seems happy for the stimulation!

I just love hangin in my crib!

Showin off those eyes and her lovely bed head.

Snuggle time!

In awe!

Silly girls!

Umm...perhaps thats a bit close, Caroline!

Smiling as she watches big sister dance.

Dancing! Isn't that how everyone starts their day?

Pause for Pictures...

Here's our smiley girl who is looking so grown up in her bumbo seat. I just removed the helmet for cleaning and snapped a pre-bath picture tonight. A few red marks on the forehead and drool on the chin, but oh-so-kissable! I treasure those moments without the helmet so I can get all my baby snuggles in!

Meanwhile...

Caroline was helping(?) me organize the hair bows by putting them in(?) a basket. Hmmm....she seems to have lost her concentration. Goofy girl and goofy times!

We're heading north to the Michigan Coast- with both girls. Should be an interesting vacation for us. Hopefully we'll all make it back on friendly terms! Stay tuned!