A Shower for Mrs. Ashley Clausnitzer

Thank you to all who helped welcome Ashley into our family. The shower was beautiful and the weekend with family was priceless. Here are a few of the pictures I took. Mom has more in slideshow on her blog.

Happy Halloween

Ryan, Jack and I dressed as the muppets to attend our neighborhood Halloween Party. May have been my favorite halloween costume EVER!!! Judging by his face in these pictures, Jack may not have been as enthusiastic.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY!!!

Ryan and I cannot believe Jack has already turned one. Sometimes we find it hard to believe we are parents. Now it is hard to believe we have a toddler. Crazy how fast it all happens. He is walking, starting to talk and loves to climb on top of anything he can that might scare mommy.

His party was fantastic. We had a great day with family and friends. He loved his cake but was only partially entertained by the gift opening. Only after he saw the gifts opened and put together did he get excited. Now our living room looks like a daycare looks like a giant play place. Stimulation overload.

Our favorite moments were watching him eat his GIANT birthday cake. As you can see above, he really got into it.

Happy Birthday Jack. Hope you had a wonderful first year of life. Love you.

Orchard and Kensington

Petting zoo, corn maze, apple picking and cider proved to be too much fun for Jack. After John and I finished swinging him back and forth in a game of "1, 2, 3 Weee" Jack got sick...all over Grandpa's head. Poor little guy. Poor big guy too.

Even though we had to pause for a quick cleanup, we all had fun and even took our donuts and cider to Kensington to enjoy them in a more scenic (and less crowded) location.

Zoobilee Zoo

For those who are unfamiliar with the reference made in the title click here to view the awesomeness that was Zoobilee Zoo.

Yesterday, Jack and I went to see the lions, tigers and bears at the Detroit Zoo. He loved the lions and the monkeys. The camels started "wrestling" and watching all the parents quickly pull their children away while explaining that they were "just playing" was hilarious. The weather was perfect and we even took a ride on the carousel. Jack's reaction to riding the carousel was pure joy. He started to throw a temper tantrum when the ride was over.

Next time, I hope Ryan can come with us. Jack is at an age now where he can react to seeing everything. I love taking him to discover new things.

March through July

This is a complete photo dump of the last six months. The pictures are not in order but I will do my best to give descriptions.

Spending time with Aunt Ruth and Uncle Sean

One of Jack's first meals. Can you tell?

Kelsey, Scott and Hana came to visit from NY, NY :-)

An Easter family photo

Jack loves Lola. As usual, Lola tolerates Jack.

Good Morning Boogie

Pajama Party with Cousin Eve

First ever spaghetti dinner

Lounging with Grandma

Mommy and Jack. Thanks for the great sweatshirt Mr. and Mrs. Keskitalo.

Lola and Jack in love

Visiting Ms. Eve Eloise

Sneaky Ryan got a nap time photo.

St. Patrick's day. This shirt was a gift from Hana and Scott and came from Ireland. Jack looks like a future bouncer in this pic.

Another Hana and Scott gift. Soooo cute!!!

All he needs now is a silk bathrobe and a well aged scotch.

Meeting Adam for the first time.

Playing in the park on a sunny day.

Eve picking on Jack. I love this picture and think we will laugh about it for years to come.

Jack love The New Green. You should too :) http://thenewgreenmusic.com/

Ashley, Brittney and I went to a NKOTB concert in Chicago. We dressed up in 80s attire. We were the only ones.

Who Me?

Fourth of July at the Staley's

Jack zonked out on the Staley's boat

Beaver Island

Took a family trip to Beaver Island, MI. Perfect time of year to go. Not too many tourists, other than the Crankin T's.