Smith's photo's

Roller Skating 1-14-10

2010-01-15T04:38:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pictures. (thank goodness) Alex's school had a fundraiser at the local roller rink. So we went. Alex and I straped on some roller skates. His first time and I haven't skated since.... well High School. I get his skates on and before I get mine on he is on his rear. Well lesson 1. How to get up. Grandpa was there for moral support of mom. So we shuffle off to the rink. going good. Just as we get to an opening I see some mom's from church. They are not skating. Why am I??? Alex does not get 3 feet on the rink and down he goes... oh wait... yes he takes mom with him... I am sure I will be the topic of conversation on Tue for church class. Alex had a great time. We were like turtles out there but he had fun. Only once did he fall and cry. He said he fell so hard he almost pee in his pants. But like always he had a blast seeing lots of people from school. Everyone was saying "Hi Alex" He said he is not very good. he is to slow but I told him I think he did great for his first time. We will have to go again.

New Years Eve

2010-01-02T13:23:00.001-08:00

Alex rang in the new year in style. Hope everyone had a save holiday and that 2010 brings lots of great things to all.

12-29-09 GLI

2010-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

We packed up the auto and headed to Detroit. Our mission was to watch a good hockey game and have some fun. Well the game was a blow out if you were cheering for Michigan State and a real downer if you were cheering for Michigan Tech. But we had fun. Went to the game, and then had coneys downtown.

One of the many goals for MSU

Alex and Blizzard the MTU man.

Blizzard on ice.

Sparty on the ice

Rene'e and Grandpa

If you can read the scoreboard it was MSU 10 and MTU 1. Go GREEN !!!1

12-27-09 Sledding

2009-12-28T18:28:00.000-08:00

Alex's cousin Katie came in for a visit. We walked to the local sled hill and had some fun.

Katie even went down.

still going.....

She hit the snow jump...

She had a black coat at the top of the hill. now it is white.

she makes it up the hill with a smile.

Christmas Pic's

2009-12-27T18:08:00.001-08:00

We had a fast and wild Christmas morning. We told Alex that he could not go downstairs until 7 in the a.m. and that he could only open his stocking before 8. I saw his light go on around 5;30 and he crawled into my bed around 6 and then at 6:59 he headed down stairs. Was good and did not get me up until 8. I was hoping he would do good since I was not crawling into bed until around 3am. Santa was very good to all of us this year. It was a year of trucks, guns, and cloths. Hope everyone had a great Christmas.

Grandpa Curt

Todd got a fishing pole.

Alex got money!!!!

Traffic cones

Train show pics

2009-12-27T16:46:00.001-08:00

Alex, Grandpa and I went to Traverse City for a weekend. We went to have Christmas with Grandma and pa Morris. They were there for the opening weekend of the Train show. Grandpa is a train member. It was pretty amazing on the detail the guys go to for their sets.

When you sat in The big Thomas you could run the little one.

Some pic's of Grandpa's section

Lu Ann was also there running her son's train.

11-13 Work/fun at Dad's

2009-12-26T17:13:00.001-08:00

Well it was a busy time, but we
also had fun. Three of my
brothers flew in and one drove
over. We had an old fashion
work party. We cleaned out the
closets, garage and misc. places
it was a lot of work but we had
some fun also.
Dana, Ron, Tony
Dad, Chris Alex, Randy
Todd was down but not in the picture.

Ron and Dana stripped the
wallpaper and hung new paper in the
main bathroom. What a "fun" job
It turned out GREAT.

Alex was a lot of help also.

We wanted to play some cards at

night. Dana had to look up the

rules on his phone.

Dad caught on film. His hand in the

m & m's bowl.

10-31 Halloween

2009-11-09T18:10:00.001-08:00

Alex said he wanted to be a Waste Management garbage man. Thanks to Uncle Ron and the gift of a vest it made my life very easy.

10-24 Alex's party pic's

2009-10-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

My little guy is 7 as of 10-23. I can not believe it. Alex (I think) had a nice birthday. Friday he got to go out to dinner and open a couple of gifts. Sat. morning before Dad went to work Alex opened his gifts from Mom and Dad. Sat afternoon was a party for some of his friends. We had it at a place that has an indoor play area. It has climbing things that are 3 stories tall. The kids had a blast. Alex wanted a construction cake this year. I did the best I could. He was concerned that he would not get his trucks and men back. But he did.

Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday Dear Alex....

Yes he blew out the candles in one try.

The kids took a break from playing to have pizza, cake and ice cream.

Alex in the play area.

10-18 Trip to the cider mill

2009-10-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

It was such a nice day and who know how many more we will get. So after church Grandpa, Alex and I headed to the local orchard. We walked thru a corn maze, picked some apples and even a pumkin. Alex had fun getting the apples. We also could no leave withou getting a fresh donut and apple cider. It brought back fond memories of when I was little and we would all get packed up and head to the cider mill. Now Alex wants me to make apple sause like his Aunt Chris does.

Alex and some corn
Which way is out Dad? I have no idea.....

view of the kiddy maze from the platform

Apple time

10-16 Road Construction

2009-10-21T08:34:00.000-07:00

Alex is in his glory!!! They are working on Michigan Ave. So now he gets to see the big equipment right from his front yard.

This is the machine that grinds up the old asphalt and spits it into the truck in front.
street sweeper.

9-26 Zip line ride

2009-09-28T09:44:00.001-07:00

Alex went to day camp at the nature center this summer. One of his favorite things was the ZIP line. So when they were having an open house this fall I said I would like to go on it. Then Grandpa said it soulnded like fun. So Grandpa, Alex & I went along with a friend of Alex and my friend Debbie. Debbie did a great job taking pictures.

Getting our gear on.

Here comes Alex

the guy catches you and then you get on the ladder and he un does the straps.

Here comes Grandpa. He said he would do it again that it was lots of fun.

Mom came in last.

9-26 Day at Nature Center

2009-09-28T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Nature Center had an open house type day. So I took Alex, his friend, Grandpa, and my friend and went to it. We had a nice day. Went and saw animals, fishing, wagon rides, bounce house, arts and crafts ect. Here are some pic's

The boys were in the bounce house for over 10 minutes.

I took the boys out in a canoe.

The boys tried the rock wall.

Hay ride between events

Indoor games.

9-25 Dad turns 77

2009-09-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

For Dad's birthday we went out to dinner at a Chinese place. and then when Todd got home from work we had Sugar free apple pie and presents. Durning the evening Dad spoke or hear from all the boys. Had a nice night.

9-5 Alex's 1st day of First Grade

2009-09-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Today was his first day of the First Grade. As I have done for the past several years, I made him sit on the bench for the annual picture. My little boy has grown so much from last years picture show below.

Alex First grade picture
Alex's Kindergarden picture.

9-5 Picnic at Potters Park

2009-09-06T18:13:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day so we packed a picnic lunch and picked up Miss Debbie and Rachel and off we went to the zoo. Had a nice lunch and then went and looked at all the animals. Alex had a blast riding and feeding the animals. It was a great time for all.

Miss Debbie did not want he picture taken, so of course I had to post it !!!

Grandpa and Rachel

They have a new cage at the zoo. You can go in and feed the birds. Alex thought it was the coolest thing.

9-3 Fishing

2009-09-06T17:34:00.001-07:00

One of many nights we spent down at Thompson Lake fishing. Uncle Mark told Alex to kiss the fish before he set it free. For good luck in getting the "big one"

Trip to Lake Michigan

2009-09-06T17:21:00.001-07:00

Alex had a good time in the water. The water was warmer than Lake Superior

Camping with Grandma Mickey.

Old house up north

Fire time with Grandpa Curt

Alex and Great Aunt Edna

Alex's pic's

2009-09-06T17:08:00.000-07:00

This summer there was a lot of construction in our area. Alex had a great time watching it.

Alex on a hike with Dad

One of many deer seen at Uncle Mark's

Mom and Alex having fun at the Downtown Music night.

Fishing pic's while in the UP

2009-08-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

The five of us went and did a bit of fishing one night. Mark had the big catch of the day. He did let Alex reel it in.

Can you see Todd out on the point?

Marks monster fish !!!!

After an evening of fishing we had to have a fire. While sitting around the fire we saw two deer walking up the alley.

Uncle Mark's yard

2009-08-21T11:38:00.001-07:00

While up north we stayed at Mark and Amy's. Here are a few pic's

Alex and Grandpa working in the garden.

On day Amy had her great niece come over and play with Alex. Amber is about 6 mths older than Alex. they had a blast playing in the yard and climbing trees.

We saw lots of rainbows while in the U.P. Here is a pic of a double one that I saw while on the deck.

Misc vacation Pic's

2009-08-21T11:12:00.001-07:00

In July went took a trip north to pick up grandpa. He had been staying with my brother Mark. On the way we stopped at a few places. We did the Soo Locks tour (no pics) swam in Lake Superior, visited my nephew Dylan in Marquette and stopped at the "Yooper tourist Trap" Alex loved the out houses!!!!

While visiting with Dylan we walked out onto the pier.

We took a break and let Alex swim in Lake Superior. I went in the water just to get my toes wet, Todd went in up to his knees. Alex did not mind the cold at all. He had a blast. The beach was beautiful and the sand was great the water was just to cold for me.

7-19 Petty zoo

2009-07-20T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday afternoon Grandma Morris, Alex and I went to a local petty zoo. Alex had a blast seeing all the animals they had deer, emu, birds, snakes, cows to name a few. Alex had a blast with the sheep.
He also liked the Kitten cage as well.

Rainbow trout

Feeding the Llama

Bison on the range.

7-17 Beachbum Baseball Game

2009-07-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Friday afternoon Alex helped Grandpa Morris plant grass seed in the yard. Alex had fun riding in the wagon around the yard.

On Friday night we went up to Traverse City and watched their baseball game and then they had fireworks after the game.
Grandpa and Grandma Morris, LuAnn and Alex eating dinner before the game.

7-12 Fun at the airport

2009-07-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

The County airport had a helicopter day. They had like 25 come and land. The public got to walk around and see them up close. Alex had a blast.

Alex was pointing out that another one was coming in.

This one took off and Alex thought it would blow him away.

Bike the parks

2009-07-09T20:11:00.000-07:00

Last Sat. Howell had a bike ride. It was fun. Alex and I signed up. It was a 10 mile route. I am very glad to say that we both did the whole 10. After 5 I was so trashed. I tried to get Alex to stop (since we were blocks from our house) but he kept saying "you can do it Mom" "Let's keep going!!!!" We kept going and I am really glad we did.

Balloonfest XXV

2009-07-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

Balloonfest XXV was great. Thursday Alex and I went to the carnival. He rode the rides for 3 hours. Had a blast. Then Friday night we went up and walked around. The we waited for the balloons to lauch. Todd met us up their and we watched the balloons launch in the evening. This year they had 51 balloons launch it was great weather all weekend.

Alex did some reading waiting for the balloons to launch.

If you look closely at this orange one. the basket is a garbage can.

On Sat night they did a glow. the balloons blow up and then they light the fire and the glow like a flashlight.

Graduation Party

2009-07-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

In June we went to Milwaukee for a graduation party. Here are some pic's. It was really cool getting to see all the family.

the kids played with water balloons.

the kids also got to do marshmellows in the evening

Miller time

2009-07-09T10:15:00.000-07:00

We also took a tour of Miller Brewing Co. It takes up to 2 weeks to make the beer but it is only in the warehouse for up to 36 hours.
Adding the hops....

Taste time. Grandpa and Dad got to taste 4 types of beer and Alex and Mom stuck to the soda.

Just rows and rows of cases of beer.

Brewers ball park

2009-07-09T10:04:00.001-07:00

Todd and Alex went to a Brewers game while we were in town and then the next day the four of us went on a tour of the ballpark. We got to see the press room, a private box, the dug outs, pitchers bullpen.

Lake Michigan time

2009-07-09T09:54:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots at Lake Michigan. It was to cold to go into the water but we walked the beach and looked for rocks.

Hotel in Milwaukee WI

2009-07-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

I June we took a short trip to Milwaukee for a graduation and birthday party. The hotel we stayed at had a water park for the kids. Alex had a blast. Jerry and his Daughter Haley came over for an evening.

Dad and Jerry poolside.
Alex learned to swim underwater.

Alex and Haley in the Hot Tub

The slide was a big hit as well.

Everytime Alex and I went to the pool, Dad came down and sat and laughed.

6-4-09 Got ya day

2009-06-11T11:51:00.001-07:00

I can not believe it has been 6 years. I sit and think back at what we did to get Alex. All the paperwork, travel ect. Sometimes I think it was so long ago and other times I can not believe it has been 6 years. This year we got Alex a "new" bike. He has found out that when you have bigger tires you can go faster.

Misc end of May pics

2009-06-11T11:06:00.001-07:00

Went to a graduation party in Mesick. Can't believe that Scott is graduated high school. LuAnn had a table for the kids.

I took Alex for a ride on the 4 wheeler. He said that Scott gave better rides, I think he ment to say faster rides.

It was a great party for us to visit. Uncle Don and Yoshie were there and of course MaryJane and Jerry. Kathy and her family(the girls at the table are her Grandkids) Heard the news that Karen and Johns oldest is expecting in Dec.

Alex came running into the house the other day. He found a turtle in the yard. He was very good with it. Played with it for a few minutes and then let it go.

5-25 Memorial Day

2009-05-25T20:05:00.001-07:00

After dinner we went down to the beach again. I chatted with one of my brothers and Alex played in the water.

5-23 Day at the beach

2009-05-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

Alex and I went to the local beach. I love that it is blocks from the house. Alex likes digging in the sand.

5-18 Another game

2009-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

Alex is really having fun in soccer. They all are getting better every day. Even his PT has noticed a change in him since we started.

Hey Alex, there is a game going on over here.....

5-17 Nap time

2009-05-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

Dad is taking a rest after a day in the sun and yard.

5-13-09 Soccer game

2009-05-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Alex is having fun in soccer. He likes the games more than the practices. And all the kids like the treat time at the end of the game/practice.

5-2-09 Day at Grandpa's

2009-05-04T10:49:00.001-07:00

Another day at Grandpa's. Most kids go to their grandparents for a vacation. Well Alex goes to his Grandpa's and works. We went down to South Bend after swimming class on Sat. This time we brought down my girlfriend. That way she could be outside watching Alex while I was workin in Dad's office. Alex and Debbie picked up the ig sticks and raked out the bushes and then Dad mulched up the leaves as good as he could. Had a beautiful day. Dad wanted to get on the roof and clean that but that goodness we ran out of time.

Alex watching Grandpa mow over his leave piles.

Soccer practice

2009-05-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

I signed Alex up for spring soccer this year. He wanted to last year but it was to late to get him on a team. So far he is liking it. Reminds me of watching the twins and Craig playing hockey at an early age. When one falls the whole team goes down.

Easter Day

2009-04-24T07:09:00.001-07:00

Easter Morning Alex got up early and ran down stairs to get his Easter Basket. Once again that silly bunny left one for the family on the dining room table but Alex's was gone. He came up and showed us what we got in ours and then back down he went to look for his. Not long into the search we could hear. "I found it" "The bunny left me OPEN SEASON 2!!!!!!" He was so happy.
Alex and his first tulip. What a ham he is. the mess under his eye is looking pretty good here. He was trying to break a branch in half like his Uncle Mark. As you can see the branch won.

We had the kids down the street over for an Egg hunt. They had to wait on the front porch and by ages they could run to the backyard and start hunting for eggs.

A great day for the hunt. Sunny and dry !!!!

The little kids haul.

The rule was I needed the eggs back for next year. So they are here cracking them and taking out their treats.

4-9 Night time egg hunt

2009-04-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Howell has this cool activity at Easter time. They have a Marshmallow drop and then a night time egg hunt. This year the drop was done off a roof. they that two guys up on the roof tossing off hadfulls of marshmallows. The kids down below had to try and find the special colored one to get a prize. Alex got lots of marshmallows but no colores ones. Then they moved over to the soccer field for the egg hunt with flash lights. It was a hundred kids running around picking up plastic eggs. Alex had a blast. I was out on the field and Dad sat up in the stands watching.

Alex in grey sweats and blue coat.

Dad in the stands

Here they go..

Alex and his friend with the Bunny

Flowers !!!

2009-04-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I got the nicest surprise. The girls up front buzzed my office and asked me to come up to the front desk. Since they did not say what client was there I assumed that it was my Dad. (Todd at work and Alex at school). But no it was the flower delivery man. It was really nice surprise. And the bright colors are a nice change from the dull yellow of my clients envelopes. When I told Alex I got flowers he asked if I brought them home to look at. I said not this time since I was spening more time at the office than at home. The card says it all. Hang in there, Yep only 2 more weeks !!!!!

The desk looks clean. But look a all the files on the floor and piled on the counter. Each one is a client that I am working on.

I am so busy, we have two monitors for my computer.

3-28-09 Alex's first phone call

2009-03-28T04:04:00.000-07:00

I walked in the door an Friday night. Alex came running to greet me. "Brian called me !!!! Brian called me!!!"
What????? "Mom I gave him my number and he called me!!!" You would have thought it was Ed McMann telling him that he just won something. Todd said the phone ran and a little voice asked for Alex S. So he handed the phone over to Alex. They chated for a few minutes and then they hung up. He was so happy. It was his first official non family member phone call. My little boy is growing up..

3-22 Playdate

2009-03-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

Since Alex has been so good this year with tax season, he got a special treat this Sunday. I had made arrangements with his friends mom to have a playdate. So we went to the mall and visited with the Easter Bunny, Then to the Castle park for some outside fun. Then they played a bit of Wii, Everyone had a good time.

You can barely see Alex's head in this one.

The bell tower.

3-12-09 Music concert

2009-03-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

Alex had their Choir concert last night. I went straight from work. I got there in time to do a quick check of Alex's outfit. Clean jeans, shirt tucked in, tie on, clean face. ok he was ready to go. So I run back and sit down with Dad and Todd. A few minutes latter in walk the Kindergarteners. What happened? Tie in hand, shirt hanging out... oh well you gotta love um. It was really cute. Took about 1/2 hour. Alex is on top stair in the yellow area.

Bless him he did try and put it back on....

pick me.... pick me...

The did a song about the rainbow. Alex was purple.

Alex and the snow

2009-03-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Alex was a big help with the snow this winter. This is not a grainy picture. It is still snowing and he wanted to go out and shovel. More power to ya kid. These pic's were taken late Feb.

Friday night at the Smith's

2009-02-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

Todd took this... He said this it a typical Friday night sceene when he gets home from work.

2-13 Hike in the park.

2009-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Todd and Alex went to the park for a hike. The deeper they got into the woods the more snow the saw.
Look Dad ... Rocks..

It was about a 4 mile hike. Alex need a rest when they got out of the snow paths.

2-7-09 Trip to Detroit Zoo

2009-02-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Well Sat. was 46 and I had the day off and so did Todd. The four of us went to the Detroit Zoo. I never had been to the zoo in the winter. It was fun. No crowds,and some of the animals that normally just sit there were moving around. We got to see the giraffees but I forgot to get pic's of them.
Look mom .... Water.

Here is a Tiger....Detroit ran the Lions out of town. Ha Ha

Dad's yard

2009-01-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

Dad, Alex and I went down to South Bend this past weekend. There was so much snow in the driveway. At least 18 -24 inches. Thank goodness it was so cold that the snow was light and fluffy for the most part. I forgot to take pictures of the river. There was lots of Ice and slush floating down river. We had to park in the road until we shoveled the driveway.

Dad's house

Alex at the end of the drive.

Misc. Jan. pics

2009-01-25T16:47:00.000-08:00

Dad shoveling a path to the backyard.
Clearing off the hot tub.

Alex and his truck.

Alex at work

12-30 Last present of the year.

2009-01-03T16:44:00.000-08:00

Alex got to open gifts from 12-24 until 12-30 this year. He was so excited to get a package from Aunt Amy and Uncle Mark. It was sent way before Christmas but I guess it just sat in the post office for a couple of days. Alex just tore into the paper.

12-29 Cadillac trip

2009-01-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

Alex, Grandpa and I went up to Cadillac for a quick visit. Alex had fun playing in the snow. I had fun visiting with LuAnn and Cathy and of course MaryJane and Jerry. We had a late Christmas, and Alex was allowed to run Grandpa Jerry's trains. We all played video BINGO.

Grandpa Jerry as a present.

12-26 Boxing day swim

2008-12-28T11:12:00.000-08:00

Friday afternoon we went over to the hotel and spent a couple of hours in the pool and hot tub. It was fun. We had the whole place to ourselfs. Alex had fun in the hot tub also.

Christmas morning

2008-12-27T19:36:00.001-08:00

Christmas morning Alex got up at 5 and said he had to go to the bathroom. So I brought him downstairs and he went right toward his stocking. I told him he had to go back to bed until at least 7. Then he tried to take his stocking upstairs.. So we went back up stairs and he went back to bed. At 6:50 he woke me up again and we went downstairs. He got to open his stocking. He tried waking Todd up by delivering his stocking upstairs but Dad still slept on. So Alex and I played with his toys he opened last Christmas Eve. and then I did let him open a couple of the Santa gifts. Dad finally got up just before Uncle Tony and family walked in the door. Grandpa got up then also. So as soon as everyone was set we started opening the gifts. All was good. We got phone calls from everyone during the day.

Alex got a Bingo game for Christmas. And We all played. It was fun.

Christmas Eve

2008-12-27T18:49:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve we had a visit from Santa. He gave Alex a gift and told him to get to bed early and be a good boy. Alex had to go outside and see if he could catch the sleigh. We then but some oats out for the deer. Alex opened gifts from his Uncle Mike and Aunt Stacey who came over for a visit and then from his family that mailed him gifts. He had a great time. A new Bob the Builder DVD...

Uncle Tony and Aunt Chris with Alex's new blanket.

Tony and his "Master Chief" toy.

Dad and his new flannel lined jeans.

Dad and Tony

Alex and his Truck yard.

The tree post Santa and pre Alex

12-22 Cookie time

2008-12-23T10:58:00.001-08:00

Since it was to cold to be outside, thought it was a good time to decorate the cookies. I got everything ready and then Alex go for it. I put the frosting on and Alex did the rest. I tried to get the concept of "less is more". But that did not go over at all with Alex. "More was more"

12-16 St. Joe's Christmas program

2008-12-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

Alex had a Christmas program at church. Each class had to do something. The K class spelled Jesus and said a word that symbolized each letter. Alex was the "U". He was very excited that he got to use a mic. Here they are practicing.

I was mortified on Friday 12, 2008

2008-12-13T18:27:00.000-08:00

I was sitting at work when Alex's teacher called.

Alex is fine was the first thing she said. But I have to talk to you about something....

Before I get into what she said I'll give you some background of what happened on Thursday. I was packing his backpack for school before I went to work. I reached down into the shoe pile and picked out two shoes for him, put in his snack and papers. All was going well so I thought. Alex came home and told me I backed him the wrong shoes. He then showed me that I had packed a blue and a brown shoe. I had a good laugh, and thought at least it was a left and a right......

So his teacher said that on Thur when the kids were getting their boots on to go home a friend of his made some comment on his shoes. (they have holes in them also) Alex then told his friend that he could not get a new pair until next year! His friends mom heard the conversation. On Friday they came to school with a brand new pair of shoes for Alex !!!! She felt sorry for him that he could not get a new pair of shoes......

Now I have been looking for a pair of shoes for him for months. He has such big feet and I am having a had time finding shoes with velcro. They normally only have tie shoes. Alex does have a pair of tie shoes. He still needs help tieing them. So he has been wearing his "Holy shoes" so he can get his shoes and boots on without help.

Now I have a major problem. The shoes she bought are tie shoes. So if I send him to school in his old shoes how will the mom feel? Should I send her a note and some money to pay for the shoes, Since I can afford them.? Alex has to be able to get into and out of his shoes by himself. I don't think I can get him to learn by Monday. I don't want to embarrase the mom. But I don't want her to think that we can not afford shoes for Alex. What should I do? I know she just wanted to do something nice. Just don't know what I should do? I did let the teacher know the reason Alex has been wearing Holy shoes. She had a good laugh. Alex was told the shoes were a Christmas present. The joys of having kids. I can not believe that Alex said that about me not buying him shoes.....

Anyway I just thought I would share my mortified Friday with you.

12-1 Redwings 2 vs Ducks 1

2008-12-02T19:35:00.000-08:00

We took in a Red Wings game on Monday. Grandpa, Todd, Alex and I drove down to a Red Wings game. We got down to the Joe early so Dad and Alex could look around the arena some. It was a good game. Always is when the Wings win. Dad had a good time. He was looking around alot at all the banners. Had good seats. The first 10,000 people got hospital scrubs with a Red Wing logo. Yes we brought 4 of them home. Alex was a bit under the weather, but was a trooper and had a good time. Pregame Alex & I went down to the glass and took some pic's

Alex took a little nap.

Howell's light parade

2008-11-29T06:09:00.001-08:00

The day after Thanksgiving Howell has their Christmas parade. It starts at 7 in the evening. So I bundled Alex and Grandpa up and we went down. I had gone downtown earlier in the day and set three chairs down. So we had front row seats. Not sure if you could see but the whole route was packed several rows deep. I had blankets to sit on and to put on our lap. Hot coco to sip on was a must for Alex. They had several bands who also had to be light up. And of course the big man in red arrived in the last float. Even Grandpa was amazed by all the lights. After the parade we packed up all the blankets, chairs, coco and walked home. We then watched the traffic just stream by the house. It was a steady flow for at least 45 minutes.

firetruck

gingerbread house

radio flyer

raindeer

sheriff display

snow plow

Kitty kisses

2008-11-29T05:52:00.001-08:00

Sam and Widget do get along some times. They are doing really well. They both come out and about during the day. Widget spends her time either in her bed in the diningroom or on dad's bed. Sam is found on all the chairs in the livingroom.

11-10 First snow of the season

2008-11-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

Today we woke up and we had some snow on the ground. Alex could not wait to get outside. He ate his breakfast and got dressed while I was in the shower. Ready to go... But mom had not found any snow boots yet. So he got dressed in this snowpants and coat and then had to put his shoes on. I let him go out for a bit that way. I had the day off of work, so Grandpa and Mommy went and found some snowboots at the store for Alex. Now he is ready for the cold weather.

Goodbye pic's

2008-11-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

Carey took this great picture of Dad and Craig.

11-8 Craig and Carey had to leave. But not before we went out to breakfast and took some pic's.

Alex wanted to show us the money!!

Alex showing off his new teeth.

Visit with Craig & Carey and Katie & Dan

2008-11-09T19:50:00.000-08:00

On Friday 11-7 Katie and Dan stopped by on their way to the airport. We had a nice visit for a couple of hours. Will see them on there way back on Thursday.

While Craig and Carey were here Alex spent a lot of time raking leaves.

We also spent some time playing the Wii.

11-5 Wii time with Craig and Carey

2008-11-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

Craig and Carey came in 11-4 in the evening for a visit. They spent a beautiful day on the fifth hanging out with Dad, while the Smiths were at work and school. But after dinner we got out the Wii. We had fun bowling and chatting away.

Alex and Craig

Nice form Dad !!!Line it up Craig.

Alex in blue, Dad in green, and Craig in red. Notice that Alex got a turkey in his first three frames.

11-3 Lost another bottom tooth

2008-11-06T06:27:00.001-08:00

At dinner again, Alex said his tooth was to loose to eat. So he pulled it out. I thought about calling the dentist about the lack of teeth in his mouth. But the dentist showed him how to pull out the first top tooth. And you can see tht they are already comming in. So Alex has a big gap on top and a little gap on bottom right now. The tooth fairy must be going broke on him.

10-31 Misc. pics

2008-11-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

This year Alex dressed up as a house painter. We had great weather for the eaving. Did not have to wear a coat over his costum and did not get cold passing out the candy. Great time for the whole family.
Mom and Alex

Waiting for more kids. When Alex was not out getting candy he was passing it out with Grandpa.

Still waiting,

10-31 Party at school

2008-11-06T05:34:00.001-08:00

At school they had a school wide parade. That is Alex's teacher Mrs. Baron with the purple wings.
Alex dressed up as a house painter.

Party in the classroom.

10-26 Alex's 6th Birthday party

2008-10-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

For Alex's 6th Birthday, we had a small party on Sunday. Uncle Mike and family, Grandma Mickey and Grandpa Curt, Miss Debbie came over and we had some dinner, cake, presents and Wii time.

Cones, thanks mom !!!!!

Is there money in here Miss Debbie??

Yes there is !!!!!

Cars !!!!!!

Grandpa Curt playing Wii

Uncle Mike bowling.

10-25 Howell Downtown party

2008-10-25T19:53:00.001-07:00

Howell Downtown had a Halloween party on Sat. night. If you can not tell Alex went as a house painter. Downtown had trick n treating, hay rides, a haunted train, a bon fire. It was nice. Alex, Grandpa, and I went down for a bit. We toured Haunted Alley, the train, and even the hay ride. It was a bit chilly but dry.

10-23 Alex's 6th Birthday

2008-10-25T19:43:00.001-07:00

Alex turned 6 on a Thursday. So we went out to Applebee's for dinner and then home for some cake and presents from Mom, Dad and Grandpa. Alex is looking forward to Sunday when we will have his Birthday party with others. He already opened the cards and gifts he received in the mail.

Oct 18 and 19th Misc photos

2008-10-20T18:24:00.000-07:00

Alex in the Morris backyard

Alex chatting with Grandma Morris

Dad and Jerry chatting

Playing a game of dominos

10-18 New fire pit at Grandpa Morris's house

2008-10-20T18:10:00.000-07:00

We were out looking at the yard and Grandpa Morris talked about getting rid of that big tree stump because it was to tall to drive his lawn mower over. So LuAnn said Lets burn it out. So we dug around the stump and Alex went and gathered lots of tree branchs to burn. A built in fire pit.

Look at the flame.....

Fire still going and it's getting dark.

10-18 Geer's Pumkin patch

2008-10-20T17:33:00.000-07:00

Alex, Grandpa & I drove to Cadillac for the weekend. On Sat. Oct 18th we went to a local pumkin patch with Grandma & Grandpa Morris and LuAnn. Here are some of the photos.

Notice the size of the pumkins by the bus. These are the ones we took home in the end.

Alex had a blast climbing on the hay bales

Mommy and Alex...

The gang on a wagon ride.

Which one should we pick?

LuAnn and Grandpa which one looks good to you?

Grandpa Morris looking for the perfect one.

LuAnn, this one still has the vine on it still.

10-12-08 Howell firehouse open house

2008-10-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon Alex, Grandpa and I went to the firehouse open house. Got to see and get on many rescue vehicles.

Alex got to use the hose and try to put out a fire.

Direct hit for Alex.

Alex wanted to take a picture of Grandpa.

This would be a cooler chopper if it was Green and White.

Yard work

2008-10-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was really really nice. So we got busy and did some yard work. Dad planted more bulbs in the flower bed. Then we started putting out some of the Fall yard decorations.

October 11th Another missing tooth.

2008-10-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

At dinner his tooth was really loose. So he said he was going to pull it out like Dr. Kellogg did with his other one. So he tugged and it came out. So now I have to teach him the song. All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth....

Alex looks like a real hockey player in these pic's !!!!!!!

Visit from Grandma and Grandpa Morris

2008-10-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma Morris came for a short visit. Alex taught Grandpa how to bowl and golf on the Wii. It took Jerry a bit to get the motion down but by the end he was getting strikes.

Alex is the score in blue, Grandpa Pratt is red and Grandpa Morris was green.

10-4 Another day at Dad's

2008-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

Friday night we drove down to Dad's. We wanted to check on the sump pump and gather some paperwork. Alex worked in the back in the morning and in the front in the afternoon.

10-3 Field trip to Spicer's Orchard

2008-10-04T19:17:00.000-07:00

Alex and his class went on a field trip to Spicer's Orchard. They went around and looked at some farm animals. We went on a hayride past the apple trees and into the pumkin patch. Everyone that was on the hayride got to pick and take home a pumkin. They we took a ride back to the farm and had a snack, played in the playground, and then lunch and back on the bus and back to school.

The goat was on the deck.

Hayride to the pumkin patch.

Raise to get your pumkin.

Warm donuts and cider for a snack.

Time for play.

Time for some lunch.

10-1-08 Lost another tooth

2008-10-04T19:06:00.000-07:00

10-1 Alex lost yet another tooth. Funny I thought the other top front was looser. I think Alex will be singing "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.. my two front teeth...

No training wheels

2008-09-27T18:23:00.000-07:00

Today 9-27-08 we took the training wheels off of Alex's bike. He did real good with out them. He still has to practice the start and stop with out the wheels but he does real good once he is on his way.

Grandpa's Birthday 9-25-08

2008-09-26T17:09:00.001-07:00

For Dad's Birthday we went out to Dinner at Bob Evan's and then came home and opened presents. He then got many phone calls wishing him Happy Birthday.

A new neck pillow.

Now Dad has his own Wii remote.

Putting Dad to work

2008-09-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Dad powerwashed our back deck and then Todd and him put a fresh coat of sealer on the deck. Now when it rains the water beads up real nice. And no he is not falling in picture two. He is stepping over the cord.

Alex's first day of Kindergarten

2008-09-02T12:31:00.000-07:00

Alex had a great morning for his first day of school. After wearing his summer camp shirt all summer he had to wear it for the first day of school.

Labor Day 2008

2008-09-02T12:15:00.001-07:00

During the day Todd worked, Alex played and I cleaned. But when Todd got home we had a small picnic at Bishop Lake and the guys went fishing. We did catch one we could bring it home and eat it. We also had a visit from a huge snapping turtle.

Misc. pic's of our vacation to the U.P.

2008-08-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some misc. pic's of our vacation. I think it went very well. We spent a lot of time around the camp fire, morning, noon and night. Alex, Todd, Dad & I drove to Mark & Amy's for a week. Katie got a few days off of work and joined us.

8-23 Last Morning at cabin, Last night at Mark's

2008-08-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

On Sat we hung around the cabin until after lunch. The "men" went fishing and the ladies packed up. While the guys were gone we did get in a couple games of marbles and darts. We drove back to town, unpaced the cabing items and repacked the van. We were on the road for the trip home Sunday by 10.

Second Day at Cabin 8-22

2008-08-30T18:37:00.000-07:00

On day two at the cabin, we had a water balloon/squirt gun fight. And in the evening we lighted the last of our fireworks. Mark and the guys went over to another cabin and did a bit of work. We sat around the fire at night playing word games and just bullshiting. Everyone had a good time

8-21 Building a tee pee

2008-08-29T21:22:00.000-07:00

We went out in the woods for a walk and I saw the perfect branch to start a Tee Pee. So we built one. Everyone helped and by the time we left it looked really good. It brought back memories of when we would build them on Grandpa's farm when we were kids.

8-21 Day One at Cabin

2008-08-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

We drove over to Perch Lake on Thursday and stayed in a cabin. It had no electric, running water and the out house was really pretty clean. It did have lots of wood for the fire, many beds.
Alex primed the pump with his squirt gun.

Mark told Alex to kiss the fish. (It was the only one caught)

8-18-08 First Day at Marks

2008-08-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

We brought the Wii on our trip to Mark & Amy's. When we were not picking apples for the deer, watching movies or taking walks, everyone took their turn on the Wii.

On 8-19-08 Mark, Amy, Dad and Rene'e drove to Green Bay to visit Uncle Ray. Alex and Todd stayed at Mark's and went to the local state park.

On 8-20-08 Mark tood Dad to work for the day. We just hung out around Mark's place.

Summer Camp

2008-08-28T09:05:00.001-07:00

Alex went to summer camp this year. It was from 9-4 M-F. He had a great time. It was really nice since it was only blocks from our house and he could walk to it. They did all sorts of things. Swimming at the beach, trips to the library, fishing, games outside, crafts inside, trips to Dairy Queen ect. Here are some pic's of his time at camp.

The Mellon Parade

2008-08-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Alex, Grandpa and Mom went to the Mellon Parade on Sat morning. Yes we are a farm community still. Check out the John Deere tractors.

Tot Trot

2008-08-16T13:49:00.001-07:00

During the Mellon Fest they have some 5 and 10 K runs. They also have a run for the kids. The Tot Trot. Alex had a blast.

The finish line, a ark of mellon balloons.

Everyone got a treat at the end.

Howell Mellon Roll

2008-08-16T13:22:00.000-07:00

Howell has a Mellon fest each year. It is a major thing if you live in Howell. Alex entered the Mellon Roll. The idea is that they start at the top of the sled hill, roll their mellon down the hill. You have to make sure that you grab your mellon at the end. Dad was at work but Grandpa Pratt was there to cheer him on.

Misc Pic's of Dad's

2008-08-04T04:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of the livingroom and spare bedroom. the results of the past few trips down to dad's. The boxes on the bed are all empty and waiting to be filled up. I always post what the guys are doing outside the house and wanted to show that I have been doing more that taking pictures.