ArtPrize 2009

Last weekend, we spent some time walking around downtown Grand Rapids checking out the ArtPrize event that was going on. Artists from all over the world had paintings, sculptures, photographs, etc. on display all over the city. We ran into some friends, enjoyed the sunshine, had some lunch, and just had a nice relaxing day together. Some of our favorite pieces are pictured below and many of them made the "top ten"! Emerson enjoyed seeing all the people, big buildings, and really only liked the art that she could touch but we all had fun.

The kids all loved the construction cone sculpture!

This table & chairs is above the walking bridge right by GVSU. The painting was really cute but didn't show up well in the picture.

Do you see ALL the people on the bridge? It was crowded!

This is "Nessie" the Loch Ness monster

When we got home, Emmie had a nap and then it was time for sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and a little goofiness for the camera apparently! She's a bit of a ham these days!

Fall Fun!

Today, Emerson and I met my friend Katie and her kids, Emily and Aiden, at a local orchard for some fall fun! First the kids checked out the goats and chickens. Then we played in the silo full of corn, which the kids loved! They played briefly on the hay bale pyramid, but the girls couldn't climb up the first bale, so it was short-lived. We took a break and ate some yummy pumpkin doughnuts, then the kids got a wagon ride around the pumpkin patch and orchard. We came home with some delicious apple cider and honeycrisp apples. It was a beautiful fall day!

A New Cousin!

Emerson has a new cousin! Koen Michael Mayra, son of Aunt Lesley and Uncle Jeff, was born yesterday at 2:31 AM in Chicago. He is 7 lbs, 8 oz and looks like his big brother, Noah. Check out Noah's blog for more pictures of this handsome little guy. We're so excited to meet him! Emmie has already been practicing saying his name!

Scrambled Eggs

Emerson likes to try to help in the kitchen. She always asks to "helps you?" I decided it would be safe to let her stir the eggs before we scrambled them...she was pretty excited and very funny! And before anyone asks, no I AM NOT pregnant, it's just a very unflattering shirt :-(

Jump Rope Star!

We saw some amazing kids jumping rope on TV one day a few weeks ago. Well, today Emerson grabbed a computer cable and pretended she was jumping like they were!

Time with Grandma & Grandpa Ross

Grandma & Grandpa Ross have spent some time with us over the past couple weeks--watching Emerson so I can get my classroom prepared for a new school year. Emerson loved spending time with them and I am so grateful for all of their help!

Catching up...

All right, I know I'm way behind so please forgive me as I catch up...the day we returned from Chicago, Emerson and I got right back in the car again and drove to the Detroit area to stay with Aunt Nina, Uncle Rich, and Aunt Sarah for the night. I had a conference to attend on Monday, so Emmie spent the day with Aunt Nina, who took her to the Detroit Zoo and out to lunch with Uncle Rich. She had a wonderful time with all of them and their dogs, Teddy, Murphy, and Roxy! Thanks for having us and taking some pics!