My Birthday

I never really expect anything special on my birthday. It just so happened that Deadpool & Wolverine came out on my birthday, so we went with Aaron and Lara to see that. I figured that was enough excitement for my birthday, nothing else needed. My wife, though, had a little something special for me- she had gotten me my own Marcel the Shell with Shoes On! What an awesome gift! I really loved the movie when I saw it in the theater. It was adorable and moving. So I was absolutely delighted to now have a Marcel of my own! Oh, wife, you spoil me! I found a great spot among my movie collection to have him hang out, and now he watches movies with me whenever I'm downstairs. Love it!

Double Date

It's been way too long since I saw good ol' Aaron. I figured, with a new Marvel movie coming out, it was time to correct that. He's come over to Allegan and we've gone to see movies at the Regent many times over the years, but this was the first time that he's brought a date!

I convinced Diana to come along, so we planned it as a double date. I can't remember the last time we've gone on a double date with my friends, so we were quite excited. They stopped by so we could hang out for a bit and chat. Eventually we headed downtown to see the movie. It was hilarious- we were laughing the whole time! I was surprised how much Diana liked it considering she hadn't seen many of the movies being referenced. Aaron and Lara loved it as well!

After the movie we wandered around downtown Allegan for a while, looking for a bar to hang out at. We found one that was open, unfortunately they only had their own brand beer- and it was pretty gross! Oh well. We called it a night and parted ways. Truly a fun night together!

Having the Boys Over

Every once in a while Ledger asks to have friends over. He hasn't very often this summer, so when he asked, we said sure! Emerson and Desmond were both dropped off around noon, that way they could get as much play time as possible! Granted, play time these days is a little different than it was a few years ago. Not as much running around and playing with toys, now they shoot Nerf guns at each other and play video games against each other on their devices. Still, they clearly had a blast, laughing and joking the day away!

Growing up I rarely had friends over, we weren't exactly the 'everyone is welcome' type of household. I would always have to go over to my friend's house. Granted, it was probably for the best, I don't think any of us would want to cross paths with my big brother... With that history, it's quite nice to now have created a house where he gets to have his friends over whenever he wants. Not only do we welcome his friends, but we usually spoil them with food and movies! We went out and got some delicious BK for dinner, and then the four of us took in a show! We went to the Regent and watched Despicable Me 4. The boys had a blast! It's always fun to see Ledge play around with friends.

After the movie we drove all over creation bringing the boys home- I'm shocked at how far away they live considering they all go to the same school! 

Yard Work

Though being outside is far from my favorite thing, it's not too bad when it's still kind of cool out. We had a weekend of lower temperatures, so I figured I should take advantage and do a bit of yard work.

We've lived here for almost five years now and I've never cleaned out the gutters. It was certainly time! I washed the front of the gutters, cleaned them out, and got them looking tip top! Since I had the ladder out, I got on the roof to clear off any branches and stuff as well. Our little dog was pestering me the whole time I was outside working, so I thought maybe he wanted to join me. I scooped him up, went up the ladder, and put him on the roof! He was quite confused by the whole thing, sniffing around and scurrying back and forth. After I got a good laugh, I brought him back down, safe and sound. I went back up and trimmed some of the branches that were hanging over the garage.

All in all, a good day of hard work out in the yard- and the place looks much better!

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Zoo: Festival of Lights

It's been a really long time since I've been to the Grand Rapids John Ball Park Zoo, probably since elementary school, to be honest. A couple weeks ago Lissa and her family made plans to come into town to go to the Zoo's festival of lights. They invited us to join them, and figured 'might as well!'. I'm glad we did, because it was really cool!

The Zoo had set up thousands of light displays all through out the park and they were amazing! We got there in the early evening and met up with them at the entrance. It was great to see them and their families again. It had been since our visit to Frankenmuth since we saw most of Lissa's family.

The Zoo itself is set up in one long path through the entire place. You can just start at the front gate and walk the circle and see all the animals and attractions. We started our trek in the final hour of daylight, so the transition of lights in daylight into night was really cool! By the time we were done, it was pitch black out and the decorations were amazing!

(more pics: 1, 2) 

Father's Day

Back to Mom and Papa's place for a family get-together! We don't usually get together for Father's Day, but it had been a little while since we all had Sunday dinner, so Mom invited everyone over for a grill out.

It was good to see everyone and to get some good ol' fashioned summer grillin' out food! We all got to slap Papa on the back and wish him a happy day. Tim and I got a few slaps as well so we didn't feel left out or anything.

Last Day of 6th Grade

He's gotten so big! Our beloved child has now finished his first year in middle school- what?!? How did time pass so quickly?!? I used to teach middle school- how could I have a child old enough to attend?!? Witchcraft, I tells ya! But here he is, on his last day of 6th grade! He's so big! I'm kind of having a hard time dealing with him being so old, can you tell?

Anyway, he was really excited for his last day. He took my advice and wore the shirt that would be the funniest: a Snoopy shirt that said 'Is it Christmas yet?'. It was a lot of parties and goodbyes, which he loved! I don't usually pick him up from school, but with it being his last day I made an exception. When I picked him up I asked him if he wanted to go see Mama at work, and he was totally up for it! So we walked over to West Ward and wandered over to see Diana. She was so excited to see us! We had the opportunity to spent a little time with her as she wrangled the kids and got them to their parents on the last day. Finally we headed home with her and got to enjoy the final day of school and get excited about the first day of summer!