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!

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!