Isaac is 5 months old!

Isaac and Bearome 5 months.

Isaac, Olivia and Ethan

Isaac is growing like a weed and we continue to enjoy his company.  He remains a good eater and a good sleeper.  He is a wonderful addition to our family.

Labor Day Weekend 2013

What started as a small idea between two cousins on the Fourth of July, took root and blossomed into a 20 person Family Reunion over Labor Day Weekend.  Oh, what a little planning and dreaming can accomplish.

A full table

The Official Family Photo

Well, of course there was a schedule...we're not barbarians.

Camp Arcadia

4/5 of our family vacationed at Camp Arcadia, August 17-23.  We had a fantastic time.  Dennis was on his own in adventure in the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota.  The kids and I kicked back and relaxed on the shores of Lake Michigan.  I first learned about Camp Arcadia while working at Camp Pioneer in Angola, New York.  Both are Lutheran camps, but Arcadia is strictly a family camp while Pioneer dabbles in a variety of camping experiences.  People who visit Camp Arcadia have only wonderful things to say about their time.  I admit, I am sold on the place.  If you ever want to hear an enthusiastic explanation of Camp Arcadia, you know who to ask.  This lady.  Satisfied camper.

Lake Michigan

Nana's Room in the Inn

A small slice of heaven

Chilling

A resting camper

Picnic on the plaza

Chapel on the Lake

All aboard explorers

Swinging

Sliding with a new friend

Painting rocks in the craft shop

Nana and Isaac

Goofy kids

We shall return next summer for another week of fun.  The viewer is lucky that this blogger's camera ran out battery power three days into our trip.  I would have plastered this post with pics, alas, twelve will have to suffice.  Come back thee, to RKD.

Isaac is 4 Months!

Isaac and Bearome at 4 months.

This little guy clocked in at the 97th percentile in height and 95th percentile for weight.  At four months our little Isaac is 19 pounds!  We sure are proud of our happy little giant.

Isaac is 3 Months!

Isaac with Bearome at 3 months.

Time sure flies when you are busy with three little people.  Isaac is now 3 months old, he has started to reach for things with his hands and enjoys laughing and cooing.  Isaac skipped a box full of 3/6 months clothes and is wearing clothes made for a 6 month old baby.  When parish members see him each week they are quick to comment on how big he is getting.  I admit he is a solid baby.  My biceps are quite toned.  Isaac continues to be a great addition to our family.

Happy Fourth Of July!

Matyas Family July 2013

The Sunday before the Fourth of July we were able to take a family photo.  The first picture is before church, the second is after.  Both times the kids were in good spirits.  We had a wonderful Fourth of July.  On July 3, Albion celebrates with a $10,000 display of fireworks.  The whole family was invited to watch them at someone's home, but the kids are little so Mommy got to go, and Daddy stayed home.  The gathering included an ice cream social and lawn games.  I had a smashing time.

On Thursday we shared the morning and afternoon with the Soppelsa family.  We relaxed talked, ate and had an enjoyable time.  There were more pictures on the camera of that day, but they were lost when Dennis put them on the computer.  Oh, well.

Olivia was curious about the fireworks.  And all of the noise.  She is three years old and her favorite question is "why".

    "What is that noise?"  We were outside, playing with sidewalk chalk.  Random pops and booms had been happening all week.
    "Those are fireworks for the Fourth of July."
    "Why are people using fireworks, Mommy?"
    "To celebrate, the Fourth of July is America's birthday."  Olivia likes birthdays, she is able to play the Happy Birthday song on the piano if I point out the keys.
    "Is that your friend?" Olivia asked.
    "Is who my friend?" I asked confused.
    "For the birthday."
    "It is America's birthday," I repeated.
    "Yes, is that your friend," Olivia looked at me patiently, as if I was the child.
    "No, America is a country."  This is when I realized we might be in over our heads.
    "Oh." Pause. "Why?"
     I fumbled through some explanation about Michigan, Missouri and Colorado (all states she knows a little about and can identify on Ethan's floor rug which portrays the United State of America) being a part of a country.
    "I was born in Colorado," she declares boldly.
    "Yes," I agree.
    "We live in Michigan," she rattles.
    "Yes."
    "But what about the birthday party?" She looks confused again.
    "Today, is America's birthday," I try to say it with confidence and finality.
    "Yeah, you're right, Mommy."  Well, at least we can agree on that.

My questioner, comedian and late night eater.

Isaac is 2 Months Old

Isaac with Bearome at 2 months

At Isaac's 2 month check-up we were told we have another "big kid" on our hands.  He now weighs 15 pounds 1 ounce and is 24.5 inches long.  Those stats put him in the 93rd percentile for weight and 95th for height.  I knew his 0-3 month clothes were getting snug, but after I saw the scale I realized it was officially time to graduate to the 3-6 month clothes. 

Isaac smiles and coos and has won the heart of everyone in the family.  He remains a good eater and sleeper.  Someone recently commented on his two chins...it makes a nursing Mommy proud.  Happy two months Champ!