Grand Haven

Out to lunch in Grand Haven
Checking out the huge boats! Right when we go there.

This barber has been there for 40 years. We liked him!!

We checked out music in the park.

Dinner at an Italian Resturant. It was delish!

This week Ryan and I went to Grand Haven. We had such a great time. It was just the 2 of us. We shopped, ate, swam, relaxed in the sun, and just had a wonderful time together! We loved getting away from the everyday work; laundry, cleaning, playing etc... we slept in and did what we wanted to do!! It was a perfect get a way!

Subdivision Party

When we moved into our house 3 years ago, Ryan was hoping we moved into a sub that was full of fun neighbors! And it was except there wasn't many sub gatherings or parties so guess who got the job of planning one. Yes.. me! There was face painting, tattooing ,a bounce house, craft table and games all planned! The sky was cloudy and a bit rainy, but we still got started with the bike parade. We wanted to make the best of it. Until, it started to down pour and get really windy. Everyone went running into our garage and our neighbors garage across the street. Within minutes 2 tents were lifted out of the ground and a table was lifted and flipped on the glass side. Shattered glass was everywhere and the storm wasn't letting up. Thankfully, no one was hurt! And, most importantly, the kids had a ball!

See the tent down across the street. Yep, that's where the food was!

This tent is down in my driveway with a table and glass ontop of it!





Lilly in the bike parade!

More parade Pictures

It ended up being a good time and people were so great. But, my first time throwing a sub party and the weather really made things complicated! I guess I can try again next year! Oh, by the way, today's weather is beautiful! :)

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Dance Dynamics

Lilly has been dancing at Dance Dynamics for most of the summer. She dances with her friends Kaelyn and Payton and her cousin Lanie! Here are a few pictures of Lilly listening to the story. And of course a few snap shots of her before we went to dance one day.

Cutting with Scissors

Lilly loves to cut, so I thought hmm.. what do they need to be able to do when they go to Kindergarten. So, we started with cutting on a straight line. She did great! Next up, a zig zag line!

"Im Swimming Like A Dolphin!"

Guess who's dancing...?


Fisherman, Preston

It was so hot that day, we were all in the water!

Papa and Preston

Uncle Saylor and Lilly

Yesterday, we went out on the boat with my family! Lilly and Preston were both so excited to get into the water and swim! They have both grown so much as swimmer this summer. But, yesterday was a big day for Lilly. She went under water, swam without holding onto anyone and jumped into the water, which meant she would get splashed in the face (in a life jacket)! We were so proud of our little swimmer. She kicked her little feet for about 2 hours. She has learned that being in the water is way more fun then on the boat!! Saylor and my sister were a huge help, they played with her and got her so comfortable that she didn't want any help!! Way to go, Lilly!!

By the way, "I'm swimming like a Dolphin" was a quote by Lilly yesterday!

Ryan's Birthday Celebration

Ryan's Birthday Celebration

I thought I had candles at home, but I didn't! OopsHappy Birthday, Daddy! So sweet.

Mmm.. the best part when making a cake!

Helping mommy make daddy's cake.

Ryan turned 37 this past week on Monday. So, on Friday we were having his mom and sister, Mark and Jordan over and my family was coming too. It's always a great excuse to have a little gathering! Plus, Lilly loves when they all come over to play. So, yesterday, Lilly and I made a cake for Ryan. Our family tradidtion, Jello Cake with Vanilla pudding and cool whip frosting. SO DELICIOUS! Everyday leading up to Friday, Lilly asked if they party was today? She was looking forward to playing with her cousins and singing happy birthday. I think Ryan had a good birthday! Happy Birthday, Ryan. We love you~

Beauty Shop

Grant came over to play with Lilly... poor thing was such a trooper. He let Lilly put make-up on him and do his hair. It was quite cute!!

Lilly Loves Cindy

Having fun in the water.

Lilly and Cindy
Today we went to Kensington Park to meet Cindy and Lauren at the splash park. Usually, I wear my bathing suit, but today I thought no need, she's going to play with Lauren. Nope, she didn't want anything to do with the spray park, she was more comfortable at the beach. So, poor Cindy had to take Lilly into the water. Lilly loved getting attention from her favorite Miss Cindy! She talks about Cindy a lot. I'm so lucky that Lilly had someone who loved her so much take care of her when I was at work. It's so nice that we still catch up!

Imagine Theater

Getting ready to leave!
Daddy and Lilly

We took Lilly to see Winnie the Pooh at the Imagine Theater in Novi yesterday. It's just been so hot to do things outside, so we decided to try the movies. She was so excited, she woke up from her nap asking if we were leaving! Ryan and I were just as excited because this was her first time. Good ol' Tarchalski style, we were early. So, we got popcorn, pop, candy and water and headed into our seats. We figured previews would be on. 30 minutes later (maybe 20, but it seemed like forever) the movie started. After about 15 minutes, Lilly was standing, and getting antsy. She did make it for almost the whole movie- we left with about 10 minutes left. We thought it was kinda boring. We don't watch Pooh much! If it were a Disney Movie (Monsters Inc, Tangled) we would have made it!! Anyways, I had my camera to capture her first time at the movies!!

Dress Up and Spray Park!

Dragon Preston

Will, Preston, Lilly and Sophie

Lilly and Sophie

Grant and Malaina

Stacie trying to get Lilly to try out the sprinklers!

As far away from the sprinklers as she can get!!

The other day my cousin Julie came over with Sophie and Will. That same day, my parents watched Preston and Malaina, so I said to bring them over to play too. The kids had a ball playing outside in the pool, water table and dressing up inside. I didn't get many pictures, but here are a few.

There is also some pictures from the spray park. I met Stacie and the kids, and Andrea and her kids there. It was a hot day, so running through the sprinklers was a great way to cool off. However, Lilly wasn't a fan of the sprinklers. I kinda new she would be apprehensive, but wanted to try it anyway. We spent most of our time at the playground. By the end of our morning, she was playing in some of the sprinklers. (the ones that didn't spray her in the face).

Playdate with Laurel

Lilly had a playdate with her friend Laurel. They played so well together! They dressed up as princesses and played grocery store. They blew bubbles and had tea in the pool and played on the swingset. They played and played for about 3 hours. They were both sad when Laurel had to go home.

Dance Class

The teacher reads the kids a story before they go into dance class.

Last week on Tuesday, Lilly went to her first dance class at Dance Dynamics. It was an exciting day for her and me! I've been debating on signing her up because I just know she'll love it and it will turn into our lives. Yes, she is still young, but it will happen quicker than we think! But, if it makes her happy, that's all that counts.
This is a big step for her because I'm not in the room with her. At gymnastics, I was. This is perfect for her- she's getting bigger. Being in a class with other kids and taking direction from a teacher is important for her to learn. ( I know, it's the teacher in me talking). She was nervous, but didn't cry. When she came out, she was all smiles. And, this week she was showing us what she learned. She has class tonight and can't wait. Plus, her friend Kaelyn will be there!!