The Fonnesbeck Family: July 2011

It's been almost 2 years since I wrote on our family blog. I actually forgot about it until this past 4th of July weekend when I was reminded of it by my mother in law Juli. So we are going to attempt to start it again. Let's just say the last two years with the twins has been chaotic. They are getting to the point again where they are easier. Elle and Cole are both still very different in looks, personality, size and interests. They are both finally potty trained and starting school in the fall. They are talking like crazy. They love singing in the car, making disasters all over the house, and tag teaming on Ian and I. Over this summer we have been extremely busy. We went to Binder Park Zoo and Michigan Adventure over the weekend of our 6th Anniversary. Ian had the GVSU alumni golf outing the day of our anniversary so he took off 2 days before to do some fun stuff. We had dinner together in Grand Haven together and went out to the football alumni dinner together that week. The kids loved feeding the giraffes lettuce at Binder Park, and going on all the rides at Michigan's Adventure.

I can hardly believe it has been 6 years since that hot day at Lubbers Stadium. So much has happened since then. Ian and I have both switched careers and jobs. Ian and I both have been extremely happy in our career changes. Ian switched from mortgages to pharmaceutical sales this past fall and has more time now to spend with the family. We have had some highs and lows in these six years loosing my dad and grandpa, but gaining two beautiful kids via invitro. We have truly been blessed over the last 6 years. We try to get to the family cottage as much as possible, but it is hard with our busy schedules and events. It is funny how 6 years can change your life so much.

This fall will be busy. I was just hired as the new Freshman Volleyball coach for Sparta High School. I am extremely excited to be a part of the program and coaching my own team again. Although I will miss coaching the young girls through the AIM program I coached last year this should be a fun season. Cole and Elle will be starting School as well at the Sparta Coop and I am excited to be a working parent in their classroom. I know they will love it and have fun with all of their new friends.

Over this last weekend we went to Ludington to spend time with Ian's family. On Saturday on the way up north we stopped in Pentwater to visit our friends the Dauser's and then went to Grandpa Dave and Oma's for dinner.

The kids enjoyed the beach in Pentwater and catching bugs, blowing bubbles, and doing squirt guns at Grandpa and Oma's. We spent the night at Grandma D's house and woke up on Sunday to go for a picnic at the Ludington State Park. At the picnic Elle was picking on Great Grandpa Norton AKA Pistol. How she instinctively knew to pick on him is beyond me.

Picking on Grandpa Norton and the funniest beach picture I think we will ever get.

Then we went with Uncle Tim, Aunt Jill, and Grandma D for a walk around Hamlin Lake. We were about 30 minutes into it when Cole looked up and said, "Mommy I have to poop." As I went to get him to find a safe spot he said, "Oh no mom, accidents happen." They sure did happen. I had to take him in the lake and wash him down. It was more like explosions happened in those kung fu panda undies. Considering we had no diaper bag and nothing to clean up. We did the only think I could think with a half hour walk back. We Elle take off her Dora Undies and go commando with her skirt on so Cole wouldn't be naked. Poor kids. Madison did not like it that Cole had Elle's undies on and that Elle didn't have any. What an experience!! We survived. LOL The kids loved going to the beach at Ludington afterward. Sunday night we went to dinner with all of the siblings, but Mead and Grandma D watched the kids. We had a nice dinner at PM Steamers. On the 4th of July we had lots of fun at the parade. The kids loved all of the cars and floats.

Then we went to lunch and then to the American Legion. At night we went to fire works and the kids enjoyed running around in the sand. Cole loved the fire works this year and Elle enjoyed them, but was really tired. We enjoyed a family filled weekend up north. I love watching the kids experience things because everything is fun, new and exciting. I think that is one of the best parts about being a parent...you get to remember what it feels like to be a kid again. I love to see their eyes light up over the simple/ little things. They make you appreciate life so much more.

These are a couple of my favorite pics of these last few weeks and a picture of Ian and I with Coach Kelly the day before our anniversary.