The Vredeveld Crew

I can cut the grass too!

So Ryan and I were out playing one day when Dan fired up the lawnmower. From that point on Ryan wanted nothing to do with playing with Mommy, but everything to do with following Daddy around the yard! He took his little lawnmower and followed Dan around the whole back yard. Too cute! Dan can't wait until Ryan is old enough to really cut the grass.

Dog's best friend

Here's the evidence!

Hmm, now what could this doggie want?

Check out Minnie waiting so patiently for Ryan to share his dinner with her. That dog was like a statue at his side until the meal was over! Once Ryan figured out what she wanted it was like the buffett had opened up. Hmmm...I wonder if Lisa and Paul truly know how much "people" food their dog got that day? Who cares! It was so worth Ryan's expression. The huge smile came right after she took a bite from his hand.

It's not what you think!

Back for more....

... and this time with a swim suit!

The Squirt Zone!

Water spout park at Metro Beach. How very interesting to a 1 and 1/2 year old.

Hey Boys!

Is this not the cutest picture ever!!?? I just want to S-Q-U-E-E-E-Z-E them!

We've got a Boater!

We finally had a few weekends in a row where we could spend some time out at the marina and on the boat. Ryan has really taken to it. He sleeps just fine on the boat and his pack-n-play fits nicely in the aft cabin. It's basically like a big fort he gets to play in! Mommy & Daddy's bed in the bow cabin makes a big cozy place to kick back and read a book or watch a quick movie before going to bed at night. Of course, the boat ride is "interesting" as well. It was difficult at first, but the new thing is that Ryan is getting more and more used to wearing the PFD, so he no longer views it as just a torture treatment when we put in on him! Also, I always wanted a pool on my boat and Dan finally installed one! (Note the colorful blow-up pool just big enough for a little person.)

Rain at the Beach

There was more fun to be had on the beach, but then it started pouring rain and we all scattered like rats. Some back to the pontoon, the rest of us under the cover of the pavilion. Ryan decided that he didn't want to stand around and let a little rain ruin his fun!

Higgins Lake

Mid-July brought us up to Kathie & Jack's cottage at Higgins Lake where we enjoyed nearly sinking the Sea Doo (Erika and Aunt Deb), bonfires, and getting caught in the rain at the South State beach. What a great weekend! Here's Ryan having fun at the toy park and playing in the sand with Paige.

Behold the power of cheese.

The Zoo

Ryan's first trip to the zoo (yes, I know, "he's just now going to the zoo for the first time?"). He stared and stared at those animals! Anything he could see even the animal statues in the fountain intrigued him. I don't think I've enjoyed a trip to the zoo this much in a LONG time.

Putt-Putt

Okay, have you ever seen a golfer so serious on the putt-putt circuit? He was really into gathering up the golf balls and tossing them in for a hole in one, over and over and over again....

Connection

con·nec·tion. Function: noun. :a relation of personal intimacy (as of family ties)

I just couldn't resist posting this picture of Ryan walking with his Daddy on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Ryan simply ADORES his Daddy and I adore watching them together. (tear!) They have already formed such a strong connection to each other and it's amazing to watch. These are the moments in which I stop and realize what a wonderful family I've been blessed with.