Shelly Shower

There was a definite theme to the shower. . . balls, sports teams, shoes. . . I am not anti-sports, but I went with a more traditional gift for our family - a blanket made especially with this little one in mind. (Actually, this blanket was not quite done at this time. I crocheted furiously all the way to K'zoo, but it's just too darn close! I finished it a few hours after the shower!)Bryan's mom had this great gift of a clothesline filled with all kinds of little baby things - bibs, sleepers, etc. It seemed to go on and on, and it was quite adorable.After the shower, we descended upon the Scheffers' home and enjoyed dinner and a good time of visiting. We are grateful to be included in their extended family!

Paint Creek

We had Scheffers visit last weekend. Shelly & I went bike riding on Paint Creek Trail (with Bailey!!!) and the boys went running. (Below they are letting Baily stretch her legs at the midpoint.)

Chicago weekend

We had a great weekend in Chicago. Couldn't have asked for better weather. Have I ever mentioned I love spring after winter? The boys went jogging while the girls rode bikes through this nearby forest preserve. We saw no sign of Bambi, but lots of wildflowers, especially these little pinkish ones. The tulips are from Marianne's garden. Have I mentioned I love tulips? We played with Bailey, went shopping, went out to dinner, and watched Slumdog Millionaire. It was a great weekend!

Birthday Celebration

Like any mom, I clearly remember the day this girl came into our lives.

Last weekend, we celebrated her birthday, Scheffers-style, in Kalamazoo.

It was not the first time they have invited Bartons to join a Scheffers gathering, though to look at the following pictures, you would think it was all about us! Actually, we were celebrating Bryan's graduation, Michelle's and Kristin's birthdays, and maybe another event or two of the Scheffers variety.You can see that Laura brought Jon with her. You might also notice that I tried to very sensitive and not let him be overwhelmed by the paparazzi. Sittin' in the sunLMC says "Cool!"Daddy's cool too! Birthday clothes - Michelle and Kristin have remarkably similar tastes! (And so does Terri!) Experiencing a thing called a (small) "hill." Wrapped like a tortilla, compliments of Auntie Em.

Welcome to the Blogosphere!

Now the circle is complete! (Well, if you count Dad as bloggin' by proxy, as he insists!)

Welcome Michelle at Just Doin' Life where you can read all about cicadas and gnomes and spinning friends!

The Hope Years

"After 42 years, we are closing our doors. We have loved being part of your lives." Except that it was only 8. We are thankful for the part Hope has played in our lives, and in the lives of our children and sons-in-law. Click here for a review.

Congratulations, Graduates!

We got to spend Saturday evening with the Scheffers (notice the "s" at the end -- always there, even with a singular Scheffers!) extended family. The event was planned to celebrate 2 graduations and 3 birthdays. (Michelle will graduate in 2 weeks from Erikson and Loyola; Bryan's sister Kristin graduated yesterday from U of M.) You may find it hard to believe, but these are the only pictures I took! Maybe I'm a little shy in front of so many Schefferses! We drove Lil Red(top down, of course). More than one person thought it was a graduation gift for Michelle! Your dad was quick to correct the assumption! I wish I'd had the camera out when he took Grandpa Bob for a spin! Below, you can see Michelle & cousin Elena (of Flower Girl Fame) right after she allowed Michelle to brush her hair! A good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday, Michelley!

Michelle & Bryan

Michelle & Bryan get to ride the train all the time!

Chicago Weekend

We had a great weekend together! Here is Carolyn all ready for church Sunday morning.
(Granny sure would love her wardrobe!) Auntie Amber likes babies too!
(what's not to like, right?)

Who'd have thought. . .

. . . that Michelle would be the first among us to cross country ski? After all, it's been on my list for a long time! For more details, check out Amber's blog.

Christmas season in Chicago

At least someone has their tree decorated!

Winter comes to Chicago

Scheffer Pre-Thanksgiving

Michelle & Bryan have a pre-Thanksgiving feast with the others who have apartments in the same house. Looks like a rousing success.

Apple Picking

Amber kindly provides pictures of the apple picking adventure in GR.

Papa goes to Chicago

Here is Papa with Michelle & Bryan on Navy Pier in Chicago. We took a Shoreline cruise up the Chicago River and learned all about the architectural history of Chicago. In this picture, you can see the Sears Tower on the left. The Sears Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world at 1450 feet and 110 stories.