Great Uncle Mike and Aunt Beth

Jinnae had the privilege of meeting her Great Uncle Mike and Aunt Beth tonight.

We had a nice dinner at a local restaurant in Allendale. Jinnae loved all the attention. She even received an early birthday present from them. We had a nice time together.

Campground Visit

We visited my sister at a campground she was staying at last week. Jinnae loved swimming in the lake and playing in the camper. She especially enjoyed looking at me through the screen. We had a fun day. One of our favorite activities was playing Fat Man Tennis. We also had some delicious barbeque chicken cooked by my brother in law, Mark.

I accidentally left my camera there. I see that my sister took the liberty to use it. Here is a pic she took of my brother in law with a fish he caught.

Beach Bash Baby Shower

Tonight Jinnae had her last baby shower. It was given by our home church, Restore. The theme was Beach Bash. It was the perfect evening for it. We had Mexican food and lots of different choices of chocolate for dessert - yummy. After eating, Jinnae and her friends hung out on the beach and in the water. Then, Jinnae was blessed with many nice gifts. One of the gifts was a sprinkler beach ball. We are looking forward to cooling off with that.

We had a special prayer of blessing over Jinnae. Rick and I waited three years for Jinnae and God knew all along that she was the right baby for us. We are so thankful.

Behold the Popsicle

Jinnae had her first popsicle. She really enjoyed it. I thought she was going to need a bath afterwards. She surprised me by actually being very careful. She held onto the stick correctly and laid it down on her tray when she was done. She didn't eat all of it. I think she might be a neat freak like her mom.

Baby Shower Given By Charity

My good friend, Charity, had a baby shower for Jinnae this past weekend. It was good to see many friends from the past. We laughed, ate good food, and enjoyed catching up with each other. Jinnae enjoyed playing with all the children. Jinnae also met babies that were younger than her for the first time. She met precious Jaely and Sophia.

Thanks Charity! It was a lot of fun!

A Visit From My Best Friend, Tanya

My best friend from college, Tanya, came to visit with her family this week. We have done well with getting together each year since graduation. It has already been 14 years! We still look the same though! (or so I like to think).

We had fun hanging out at Millenium Park, Hidden Lake, and then a local park in Allendale. Tanya and her husband, Jeff, have three beautiful children. Jinnae loved playing with them. We had a hard time getting the picture of all the children together, yet finally did.

We had a nice two days together. It was hard to say good-bye and we look forward to seeing them again this fall.

First Bike Ride

Jinnae had her first bike ride today and loved it! She probably felt like she was in her home country of China. Everyone bikes there. We biked to the grocery store and then to the park. She enjoyed swinging in the baby swing at the park, then we biked home. It was fun!

The Babysitter?!

Yesterday in Wal-Mart a nice mother and daughter behind us in line were making over Jinnae. They asked me if I was the babysitter. I have been asked many questions but never that. I said, No, I'm her mom. They were surprised. I am taking it as a compliment that I must have looked too young to be her mom. :) (make-up is a good thing - helps cover the wrinkles!)

The Pink Ball

Jinnae's Grandma and Grandpa Pulaski bought her a pink ball a month ago. It is now her favorite toy. She loves to bang it, roll it, crawl after it (yes, she knows how to crawl now, I did not encourage it, I am more busy now moving things out of her reach) and sometimes chew it!

Since she loves it so much, maybe she will be a baseball player like her dad or a basketball and soccer player like her mom. We'll see! Actually, I think she may be a gymnast. I am amazed by her flexibility.

Fourth of July

We had a very relaxing Fourth of July. We had a cook out with our good friends, Marc and Shelby in the evening and then walked to the Allendale fireworks. Jinnae enjoyed her first firework experience. She didn't cry at all. She just stared.

Shelby has six children and I have one so we don't often get to have a picture together, so I posted the one we got. Shelby is a great friend and so supportive. We love hanging out and rearing our children together. Her children always refer to Jinnae as baby Jinnae. I wonder if they will still call her that when she is five. :)

Family Reunion - Vicki's Mom's Side

We enjoyed a wonderful family reunion in Grayling, Michigan last weekend. It was good to see many of my aunts, uncles and cousins once again. My mom was the 13th and last child in her family. Yes, my grandmother had 13 children! Amazing!

We had a great time visiting and playing games. Jinnae of course received a lot of attention. The family also had a baby shower for us. Jinnae loved all the toys and outfits she received.

My Aunt Carole and Uncle Fred always give tractor rides at the reunion as well. Here is Jinnae enjoying her first tractor ride with her cousin, Kasey, taking good care of her.

Unfortunately, I did not do a good job of taking pictures this day so there are not very many. I will have to get some from my mom's camera later.