Camping and Cousins

This has been a great week for family. In the past seven days, Eli has had the opportunity to see every one of his aunts and uncles and all of his cousins... and it's not even Christmas! Last week we packed (and packed and packed) and headed to Canada for the weekend. We met the Huismans and Uncles Rob and Brian at the Pinery Provincial Park for a two-night adventure. Grandma Mulder even came up for the day on Saturday.

At the beach...

Reading with one of my favorite cousins. Geneva got to "babysit" while Mom and Dad played some Bocee ball. Notice the intense pitching game in the background.

Cheesy smile for Uncle Rob. I think Eli knows what to do for the camera.

Uncle Brian with his nephews.

On the way home we took a detour to Woodstock and were able to spend some great time with Eli's great-grandmas. We had wonderful visits!

Grandma, Eli, and Dad

Eli with Beppe

Back in Midland on Sunday night we had dinner with two sets of Deals. Adam, Erin, and Tristan were able to visit for a few days after going to a wedding over the weekend. Tristan and Eli had fun checking each other out.

A kiss from Tristan.

Some warm weather (finally) let us get the baby pool out on Monday after unpacking (and unpacking and unpacking) all our camping gear.

I think Eli prefered the real thing with Grandpa.

Watching Tristan go down the HUGE slide at the tridge park. This swing was about Eli's speed.

June 9th was our 2nd anniversary. Aunt Rebekah watched Eli for the day and Dave and I went for a day trip up to Tawas Point State Park. The day was beautiful. We got to hang out on the beach and eat ice cream by the lighthouse. We ate dinner at the Crystal Bay Resturaunt (delicious tomato soup!) later that evening. It was a great day and celebration of two years!

Three Mulder generations participated in the Dow Run/Walk this year. Eli beat Dad and Grandpa by about a foot. (That's what you get for riding in a stroller...) Mom and Grandma were there to cheer on their men.

Eli wasn't too thrilled about the whole thing, even though I had made him his very own race number. He thought it was a little too early to get up on a Saturday morning. He was a trooper, though, and even had some good smiles later that day when we had our family photos taken for the church directory.

First Word

I got out the baby development book out this morning to show Eli what his little sister (or brother) looks like inside Mommy's tummy. He was pretty excited and squealing like crazy... I'm even pretty sure he said his first word. Listen closely for, "A baby!"