Ballor Elf Honky Tonk Christmas 2009

Jordan as Johnny/Jingle Bells

I ran across a CD my dad made for me of various tape recordings made when I was 4 and 9 years old. Here's one of the early ones, from around 1982, in which I take up the role of Johnny Carson and do an impression of Mr. Rogers, with a rendition of Jingle Bells as the finale.



Happy New Year!

Owen at the Fire Station

We took Owen to the fire station up the street and he was so overwhelmed, he barely managed to speak (that's amazing!).

The Current State of the PhD

Anyone curious about our family's future plans should consult this helpful chart.

Owen Dances at Detroit Zoo

Owen had a great day at the Detroit Zoo with Papa Joe, Gramma Gia, Gramma Buzzy and Bob. He was so excited he had to dance!

Pictures to Commemorate the End of the Tigers' Season

The Tigers won this game against the Twins, as I recall. Owen got frightened by the crowds when I lifted him up to see Matt Joyce run around the bases after a home run. He had been to a number of Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps games, but the crowd at the CoPa was something new for him! His other big concern was whether all the Tigers decorating the park were "nice."

Frederik Meijer Gardens

Holly, Lili, Owen and I took a trip to the gardens, and though it everything wasn't quite in bloom, we had a lot of fun. Lili got excited seeing all the butterflies and was yelling, "Flies, flies!" Owen thought they were cool, but didn't want them anywhere near him. We also had a close call with the giant horse sculpture. I thought Holly was a goner, but Lili and Owen saved her from its giant, crushing hoof!

Spring Is *Almost* Here

My other babies.

We had a small family gathering for Easter at our house. It was great to see all the kids playing together. It was the first Easter for Lili and Andrew, so it was a special day!

Andrew and Owen

Owen loves his new little nephew, Andrew. Although he doesn't do much yet, Owen likes to pretend he's calling Uncle Travis on his tiger phone and asks how Andrew is doing. He also likes to point out that Andrew is a baby and poops his pants, but he is a big boy and goes on the potty (FINALLY!!).

Owen

Owen is growing up so quickly - he's such a little man now. His favorite word, often much to mommy and daddy's displeasure, is why. We try to answer his questions as much as possible, but sometimes it's easier to just dismiss him. So the other day as he was walking into his toy room, I asked him what he was doing. This was his reply: "Nothing. Don't worry about it." I about died laughing! Guess I now know how he feels!

Rollerskating

Owen went roller skating for the first time. He was such a pro - he took right off onto the rink and didn't even want to hold my hand! The pictures are blurry because of the lighting in there, but you'll get the idea!

Consider Voting

The presidential candidates aren't the only ones campaigning nowadays.

Check out the Blogger's Choice Awards, and consider voting for the group blog to which Jordan contributes in the categories of "Best Religious Blog," "Best Charity Blog," and "Best Blog Design."

More details and relevant links here.

A&J Facebook

Amy and Jordan now have Facebook profiles. Look us up!

Liliana Grace is home!

My sister Holly and her husband, Dan, adopted a beautiful little girl named Liliana Grace and finally brought her home last month. Here are a couple pics from the shower we had for her. This, unfortunately, is the only picture of Liliana that turned out! But I will try to post more of her soon because she is so stinkin' cute!

Owen and Family

A Day Out With Thomas

Me, Jordan, Owen, Dad, Judy, my sister Nikki and her husband Cris and their two adorable boys, Carter and Braylin took a trip to Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad in Flint to meet Thomas the Train. Yes, it was really Thomas - his eyes moved and everything (a little creepy, but neat nonetheless). The day was an absolutely blast! Owen met Thomas, Bob the Builder and Sir Topham Hatt (topahat, as Owen calls him).

Owen Goes Crazy @ Crossroads Village

This was Owen's first amusement ride by himself. He was absolutely freaking out and yelling with excitement. These pictures say it all!

More Thomas!

A Day Out With Thomas (con't)