1 Year Portraits

While visiting my new cousin in Michigan my Aunt Tonya took time away from baby Clara to take my one year portraits! You check out even more on Aunt Tonya's blog: Tonya Marie Photography's Blog.

My First 1st Birthday!

....there will be a Second 1st Birthday in London!

Some of my family came out to the lake to help celebrate an early first birthday.

I blew out the candle (Ok, not really).

Check out my bee cake!

After I realized you are supposed to eat the cake, I really liked it!

Yummy cake!

Opening presents is fun. Thanks everybody for my great gifts!

Thanks for celebrating my first 1st birthday with me!

Ice Cream!

When I was a kid, Sherman Dairy ice cream was a big treat when we were in South Haven or at Saddle Lake. This was Avery's first time to Sherman Dairy. Since Avery hasn't started on dairy yet we opted for Sorbet as a non dairy option. Believe it or not the portion below is the baby scoop!

I'm ready!

I'm not so sure, it's kinda cold!

Thanks mommy it was yummy!

Everyone digging in!

My tummy is full!

Binder Park Zoo

Mom, Tonya and I took all the kids to Binder Park Zoo. We packed a picnic lunch at the kids request. The zoo had a great picnic area just outside the entrance.

After lunch we were off for our zoo adventure! Clara got a free ride in the sling with Aunt Sara.

We took the tram to 'Wild Africa'. Avery loved the tram! She laughed and smiled and giggled.

On the tram.


Still on the tram.

Who knew we were over 4,000 miles from London?

We fed the giraffes lettuce.

Some other animals were hungry too!

Kudos!

Who would have ever thought that I would give an airline kudos after all the mishaps I have had in the last year. But I have to say that I had a great flight from London to Chicago. Check in went smoothly and Avery and I got a bulkhead seat, they even blocked out the seat next to us so we had our own row. Security was a breeze other than having to taste some of Avery's food. After checking in at the gate just prior to boarding three gate agents came over to make sure we were ok, make sure we had gotten a bulkhead seat and play with Avery. At boarding they even put her stroller in the first class cabin closet so I wouldn't have to have it gate checked. The flight attendant in my area immediately came over and introduced herself and asked Avery's name. After take off she brought over a stack of blankets and covered the floor at my feet so that Avery could sit and pay. Avery did well, she slept less than 2 hours total but she never cried and she loved playing on the floor, standing at the seats and making faces at other passengers. I guess all of my prep work paid off; new toys, good snacks and 2 changes of clothes! Several passengers in the passport control line even commented on how well she did. Although it is a long and tiring day, and lots of hours from the time we left the house in London until we arrived at the South Haven lake house, it was all worth it. My new niece Clara is adorable and a great baby!

El Golfo and Playa Blanca Beach

We visited El Golfo on the west coast of the island.

The town of El Golfo. We ate under the blue and white umbrellas. Amazing fish lunch.

It's a fishing town and Josh was wondering where the fishing boats were, until we found them.


Charco de Los Clicos, the green lagoon. You are supposed to search for peridots but it's blocked off.

The beach near Playa Blanca was beautiful.

Lava Tubes

Jameos del Aqua is a natural lava tube that was modernized by artist Cesar Manrique, a tourist attraction by day and nightclub at night. There were bars, stairs and tables built right into the tubes.

The main bar near the entrance .

Looking through the first section of the lava tube Notice the sun shooting into it.


Natural Pool


Natural Pool and Landsape

Natural Pool and Lava Tube

Self taken family pic.

On the way back from the lava tubes we passed through wine country. The vines don't grow in rows, they grow tucked in behind half circular small walls. The walls help block the wind and collect water from the humidity. Two engineers can't help thing of how expensive it must be to cultivate the crops. But I couldn't help indulge in some local wine, yum!