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Stagecoach Stop Museum & Wild West Show 2004
Stagecoach Stop – Irish Hills Michigan, a fun place to bring the family for a day.
Its been a long and rough winter and we wanted to get out and get some good fresh spring air, so we went to the Irish Hills which is only about an hour drive away. James had no problem with the ride, in fact he seems to enjoy riding in the car.
We let James play in the play area for a bit, then explored the old west town. They have a great collection of antiques on the wall and plenty for a family to do. We watched a very entertaining re-enactment of a bank heist that even got a smile out of James.
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Easter 2004
Mary had an appointment for a few hours at the hair stylists, so I took James to the mall where he met the Easter Bunny for the first time. James was real good, letting the strange looking giant bunny hold him, I thought he might be afraid (I know I would be if I saw a 6 foot bunny coming after me).
When we picked up Mom she was looking great with her new hair style, and she loved the picture of James, wondering how we got him to sit long enough to take the picture, lol. “That was all James’ doing” I told her. James when awake is always doing something, I have a feeling he is going to be a bit of a trouble maker because of his curiosity, sort of like that monkey show, curious George, who is always getting in trouble.
But we wouldn’t have him any other way.
Later on in the week we had a nice quiet Easter at home, and James got presents from the Easter bunny and his Aunts which he enjoyed playing with. James is drinking out of tommy tippy cups now, he seems to have the hang of it pretty good. This should make things easier for us in the summer rather than lugging that bottle bag around with us.
James Expressions 2003
We took these pictures when James was around 4 months old, he showed many different expressions then. Its the middle of winter here in Michigan so there is not a whole lot for a 4 month old to do. He keeps himself entertained pretty well with the toys and stuff so he seems content.
According to the baby book, most of the smiles and expressions come from babies having gas, but how would they know that? I am sure once the winter ends and we start going places that he will have a blast and it won’t be because of gas.
At least he has expressions and is not crying all the time.
Christmas 2003
This was James first Christmas and because of that it was probably my favorite one of all. A quiet but fun time at home with the newborn. James seemed to enjoy the atmosphere and all the presents, he played with some, other were for when he gets older. Its kind of tough shopping for a newborn, most of the toys say 6 months and up but Idgie and Lucy helped him look over his gifts and I am sure they would be happy to show him how to play with them.
He seems to genuinely like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and the Bumble snow monster. I remember being scared of the Bumble when I first saw Rudolph.
James Meets Aunt Cil and Patty Lou 2003
James got a chance to visit more of his relatives on this warm Sunday in November. Here he is meeting Aunt Cil and Patty Lou! James was really good for the visit, taking in all the attention that he was getting. Its still a little warm so Patty Lou showed us around the yard and gave Mary some plants for our yard.
I remember the pool at Patty Lou’s while growing up, many parties were held here and the pool was the center piece for each one.
James Baptism 2003
What a perfect day for a baptism, the event began at St. Albert the Great Church. Aunt Peg, Aunt Criss, and Aunt Louise were all in attendance as was James God Father PGK/PFN Kevin Ames. James’ God Mother (Cousin Renee) was in Iraq at the time and could not make it. Afterward we had a great party at house with the “little friends” downstairs watching the Lions football game (they lost) and most of the relatives and James upstairs in the living room. The event was 5 days before Halloween so there were lots of Halloween decorations in the house and we also had a Halloween Baptism cake along with the traditional white Baptism cake. Great day till the Lions lost.
Greenfield Village & Henry Ford Museum 2003
James was only a few weeks old when we took him to the museum and village. It was a beautiful sunny day and the doctors suggested to give him as much sunlight as possible before winter sets in. James had jaundice when he was born and the best thing for that is being out in the sunlight.
With Fall and Winter rapidly approaching it would seem we better get him as much sunlight as possible because he certainly won’t get much in the harsh Michigan winter. The people at the gate said James was the youngest visitor they have had in weeks.
Below is a video of James growing up from stroller to toddler at Greenfield Village.
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James Meets Aunt Louise 2003
We were on our way to Elizabeth Park when we thought we would see if Aunt Louise was available. I checked her room and she had just gotten back from bingo, so we went outside and introduced James to her. Aunt Louise and James hit it off right away! The weather was spectacular considering it was a fall day, enough of summer left to keep things nice.
Although my mother never had the chance to meet James, having him meet Aunt Louise made a nice tie in to my Mothers generation. Hopefully next week we can get out to Patty Lou’s and see Aunt Cil.
Elizabeth Park 2003
Elizabeth Park is one of the prettiest parks around and we were hoping for a nice day before the end of the year to take James to it. Unfortunately, his response to the park was the same as Greenfield Village as he slept most of the walk.
Lots of fond memories of Elizabeth Park. We used to have family reunions here and later when I would go fishing with my friends we would launch the boat from Elizabeth Park (then usually travel downriver to Portofino’s and drink beer). I rode my first horse here and I would imagine that james will ride his first horse here too.
James First Week Fun 2003
Up until this point in my life I had never changed a diaper. With Mary still stinging from surgery I knew that I would have to learn how sooner or later so I asked one of the nurses to show me.
Mary had everything we needed at home, diapers, wipes, toys, bassinets, playpen, you name it she had it so we were pretty well prepared. I had taken time off from work to give her a hand with the baby and assist her too. We have a Baptism coming up in about a month so hopefully I will get a video of that and upload it to the site (or at least put it on youtube for those who can’t attend. James’ God Parents are Kevin who is a past Grand Knight at the K of C, and Renee, who will miss the ceremony because she is serving in Iraq.
The pics of the store are Jame’s first venture outside of the house, we went shopping at K-Marts and he “tagged along” so to speak.
