James Playtime 2004

Playtime for James in his crib and out and about the house, the boy certainly keeps himself busy with all those toys and gizmos. His expressions are really priceless though and he seems to be enjoying what he’s doing.

His favorite activity at this time is the swing, he can stay on the swing for as long as you can push him, a definite swing fan.

Thanks again for all the toys that relatives have sent, we thought you might enjoy seeing James playing with some of the toys.

Actually, some of them are fun for adults to play with as well.

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Caesarland 2004

James first visit to Caesarland was a big success. All the lights going on and off, all the strange noises, and all the people must have provided him with a fascinating experience. Peg joined us and we had fun with James who was pretty good for the trip. Peg joined us and made sure that James had fun by strolling him around to all the neat things in the place. James was completely fascinated by the visit.

For those who don’t know, Caesarland is by Little Caesars Pizza and is like a Chucky Cheese type thing where kids can celebrate their birthday and play arcade games or go on the indoor playsets.

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Summer Tent 1975

After graduating from St. Albert’s James’ Dad had fun with a tent in the back yard where his little friends from St. Albert’s could get together. Don’t worry, the bottles are actually empty.

The tent set the standard for the next few years as James’ Dad and his friends did much camping in tents including Hell Michigan and Leamington Canada.

The tent was purchased by James’ Grand Dad who spent time with James’ Dad in the tent listening to baseball games on the radio.