The Bernal Family

children's museum {revisited}

2012-02-15T19:38:00.011-05:00

we spent a little time playing today...

{'open wide'-a featured exhibit}

{valentine's} day

2012-02-14T11:08:00.001-05:00

{our pre-school valentines}

---

I worked...John left on a road trip...there are no pictures of 2 cute valentine kids but we hope everyone had a great day!!

{3.5}

2012-02-11T17:31:00.008-05:00

{he's halfway to 4}

{mpb}

2012-02-11T17:24:00.004-05:00

jackson's {moves}

2012-02-02T09:45:00.003-05:00

by far the most entertaining part of bowling...

{bowling}

2012-02-02T09:29:00.016-05:00

We had originally planned to go sledding...but the snow isn't lasting long enough (not that I'm complaining). We decided to go bowling instead on our family day during all-star break...a first for the kids. Jackson definitely won the award for the best moves!!

{first strike}

{daddy wins}

{mommy wins}

{snow} fun

2012-01-22T18:04:00.008-05:00

The Steakley family came over to play today since they were in town from Madison's birthday party yesterday.

It was {snow} much fun!

birthday week {34}

2012-01-19T17:22:00.002-05:00

{snowball} fight

2012-01-15T21:08:00.013-05:00

Jackson and I had a snowball fight today while Madison was playing at a friend's house. Uncle Joe joined in also. Although, next time we are outside there will be some snowball making lessons. Jack would bring us handfuls of snow to make into snowballs for him...good thing his aim was a little off today!!

Now we just need some better sticking snow to make a snowman!!

{winter}

2012-01-14T21:30:00.006-05:00

It's finally looking like winter outside!

As you can see, the 'excitement' over snow hasn't wore off at our house!

-----

Daddy always seems to miss out on the fun {and shoveling} as it only snows when they are on a road trip! I must admit that I was warned by the other wives that this is how it usually goes. So far, mother nature hasn't proved them wrong.

{faces} of jackson

2012-01-14T21:12:00.003-05:00

Love these 2 pics of my little guy...

{yelling 'momma' so I would put down my camera a push him on the sled!}

{then after sledding and playing in all the snow}

------

Still my sweet little buddy but gaining some determination and independence...loving it!!

more snow {finally}

2012-01-02T20:58:00.010-05:00

*snow shoveling*

*snow angels*

*rosy cheeks*

(and runny noses)

it finally looks and feels like winter here

It's been almost 2 months since our last snow...Maddie

must of been wishing for it for her birthday!

{five} years old

2012-01-02T20:35:00.009-05:00

My little girl went to bed a four year old...

and woke up a snow angel making five year old!

After playing in the snow and shoveling, we were off to

gymco class...which she loves and is doing great at.

It was on to lunch then to the store to pick up cupcakes for school tomorrow. Before dinner we made a stop at toys r us to pick out a special birthday treat...a barbie cash register and an ice skating barbie.

The night ended with dinner. And a brownie sundae...

happy birthday to you

and we are excited for the many more!

shaving {already!}

2011-12-28T21:39:00.006-05:00

The Huntoon Family sent Jack a super fun bath kit for Christmas. He insisted on having a bath tonight and getting to try it out!!

Maddie later had to play with it also...so she could shave her legs!!

Thanks Josh, Mandy, Leah & baby!!

friends {the grimes family}

2011-12-26T21:18:00.000-05:00

We met the Grimes Family to exchange christmas gifts and spend a little time together. The Grimes are moving to China for the next 3 years...we wish them the best of luck and can't wait to hear about all of their adventures.

merry christmas {2011}

2011-12-25T20:58:00.003-05:00

We spend Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa Bernal's house this year. Lots of fun hanging out and playing with family! Only thing missing...a white Christmas!! No snow yet!

christmas eve {2011}

2011-12-23T20:32:00.001-05:00

christmas eve 2011

(my best attempt of a picture before we left for the party)

(opening gifts from the exchange between the kids)

(celebrating the lions FINALLY making the playoffs)

(christmas pj pic)

(maddie thought santa needed 3 cookies this year)

(one last night with mister elf-who was already at grandma and grandpa's when we arrived)

(chocolate milk, cookies, and carrots ready to go)

ice skating {ice house}

2011-12-22T15:48:00.010-05:00

We had a chance to go to griff's ice house this morning and get on the ice. Every time they get a little more daring and get a little more confident.

{silly} mister elf

2011-12-21T14:06:00.006-05:00

Mister Elf has turned silly!!

While we were sleeping the other night he decided to have a (marshmallow) snowball fight with a few friends....

Crazy mister elf!!

{graham cracker} gingerbread

2011-12-17T13:57:00.001-05:00

This year we made mini gingerbread houses out of graham crackers....

(jack)

(maddie)

santa {2011}

2011-12-15T09:48:00.003-05:00

We made our yearly visit to Santa and put in our requests. Plus an extra request to make sure Santa remembers to stop at Grandma & Grandpa Bernal's this year!

christmas recital

2011-12-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

Madison had a Christmas Dance Recital on December 10th. I worked and John was out of town, so Aunt Jill was very kind and took Madison for us. Aunt Jill got high praises from everyone...even bringing Madison a flower!!

Thanks Aunt Jilly!!!

NiteLites {2011}

2011-12-07T21:10:00.000-05:00

We took a drive to Comstock Park to see all the pretty lights.

{official} letters to santa

2011-11-28T15:36:00.017-05:00

{signed...sealed...mailed}

{our letters to santa are on their way}

winning wednesday {hockey}

2011-11-23T13:58:00.002-05:00

The Arehart family joined us for a hockey game, Henry's first. They must bring luck as the Griffins won 5-2 over Hamilton. Since it was winning Wednesday, we get to trade in the tickets for the next Wednesday game on December 14th. As you can tell, Henry was more fascinating than the game at times. It was also "get you pic with santa griff" night...obviously no picture posted...my kids are terrified of him and only like him from afar! Besides, Henry and Aunt Jill are more fun to take pictures with!

{friends}

2011-11-23T06:45:00.003-05:00

{first} snow 2011

2011-11-10T20:28:00.013-05:00

we were in & out all day along...

we were so excited...

we couldn't wait to stick our tongues out and catch some flakes...

it snowed!!

we laughed, ran, shoveled, and played!

(Maddie & Mommy's first snowball fight)

Maddie & Jack have been waiting and talking about this day since we have arrived in Michigan. They loved every minute of it...we'll see how long the excitement lasts once we get lots more that doesn't go away. But for now, it was definitely the highlight of their day.

gymco

2011-11-07T14:18:00.003-05:00

Both kids go to Gymco on Monday mornings. Today was parent participation day so I snapped a few pictures with my phone in between jumping on the trampolines and walking on the balance beams. Pretty fun...even for this momma!

{clowning} around

2011-10-31T22:38:00.000-04:00

{halloween 2011}

featured

some super cute clowns

halloween {2011}

2011-10-31T22:35:00.000-04:00

pumpkin train

2011-10-22T22:17:00.009-04:00

We went to Coopersville to ride their 'pumpkin train.' As we traveled up the rail to Marne (not very far at all) we were entertained with songs and jokes from a pumpkin, scarecrow, and a black crow. After we returned to the depot, the kids got to pick out a pumpkin to take home.

fall {leaves}

2011-10-17T15:57:00.004-04:00

{happy fall}

opening night 2011 {griffins}

2011-10-15T21:09:00.002-04:00

{opening night included}

grandma & grandpa

uncle jim & aunt stacey

shelby & jimmy

mim

bam sticks

hot dogs...popcorn

daddy on the bench

love for lokomotiv bracelets

3-2 griffin win

fireworks after the game

----

hockey season has officially started

back on the bench

2011-10-15T21:08:00.002-04:00

we'll take average

2011-10-10T14:26:00.003-04:00

Maddie had an appointment to get established at our new Dr's office.

The stats at 4 years 9 months are:

height -- 41 & 3/4 inches

weight -- 40 pounds

overall ~ 50th percentile

{as the dr stated - not fat, not skinny, not short, not tall}

{not a single tear shed over her flu shot and no more

well checks until it's time to go to school next year}

john ball zoo

2011-10-05T19:08:00.009-04:00

We checked out the zoo today before it closes for the winter. Some of the animals were already gone for the winter, but we still saw lots, learned a thing or two and enjoyed the zoo.

Aunt Jill and Henry joined us on our adventure. (which she will probably blog about also) It was fun to have friends join us and I'm sure we will have many more adventures together.

3 yr check up {finally}

2011-10-03T21:23:00.005-04:00

Jackson finally went for his 3 year check up!

the stats:

height -- 38 & 3/4 inches

weight -- 37.6 pounds

overall ~75th percentile

----

{We got the 'hated' flu shot. He was in my lap and told me to put him down so he could "hide from them" before the nurse came back in the room. As of tonight, I'm supposed to call the doctor, make an appointment and let them know "I'm not getting a flu shot ever again!"-----Jackson Bernal 10.3.2011}

robinette's {revisited}

2011-10-02T21:07:00.001-04:00

This time we showed Daddy all the fun stuff at Robinette's...

the jumping pillow

picking apples

donuts

cider

------

frost

2011-10-02T20:25:00.001-04:00

the kids thought it was pretty fun to see frost...

...not something you saw everyday in Arizona!

{it prompted daddy to go buy a scraper for his car}

koetsier's greenhouse

2011-10-01T20:56:00.014-04:00

This morning we visited Koetsier's greenhouse, which

is set up with fun activities inside for the kids in the fall.

----

played with corn

jumped in inflatables

rode pedal tractors

did a maze

pumpkin bowling

pumpkin painting

tossed balls at floating pumpkins

pumped water

enjoyed being out of the cooler weather!

it's raining...

2011-09-29T15:26:00.015-04:00

It's been raining here...

----

so why not take a walk in the rain and splash in the puddles!

robinette's

2011-09-24T16:41:00.012-04:00

Maddie insisted that I find 'something fun' to do today. I don't think Robinette's disappointed! The kids and I also went on a hayride but the jumping pillow was hands down their favorite.

There is nothing like leaving with warm donuts and fresh cider after watching them press the apples to make it! And maybe we also got some apples, peaches, and nectarines...

lake michigan

2011-09-21T20:06:00.021-04:00

We had lots of fun at Holland State Park playing in the endless supply of sand and putting our feet in Lake Michigan. We will definitely be going back!

mim & p

2011-09-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

mim & p joined us on our little adventure...

holland, mi

2011-09-21T19:56:00.007-04:00

We headed over to Holland today. After checking out their really good farmer's market and walking a little of the main street, we went out on a little pier.

picking apples

2011-09-12T13:12:00.010-04:00

We enjoyed the warmer weather today and picked some apples this morning. I'm sure we will be finding more before it gets too cold!

sunset

2011-09-07T23:00:00.000-04:00

meeting baby henry

2011-09-07T22:49:00.000-04:00

Since Mommy has visited/held/taken pictures of baby Henry, the kids decided it was about time they got to meet him! Aunt Jill let us stop over for a quick visit the other morning...

I can only imagine the fun these 3 will be having in a few years...

up north

2011-09-05T20:26:00.005-04:00

John and the kids went up north to grandpa & grandma's place friday and saturday while I worked. By all accounts, everyone had lots of fun and enjoyed the little trip.

(thanks grandpa for taking some pictures)

playing with cousins

2011-08-28T22:23:00.009-04:00

Another great thing about moving back to Michigan...playing with cousins more often!

meeting baby ben

2011-08-28T22:05:00.005-04:00

Saturday, we got to meet the newest addition to the Grimes' family...the handsome Ben.

We did also get to visit/play with Uncle Gary, Aunt Kim, Kenzie and Hannah too!

So fun to be close enough to see great friends!

----

Jackson did receive a super fun dump truck for his birthday from them!

Jackson is 3 {part 2}

2011-08-20T22:45:00.012-04:00

We headed to grandpa and grandma's today to celebrate Jackson's birthday a little more. We had told Jackson that after we moved he could get a new bike for his birthday. On our way over, we stopped and picked one out, a McQueen bike!

- - - - -

waiting on daddy to finish putting it together

first try

on his own

we opened lots of fun gifts from grandma/grandpa and the Steakley's

even had cupcakes!

and finished the day off with more riding

By the end, Jackson was awesome on the new bike...I think a ride around our new neighborhood is in our near future.

gr children's museum

2011-08-17T14:19:00.014-04:00

We got away this morning for a couple of hours and visited the grand rapids children's museum. It was a nice break from our daily routine of waiting on the utility people and our stuff to be delivered.

goodbye Arizona

2011-08-17T14:06:00.001-04:00

We're officially moved out of Arizona.

.....

(I do have a pic of the kids outside the front door when

we left Texas, so why not make a tradition)

Jackson is 3 {part 1}

2011-08-17T13:59:00.009-04:00

It ended up that the movers came to load our stuff on Jackson's birthday. So our celebrating was minimal--we opened a couple of presents and had cake at the hotel.

We have more celebrating to do and cake to eat since we are now in Michigan!

the barn

2011-08-10T00:52:00.001-04:00

We made a quick trip to the barn tonight to ride the horses.

one last swim

2011-08-08T22:46:00.013-04:00

Maddie & Daddy went swimming this afternoon...

crazy swimming hair...

so sad it was over...

But she did get to go again after Jack got up with Mommy and Mim...

blowing bubbles...

We are definitely gonna miss the pool!

birthday pictures-take 2

2011-08-07T11:29:00.013-04:00

birthday pictures--take 1

2011-08-07T11:11:00.006-04:00

Earlier in the week I had this grand plan to take Jack's birthday pictures by the big '3' outside University of Phoenix stadium. The '3' wasn't big...it was HUGE!! We changed plans and stopped by Westgate and took a few there until we started sweating too much.

{Can't believe my little guy will be 3 this week}

last day

2011-08-03T20:01:00.003-04:00

Today was our last day at Sunrise Preschool before the big move. In honor of our last day, we took cupcakes for our friends and a cake for the teachers. We have really enjoyed our time there and will miss everyone.

maddie paige

2011-08-02T18:19:00.002-04:00

surprise

2011-07-26T16:15:00.013-04:00

(fyi--just some random photos from my iphone of our trip---I wasn't good with my camera this trip)

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we flew out early thursday morning to michigan to look for a house to rent...

a layover in chicago...

we landed in lansing...

a little nap in the car on the way to surprise everyone with the news we were moving back home

we visited the rink daddy will be spending lots of time at...

had lunch at a favorite spot...

fun at grandma & grandpa's...

playing in the airport-waiting to go back to phoenix...

We spent some time with John's family and I think everyone is pretty excited that we are returning to michigan!

going home

2011-07-26T16:04:00.003-04:00

We're going back 'home.' John has accepted a position with the Detroit Red Wings to be the athletic trainer for their AHL team in Grand Rapids. We are excited and can't wait to get back. Definitely will be an adjustment for us after living in all the warm climates and then moving back to snow! We look forward to seeing all of our family and friends more often!!

riding bikes

2011-07-11T13:30:00.007-04:00

We braved the heat (and humidity) today and went riding around the block.

mlb fan fest

2011-07-08T22:43:00.019-04:00

We took the kids downtown to the all-star fan fest this morning.

Lots of fun!

next to the Michigan guys...

Jack hit the bulls eye!

We couldn't pass up an opportunity to get our picture with Paws!

(maybe Maddie could)

fist bump

Daddy getting an autograph for the kids

Jackson wanted to run the bases...

made it!!

a speedy 15.9 seconds!

**If Maddie's shirt looks familiar it is the dress she wore for pics at 8months old**

the sand storm 7.5.11

2011-07-06T15:50:00.008-04:00

Everything outside got covered in sand last night.

Here is a picture of the 'haboob' traveling over Phoenix.

Our table out back.

The stair are brown--the bottom of the pool is blue. We could tell exactly where the pool vacuum goes and how high up the wall it goes.

Sweeping the dirt off the steps.

Footsteps on the sidewalk.

John's car...it is monsoon season and we are expecting more high winds and rain so a car wash will have to wait for a few days!

John has spent the morning power washing our backyard and cleaning the pool.

independence day

2011-07-05T10:55:00.010-04:00

happy 4th of july!

2011-07-04T14:15:00.004-04:00

silly faces

2011-06-30T20:03:00.003-04:00

it's a silly face kinda day...

the movies

2011-06-27T16:14:00.005-04:00

John and I took the kids to see Cars 2 today.

It was actually their first time at the movies. They did well but I can't say I'm in a hurry to take them back. Like their momma...not a whole lot of patience to sit that long.

SeaLife Aquarium

2011-06-26T22:33:00.010-04:00

The kids and I spent the morning at the aquarium. It was fun and it got us out of the heat!

we had fun with a mirror...

pretending

2011-06-24T16:13:00.008-04:00

Jackson started the day by coordinating his hat, boots, and gun along with his underwear...

The entire outfit (if you can call it that) made me laugh. I did get a picture of him posing in it--just not sure it is entirely appropriate for the blog (think the naked cowboy guy in NYC).

_______

Maddie then wanted to be a fairy after the gym...

and of course, she had to have her picture taken also!

Love the things their little minds come up with!

faces

2011-06-21T14:56:00.002-04:00

I just love these little faces...

6.7.11

2011-06-07T22:58:00.009-04:00

a few moments of our day...

feathered friends

2011-06-07T22:11:00.008-04:00

We had a tree removed today...and were left with a baby bird and nest. The landscapers placed the nest on our wall ledge....

While the kids and I were at the gym, John noticed lizards and no nest.

Our neighbor found the baby bird in her yard. John placed the nest and baby in our other tree and the mom found her baby...

It's been fun watching and checking up on them today.

recital weekend

2011-06-04T21:28:00.007-04:00

We are in the midst of Madison's first recital weekend.

We have survived dress rehearsal and one performance.

-----

A couple of pictures in our backyard this morning...

(this was apparently her pose for pictures yesterday)

A couple from after the show today...

summertime

2011-05-29T10:25:00.007-04:00

disneyland 2011 in pictures

2011-05-27T22:23:00.021-04:00

A few highlights of our 4th 'annual' trip to Disneyland...

disney

2011-05-17T00:31:00.003-04:00

We made it to the 'happiest place on earth' and back!

More pics to come...

last soccer

2011-05-04T01:03:00.000-04:00

outdoor soccer is over

certificate in hand!

rawhide

2011-05-01T00:48:00.002-04:00

We went to Rawhide while Grandma and Grandpa were here visiting...

Jack was sad he couldn't ride the donkey cause he was an inch too short!

Didn't like the shooting of the guns either.

train park

2011-04-30T00:37:00.004-04:00

little ballerina

2011-04-27T00:26:00.006-04:00

first jump

2011-04-27T00:21:00.002-04:00

On Easter, John and the kids got in the big pool for the first time this year. It's still a little chilly for momma so I opted for the hot tub!

easter 2011

2011-04-27T00:03:00.010-04:00

easter bunny 2011

2011-04-22T00:40:00.003-04:00

We visited the Easter Bunny today...someone was a little

more willing to have their picture taken.

colored eggs

2011-04-16T16:40:00.014-04:00

we dyed eggs

---

we dyed hands

---

we enjoyed

hippity-hoppity...

2011-04-15T16:18:00.012-04:00

easter's on its way...

mim's birthday

2011-04-14T00:32:00.002-04:00

playoff bound

2011-04-09T22:58:00.004-04:00

With the 4-3 win on Friday night the Coyotes are headed to the playoffs!!

our favorite trainer

let's celebrate

2011-04-08T18:57:00.004-04:00

today we celebrated...

big boy 'underwears'

all day at school

no accidents

poop in the potty

over a week

jackson is potty trained!

woohoo!

dance & soccer

2011-04-06T00:22:00.005-04:00

our tuesdays...

skating

2011-04-02T20:10:00.012-04:00

Jackson went skating for the first time today and Madison tried it for the second time. She was much better and loved it.

howler

2011-04-02T02:52:00.006-04:00

It only took us 3 seasons for Madison to finally get a picture taken with Howler!

Jackson stayed at a safe distance...although he did give him a high five.

grilled cheese & juice

2011-04-01T19:24:00.012-04:00

I made the kids special snacks after nap today...

grilled cheese & juice

with an apple (including a worm)

Maddie trying her "juice"...

discovering she can't suck it up cause it's jello!!

Next up was her "grilled cheese"

finding out it's cake and frosting!!

Jackson and his "juice"

----

Happy April Fool's Day!!

sprinkler

2011-03-30T14:57:00.009-04:00

Fun in the sprinkler was followed by a picnic in the backyard!

----

It's supposed to be in the upper 90s here Friday and Saturday!!

soccer-week 4

2011-03-29T14:38:00.009-04:00

more pics of the little guy at soccer today...

just because...

2011-03-16T14:20:00.010-04:00

...because Maddie said there hasn't been any pics of her on the blog lately.

backwards 'N'

2011-03-15T22:42:00.004-04:00

...cause I want to remember that backwards 'N' forever!

outdoor soccer

2011-03-15T14:53:00.011-04:00

Today was our 2nd soccer class--lots of fun!

Mommy doesn't have to participate so today I took my camera and played...