Merry Christmas 2014!

Awake before 8!

Happy a Very Merry Christmas 2014!

Annual Trip to Frankenmuth

We took our yearly trip to Frankenmuth, Michigan early December.  The little city packs in so much "magic" that we decided to stay an extra day.  This year was even MORE fun because the place where we stay opened a new addition to their indoor water park!   It was ENORMOUS!!    We even visited with the REAL Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who remember us every year.   Ellie did most of the talking, while Riley patiently waited her turn.  Cooper...well, Cooper tolerated Santa and tried to be on his BEST behavior.  In the end, Cooper gave Santa a high-five.   It was a great weekend getaway.  

  

The Force

Grills Siblings 2014

Received our proofs today.  We have a week to preview them.  I hope you can access these...at least while they are available for viewing.  Cooper was sleepy that day and we had a basket of "surprises" to keep him happy.  But in the end, all he really wanted was his Mama.  Enjoy.  #onewillowstudios

Riley 13, Ellie 11, Cooper 2 

http://vimeo.com/111533490

Password: grills2014

Pumpkin Patch

A trip to Lehner's Pumpkin Patch was worth the drive!   We flung pumpkins high into the air with a sling shot, walked through an 8-acre corn maze,  BIG kids rolled around in a GIANT hamster wheel and enjoyed the day with good friends.  

Happy Birthday, Sawyer!

It snowed today.  It was cold.  BUT we sure had a lot of fun!  We went to Sawyer's First Birthday Party at a local Apple Orchard!  Cooper painted for the first time and tasted his first apple cider.  He LOVED it!     Party with pumpkins, painting, ponies!!

No words...

Happy F.A.L.L.!

October 21, 2014  First Leaves of Fall

WE HAVE RETURNED!!!  

I have A LOT of explaining to do.    

I have A LOT of apologies to make.  

I have A LOT of reasons and excuses why I haven't been blogging since April.    BUT...

Now isn't the time...  

I am blogging today to make up for lost time.  I cannot WAIT to share all of our discoveries since I last checked in.    All I can say is there is never a day that passes that I do not stop and marvel at our life before us.   In a blink of an eye, Cooper is 2, Ellie is 11 and Riley is 13.  Our busy lives revolve around what matters the most:  our three lovable, caring, messy, demanding, high-maintenance, hilarious, talented, courageous, kind and happy kiddos.     I hope you will continue to follow us as we continue our wonderful and surprising life journey!!  

It's late.  The house is quiet.  And I'm tired.  Good night, sweet friends and families.  Talk soon!   ~Tina~     

Happy Easter!

Blessed...  :)

A little blurry, but I LOVE his expression!

 

This boy can J.U.M.P!!!

18 Months

Time for a quiz:  

All of these pictures are ones around 18 months.  Can you tell who is who?

Cooper 18 months

Riley 18 months

Ellie 19 months

Cooper 17 months

Riley 16 months

Riley 15 months

Ellie 19 months

They are amazingly similar, aren't they!???  I see a little of each of them in every picture.  Love watching their unique gifts unfold!  Cooper is still trying to say just the right words.   He is saving his words for a special day.  I just know one day soon, he will explode with words.  But for now, he points and grunts a lot. :)  He can follow nearly all directions and he LOVES to help (open and close doors, throw away trash, sort toys, collect toothbrushes...new ones...open and close the toilet lid, climb up the bed and slide down, put shoes on and take shoes off).... Our gifts in life make me smile.     

Cooper 18 months

Daddy's In Charge!

When Mama has conferences until well past bedtime...

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!

Grocery Shopping 2014

I have shopped a lot.  I like to shop around for the best deals.  Well, that's what I USED to do when I had "free time".  When Riley and Ellie were little, I shopped with two shopping carts.  Riley was buckled in one, Ellie in the other.  Sometimes, if I was lucky, I would use one of those double-seated carts.  But 10 years ago, those were few and far-between.  So now when I am shopping, it's grab and go.  Whatever it takes to get us through the store, I'm game.  This time, it took grapes, goldfish and shoes off to get us there.   hahaha!

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION:  Eric is usually the grocery shopper each week.  He. Is. Awesome!!!!  He goes alone.  He carries a list.  And accepts text messages along the way.  It works out much better for everyone involved if he goes.  BUT, sometimes I like to go.  Just for the challenge. LOL!  It works for us!!!!

17 Months and M.O.V.I.N.G.!!

Cooper Stats, 17-months old:

* 21 pounds

* 31 inches long

* has the agility and dexterity of a football player

* can jump

* can gallop (seriously.  around the house.)

* has the personality of a sweet, carefree, adventurous, funny, beautiful, fearless, loving little boy who calls me "ma-ma-ma-ma"

:)

….having technical difficulties AGAIN…. ;(
will post picture soon

Music calms the soul… and a 16 month-old who has trouble settling down for the night!

Cooper is a good sleeper.  He sleeps for nearly 12 hours every night.  BUT, sometimes he doesn't like to settle down.  When that happens, we turn on a little Rhema Marvanne.  This 7-year-old gospel singer captivates his attention every single time.  There's something in her sweet voice that soothes his soul!  LOVE watching his eyes light up! 

PS…Had so much trouble downloading the video that I only posted a pic.  I will continue to try to attach the video because it's one of the few times you will see Cooper sitting still and focusing on ONE THING!!! :) 

Click here to see the entire 4-minute video of Cooper's favorite:

***HAVING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES WITH THIS SHORT VIDEO... STAY TUNED!