My mom sent this funny card to Gavin containing some dollars for his chart. I thought it was so cute, I had to take a picture and blog about it. His grandparents helped him out a bit when he was in Michigan by giving him jobbers to do around their houses as well, and I think he may have gotten a few freebies, too. Anyway, here is picture of the card from my mom.

This is the front of the card

And this is the inside of the card - the eyes pop out at you when you open it. She folded the dollars accordion style and glued the eyes to them.

My mom is so creative! When Gavin opened it up he said, "Whoa! Eyes!" Then he looked again and his eyes got big and he said, "AND DOLLARS!!!" It was so cute and fun to get a surprise like that in the mail!

( If I make a chart for myself with something I want on it, do you think my parents will start sending ME dollars and cute cards? Yeah, I doubt it!)

Hard Work!

Over the last 34 days Gavin has done so many "jobbers". He has set the table, made his bed, learned Bible verses, put his dishes in the sink, and helped with a lot of other things. Today was the day he put that last dollar into his chart and earned his rocket ship! He was sayng over and over again, "I am so excited!"

The rocket ship was on sale at Target a week or so ago (thanks to Annie for that tip!) so I went and picked it up then. I sat it on top of our T.V. cabinet yesterday and today for some motivation for Gavin. He loved looking at it and anticipating getting it.

I was suprised at how patient he was about the whole thing. He never once complained that it was taking too long or anything. But, if he complained about a "jobber" he lost his dollar and still had to do the "jobber".

So, he has been playing with it for about an hour straight and I let him watch his little einstein video, too. He loves to play along with them!

Trip to Michigan

Well, we had a fantastical time in Michigan last week. Gavin and I took the train on Tuesday and headed out to my parents house.

We were away from Ryan for almost four days. I know that doesn't seem like a long time, but Ryan and I have never been apart for that long before. It was very unsettling to me. I was pretty nervous about it and I missed him like crazy the whole time. I was having fun, so that helped!

We arrived at my parents house on Tuesday evening and Herb and Kristy came over with the kids. Gavin and Jonas acted like they never skipped a beat and played great together. They even had a sleepover one night! They always have such a great time together. We didn't do too much, just hung out a lot and let the boys play!

On Thursday night my mom and dad dropped me off at my friend Marcy's house. We stayed up way to late catching up but had lots of fun. We spent most of the day on Friday at Greenfield Village. Unfortunately, I have no pictures of this event. Well, I do have one, but it's of Gavin and not Marcy and I.

Marcy was kind enough to treat us to lunch and Gavin got this hobo lunch. Although you can't really tell in the picture, he was pretty excited about it. It came with a P.B. and J, a cheese stick, apple sauce and a box of raisins. I thought it was so cute. Apparently I have told Ryan about it five or six times!

After our day with Marcy she dropped me off in good old Allen Park where we spent the rest of our time with the Dobbertin's. Ryan joined trained in after he got off of work on Friday and I got to pick him up at the train station around 12:30! It was SO good to see him!

I don't think I say this enough, but I married into the best family ever. I have great in-laws. My sisters in laws are my best friends and we all just have a blast together. The whole reason for our trip was to attend Katie's baby shower. It was one of the nicest showers that I have ever been to, and I enjoyed myself so much! Here are some pictures from our time with the Dobbertins!

This is Laura and I doing what we do best - acting dumb.

Uncle Ryan and Jordan telling secrets.

Possibly my favorite picture of all time

On the Road Again

Ryan got a new bike this weekend and we hit the pavement. We have gone on two 2 1/2 mile bike rides already. We have just been riding around and looking for parks. When we find a new one, we stop and play for awhile and then get back on! It has been so fun. I love spending time outside with my family doing something we all love. I didnt get a picture of me and my bike, but here is one of Gavin and daddy!

Gavin has re-discovered the joys of the bike trailer. We pack some snacks in there and he is good to go. Sometimes I will hear him say, "Mamma, I don't see you. Please come closer to me!" He's such a mamma's boy sometimes! But I, of course, love it! Sometimes I'll ask him for a hug and a kiss in public just to test him and make sure that he is still willing to give it. I think I might cry the first time he looks around and says, "Not now, mom." I Know it is coming sooner or later. *SIGH*

Happy Birthday Haddon!

We had some friends over today for a playdate and a little birthday celebration. We had a great time. Gavin and Haddon played very well together. Haddon just turned 5 and got a new bike for his birthday. Here are some pictures from our fun day!

The New Bike!

Gavin blowing bubbles - this was the first time I had ever let him do it himself!

Cheesers!

Birthday Boy blowing out his birthday candle

Haddon - Age 5!

Haddon's baby sister and MY favorite little girl!

Bike Buddies