Bike rides

Aunt Nicole got us an awesome birthday present, a bike trailer! Patrick loves going for rides. We go on a ride every day.

Camping

We went camping in mid-July in between Ryan's work trips. Maggie joined us and Mom was out for the day on Saturday. Here is our our tent...we have a big tent to fit a huge dog and now a pack-and-play for Patrick. He slept really well, from about 8 to 5:30am, which is very good considering we were sleeping outdoors. Here is our campsite. We went to Monacle Lake. The campsites were spread out which made you feel like you were out there on your own.

Patrick likes to feed Dad (or Mom, or Kody).

Everytime Patrick sees and apple and can get his hands on it, he bites right in.

He had a great time exploring nature.

He has taken a few steps on his own, but isn't all out walking yet.

This nap was short and he put up a huge fight. He tried not to nap for an hour. I could tell he was very tired so I just waited and eventually he slept.

I love this belly.

Ryan made an awesome dessert.

Patrick likes pulling on anything that keeps coming (diaper wipes, toilet paper).

When we were packing up I put Patrick in the backpack. After about 15 minutes, I thought something felt different, his weight was flopping around...turns out he decided to take a nap (or probably just couldn't resist).

We packed everything we thought we could ever need for this trip. Poor Kody had little space when we headed home. This is in our huge suburban!

The Soo

Sault Ste. Marie, our new home town, is often called the Soo. In June, there was an open house at the Soo Locks (the locks between Lake Michigan and Lake Superior that all boats pass through) and the hydro-electric plant. Mom, Maggie, Patrick and I explored the locks and power-plant. Here is the outside of the power plant, built somewhere around 1902. It is a beautiful building. Salmon are running right now which is why you see boats tied up to the building, it is supposed to be a great place to fish. This picture is for Ryan, they were huge! He missed out, but should be able to join us next year.

Patrick had a good time.

The Soo is on the St. Mary's river, which is the waterway connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. The bridge across the river (called the International Bridge) connects the US and Canada. You can see the bridge from mom's place. Maggie and I participated in the International Bridge walk across the 3 mile bridge. Many Canadians took a bus over to walk it to Canada, and we took a bus from Canada to return home. Below are pictures. A group from Canada brought a dragon to carry the entire walk.

This is the US customs side.

On the bridge looking down at the St. Mary's river, Soo locks, and edge of the Soo.

The Soo Locks.

Daddy's helper

Ryan is awesome at including Patrick with everything he does. Here are some pictures of Patrick helping dad build shelves for the garage.

After a while Patrick found a place to sit and watch. I know Patrick will be pretty good at doing a lot of things when he is older - Ryan is pretty patient with him and likes teaching him things.

Freedom Fest

In late June, we visited Maggie in East Jordan for Freedom Fest. It is a lot like a 4th of July celebration, with a parade and fireworks. Here Patrick shows off his standing skills. He still isn't walking, but he is soooo close. It was a hot day for up here! Patrick with Grandma and Maggie.

Waiting for the parade to start.

Funny face.

Patrick loves being in Daddy's backpack.

After the parade, we staked out a spot on Lake Charlevoix and had a picnic, hotdogs, smores and waited for the fireworks. This beautiful spot is across the street from Maggie's house!

Ryan took Patrick out to explore a tiny pier.

Patrick's Birthday (2 months later...)

Patrick turned 1 on May 6! I am a bit behind, but am trying to catch up. This is a picture of him on his actual birthday. In the background you can see our "kitchen" in our hotel room. We celebrated the big day the following weekend at my cousin Maggie's beautiful house in East Jordan, a couple of hours away. A little birthday video will be attached before long. Above is Patrick meeting his Aunt Nicole for the first time. He loved her from the start!

Below is Patrick having breakfast the morning of the birthday party. He even has his own high chair at Maggie's house!

Ryan grilled lots of good stuff for the birthday party. It was a rainy and cool day, but he was ib a mission.

Patrick went out to support dad wearing his awesome "Mossy Oak" fleece suit. It makes him seem like a stuffed animal, even his feet and hands are covered. A very handy gift from Grandma and Grandpa Ross, I hope he never out grows it!

This is Patrick's expression when he is about to get into trouble...

Patrick's first birthday cake!

Dad had to model how it is done.

Their eating habits are incredibly similar.

Aunt Nicole and Maggie helped Patrick open presents. He had a great time and received some lovely presents, including the sweet moccasins he is modeling below.

Now, this photo is actually from Memorial Day weekend. This is Patrick's first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Look how long those legs are already!