Huron River Boating

On May 6th (yep, I'm behind!), we went with the Gray family to the Huron River to go "boating". We paddled across the river, had a picnic, and then paddled back. Jonelle and I took the kids home while Steve and Brian stayed to paddle for a while and then run home (4 miles). We had a good time even though it was a little bit chilly from the wind.

The kids sitting in the canoe with their paddles. Sydney's really good at saying "canoe" now.

Wes was a good helper (Sydney was more in to helping on the way back) and he didn't even drop his paddle.




Steve, Jonelle, and Carter in the kayak.



Playing on the tire swing at the playground we paddled to for our picnic lunch.






Cute picture of Carter.

Piano (Wo)man

Sydney likes to play the piano. The other day she hopped up there and was playing and turning the pages of the hymn book. We're getting rid of this piano before we move and since we have pictures of Wes at this piano, I thought we should have some of Sydney too. Somehow I got her to smile on camera, which is a rare accomplishment!

I love this one.

Her personality showing through.



What a cute little girl!

Last Day of Highlander Preschool

On May 4th, Wes had his last day of preschool here in Ann Arbor. He's really enjoyed his year, especially Miss Elizabeth (Liz-a-bet) and playing with GeoTrax. Even more awesome, is that he also learned a lot of stuff while having a fun time!

Wes with Miss Elizabeth. Thanks for being a great friend and teacher! We'll miss you!

Wes saying "The Pledge" that he learned in preschool. When he first said it for us, we pretty much thought he was a genius. :)

When I was little, my grandpa Swensen taught me (and my sisters and cousins) how to say the alphabet backwards. I had only said it a couple times for Wes and he started spouting it off one day. Again, we thought he was a total genius. Turns out, he'd learned how to say it at preschool. Perfect! It's a great skill to have.

Sydney was copying Brian's face the other day and it was so funny. We find one of the best times to take videos of the kids is right after they eat, while they're still at the table, hence the messy faces.

The Weekend Ends

On Saturday afternoon, Brian, Kevin, Janna, Audrey, and Mom and Dad Hanks headed to Chicago for Lily's baby blessing. My mom stayed home to watch Wes and Sydney while Mike, Jennie, my Dad and I went to the Motown museum. We wanted Mike and Jennie to experience something in Michigan besides just The Big House.

Mike and Jennie flew out Sunday morning and my parents flew out Sunday evening. Brian drove back from Chicago on Monday evening. Then it was all back to normal (bo-ring). :)

Mike and Jennie taking a nap on the way to Detroit. I bet it's a nice break not to have to be constantly worrying about their four kids!

On Saturday night, Mom and Dad Swensen, Mike, Jennie, Wes, Sydney and I went to eat at Grizzly Peak so Mike and Jennie could experience Main Street in Ann Arbor. The kids were getting tired, but luckily Aunt Jennie had some Dora shows on her iPhone!





Grandpa Swensen doing "Harry Whistle" to Sydney's toes before she went to sleep.





The kids sure did love their Aunt Jennie! (I'm not sure what Wes' face is about here.)






Thanks so much to everyone who made the effort to come out for graduation! It was so fun to have family in town!!!

The President of the United States

The speaker for the all university graduation was President Obama. Talk about a once in a lifetime! We were able to get babysitters for the kids and tickets for all of the adults. We arrived at The Big House just after 9:00am, went through security and got to our seats by 9:30am. Commencement started at 11:00am. It rained throughout the morning, but stopped just as we left to walk to the stadium. The weather was perfect the entire time we were there!

The group (minus Brian) waiting for graduation to start.

Brian in the stadium with the stage in the background.





One of the Presidential helicopters flying in.

One of Brian's favorite parts: the snipers.

The symbol of freedom.

Mr. President making his speech.

The President and the flag.

Yep, President Obama was really at The Big House!

A few of us tried to leave early, but we were blocked from crossing the bridge we had to walk across to get home. The President's helicopter was parked on the practice field to the left of the bridge. This is a picture of his motorcade taking him from the stadium to the practice field after commencement was over.

A video of the President taking off. You never know which helicopter he's in!

This is a picture (taken with my iPhone) of two of the helicopters in the air.

Kevin got to Ann Arbor late Friday night so Brian threw on his cap and gown after the Obama thing to get some official pictures with his younger brother.

Wes and Grandpa Hanks played with Brian's graduation gifts.

Post-Graduation Pictures

After graduation, we took some pictures outside of the stadium, the business school, and our housing complex.

The best picture we could get of our family.

Brian and his mom and dad.






Brian, Janna, and Audrey.

Mike, Jennie, Natalie, Wes, Brian, Sydney, Mom Swensen and Dad Swensen.

The whole crew!

Brian with his mom and dad outside the b-school.

Brian in front of the business school.

Brian's cool masters degree hood.

Brian with his beautiful and supportive wife. :)

Brian was spoiled with presents. He got a new watch from Mom and Dad Swensen.

He got this game from the kids: a Hanks family favorite. (Brian's cousin, Adam, can really appreciate this gift.)

He got a Wii from his mom and dad. Janna (and fam) and I got him supporting Wii gifts. Brian also got cards and money from family (that I'm still trying to get him to share with me). :) He's a lucky man to have so many people love and support him!