Grandma Alice

Great Grandma Alice transitioned from her home in a multi-level retirement community to "The Villas" in early September - which is a single apartment inside the main assisted living/nursing home facility in Sturgis, MI. Though move-in day was labeled "Move into Villas. CRAP!" in her day planner, we think she has made the adjustment and we were excited to get a chance to visit with just Mateo and Mikey to see her new digs :)

We went for a drive on the beautiful day and checked out the Howe Military Academy just over the state line. Mateo thought the tank was super cool and wanted to check it out!

Mikey couldn't resist joining him!

Daddy treated us to a fancy coffee and HOT chocolate :)

The old train station that the city moved.

Dinner at Thurston. They were so kind to us!

Our friends, the Smiths!

Our kids have never really swam in the lake at grandma Paula's though they have used the kayaks and boats. All it took was one good visit from our friends, the Smith family, and their lack of fear of "lake water" and all the boys were all in!

Paulina hold's Henry's hand (our godson)

Isabel was out all day giving paddle boat rides. She really was a trooper!

Earlier in the summer, the Smiths welcomed us to their home. We had a great afternoon and then attended evening Mass at our old parish, Shrine of the Little Flower (where we met the family).

Blake (left) is Maria's age and has attended two homecomings with her.

Back to School

All the kids are back in school. School started for Maria & Carmen last week on the 22nd but they will be glad when they are done next May! 

Maria is starting her Senior year at SCA and doing a nursing internship at nearby Saint John Providence Hospital. She has a steady babysitting gig so she put her 2 week notice in at Wendy's. She also applying to a variety of colleges in and out of state and has plans to visit them all. 

Carmen had a great freshman year at SCA making friends and getting on the honor roll. She is starting her sophomore year and also completed phase 1 of drivers training in preparation for possibly driving herself and Isabel next year.

Isabel started her last year at SSA with Sister Jude Andrew

Mikey started 5th grade with Sister Michael Vincent

Petey is in 2nd grade with Sister Pio Maria

Mateo started Kindergarten with Mrs Peters and is off to a great start. Having him in preschool at SSA and going to daily Mass really made a big difference.