I Can't Tell Who's Having More Fun...

We headed to Grand Rapids at the end of March...yes, yes, you and everyone else in America is asking 'March? In Michigan? Why???" Good question. I don't know...but we had fun! Brixon absolutely, positively loved the snow. And so did Grandpa! I'm not sure who had more fun...everytime I turned around, one of them was throwing a snowball! Hudson on the other hand wasn't a big fan of the cold! We had a lot of fun with family and friends; the Mummies were at the Intersection on Thursday when we got in, so we headed down to see the show. It was the first time I've seen them in a smaller venue, and as always, we had a blast. We stayed at the Amway Grand Plaza that night and Sunday night, and the kids loved the view of the city! It was snowing, and they literally stood in front of the windows for an hour, pointing things out and asking questions. Brixon even woke me up at 4am to ask if he could 'go look at the city!' Friday was downtown, with the Children's Museum and Founders. I then dragged Matt and Carrie on the obligatory Casey [Baltrusaitis-Bates] Nemec Life History Tour...you know, the hospital I was born at, first dance studio, elementary school, church, first job, college, house I lived in, etc. I'm sure they enjoyed every second ;) Friday night, we had dinner at Blue Water Grill, then went to The Score to watch FGCU in the NCAA tournament! Now a month ago, you would have said "Who is FGCU, and why are they in the tournament!?!?" But today, you say "Oh, I know where that is...Dunk City!" This is where I digress, because all of this history was made while I was in Michigan. My little alma mater down in Fort Myers made world news with their impressive run, and I couldn't have been more proud! In fact, I didn't really need to check a bag since I lived in the same two FGCU shirts all weekend! We had so much fun watching the Eagles play, and I am so glad such a classy group of guys were the ones who represented us. So back to the trip; Saturday I was supposed to take a few dance classes with my friend Melissa, but I was plagued with a stomach bug! I spent the whole day in Aunt Kim's bed, while she and Brixon built snowmen and made snow angels in the backyard. I think that was in the top five most fun things he has done! By Saturday night, I was feeling a little better, so we went up to Aunt Vicki's to see my dad's side of the family. I really treasure the opportunities that I get to see my Grandpa Vic, so I wasn't missing out, no matter how bad I felt! Sunday we went to see the butterflies at the Frederik Meijer Gardens, and then spent more time with family. The kids had a great time playing with their cousins, and seeing their aunts and uncles (and great grandpa!). It is really important to me to show them where I grew up and have all of my childhood memories. I can't wait to do it again soon.

 

 

 

He couldn't wait to get outside!

 



Incoming!

 



He was SO happy!!!

The view from our hotel room

 



Dinner at Bistro Bella Vita before the Mummies show

Playing with cousin Colin!

 

 



And Nick got the stomach bug on the way home! (Flight cancelled, ten hours in the airport...got home 12 hours later than we were supposed to!)

 



 

 

'Are You Guys the Black Keys?!'

March 9th brought us Funkfest 4...and a whole new band for Punta Gorda to start buzzing about!! Black Taxi, straight from the heart of New York City, introduced themselves to southwest Florida with their insanely high-energy, funk-infused brand of rock. Yes, that's Black Taxi, not the Black Keys...the mistake happened more than once :). I had been listening to them on my iPod leading up to the concert, but had no idea what their live show was all about. Not only are they some of the absolute nicest guys I've ever met (see photo of Brixon and lead singer Ezra below), but also some of the most versatile musicians. In fact, they are the only band in recent memory that can have the punk riffs of The Clash on one song and a Kings of Leon-style southern soul on the next...all spun with their own signature sounds (megaphone and trumpet, anyone)? They can't come back to Florida soon enough. The show opened with CoverArt (Ronnie B on the drums), American Made, and Zombie University...and wrapped (no pun intended :D) with the Mummies, who always put on a great show! Yet again, I have to swallow my pride and give Nick credit...another concert well-done ;)

 

 

 

 

Let the Bickering {Hand-Slapping, 'MOM!'-Screaming, Hair Pulling, Eyeball-Gouging} Commence...

 

It's here; sibling rivalry has trumpeted its arrival. And it all began with a hand-crafted rocking chair from North Carolina. What one has, the other wants. He does not want a suitable alternative, or even an identical version. Sigh...good thing it doesn't happen often! For the most part, these boys are best friends. Hudson is developing rapidly, due to the examples set by his older brother. You guessed it, jumping on the couch, trying to drive motorized vehicles, and trying to climb the ladder to the playhouse. That child keeps me on my toes! He is silly, sweet as can be, and blessed (or cursed...) with his mother's fierce determination. Brixon is growing up right before my very eyes. He is no longer very interested in watching Disney Junior, but asks for 'Transformers' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.' And he already rolls his eyes in embarrassment when I sing along with the radio. Life is insanely busy, filled with yelling, things breaking, dirty floors, and mountains of laundry...but I can't imagine it any other way.