Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb's Blog

Sleep, eat and...

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:41:00 +0000

Some more random pics

Sleeping with mommy.

Samantha likes to read a magazine while she goes to sleep.

Going potty - just like Daddy.

Go Buckeyes! (You're welcome Nick)

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 14:40:00 +0000

Samantha dressed up as a Scarecrow for Halloween and trick-or-treated at Manatron and then hung out at Nana and Papa's house.

Random Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Some random pictures from at home and at Sara's daycare. Samantha and Nick like to visit and spend time with the kids.

CHEESE!

Sleeping like a big girl in her big girl bed.

Lunch time.

Case Monster

Brady

CHEESE! (again)

Uh...what ya guys doing?

Love the outfit!

Birthday at the Park

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:01:00 +0000

We'll update with more current pictures soon of Caleb and Samantha - but on with the fall pics.

For Samantha's birthday, we picked up some pizza and headed to the park. While we were there we ran into Ava! What a surprise. Here are some pictures of our fun at the park.

Please Welcome Caleb William Robert

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 14:57:00 +0000

Ok - the long anticipated first post for Mr. Caleb. He will be a week old today and we're already seeing noticeable changes in him. What a blessing to our family. Many of you have asked us how Samantha is handeling everything and she is doing well. She is very sweek with Caleb but still demands our undivided attention - which of course is hard.

Enjoy the pictures - there are a lot of them - from Caleb's first week.

Mom - pre-delivery

One proud Daddy

And one proud Mommy

Our happy family

The Grandparents admire their new grandson

Big Sister Samantha

Aunt Jen stopped by

We had a bunch of visitors stop by on Monday night - and the kids enjoyed looking out the window.

I think I was boring him

Getting ready to head home.

Caleb in his car seat

And Samantha right along side of him

Nana reading to the kids

And Mar reading too

Caleb's first bath at home.

Grandpa and Teri came up on Saturday for a visit

Too Tired

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Samantha and Nick were out running errands one day and Nick took these great shots of SEB falling asleep in her carseat while eating an apple.

Post Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 15:07:00 +0000

After the party, Casey stuck around and the girls decided to take a bath together. They are so cute!

Jack was exhausted!

Samantha's 2nd Birthday Party

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:25:00 +0000

On October 12, we hosted a birthday party for Samantha with lots of her family. We were certainly blessed with a beautiful day and were able to spend much of it outside. Bug had a great time with all of her friends and loved her cake (of course)!

The kid's table

Getting ready to open presents.

BRADY!

Kendra

A trip to the apple orchard

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:01:00 +0000

We went with the Dorscht's and Nana and Papa to Gull Meadow Farms in October - Samantha had a great time.

CHEESE!

She thinks she is such a big girl...but she looks so small!

Climbing in the tunnel

Going on a train ride with Brady and Lydia

Ok - so this was 4 days before Samantha's birthday but this sign wasn't for her. We thought it was funny though.

Bug with her buddy Lydia.

And Alyssa.

And Mommy!!

More Summer Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:12:00 +0000

A trip to South Haven with the Cooleys and some other random shots.

Kendra chasing a sea gull.

Look dad!

My daughter being buried again...

Kissing the baby

Check out that hair!

Awww...

Camping at Orchard Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:44:00 +0000

In mid-August, we took a 4 day camping trip up to Orchard Beach State Park. While we were there we journeyed up to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Harbor for a day trip. Samantha had a blast on our camping trip and it's something we'd like to make an annual family thing (execpt maybe this coming summer).

Juice box

Doesn't she look so tiny compared to that huge hill?

She and Daddy decided to start the climb.

Playing with Mom in the sand.

Samantha met some friends that were across the road from us at the campground. They played and sang songs together.

A beautiful sunset

Eating breakfast with mom

Summer Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Just some random pictures from the summer including a trip to South Haven, Lake Michigan and the beach.

Samantha loves to build with her blocks.

And Jack loves to pose.

Bug squeezing Jack.

Stop!!!

Cooking with Mommy - check out my beautiful barrette.

A trip to the beach.

Bury me Dadda.

Mmmm - a snack.

Samantha at the Zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:04:00 +0000

In July, Samantha went with her friend Colin to the Binder Park Zoo. As you can see, she had a great time.

NO MORE PICTURES!

Fine...

New York City

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Nick and I visited New York City in July to celebrate our 4th Anniversary and attend a New York Yankees game at Yankee Stadium before it closed at the end of the season.

Here are some pics to enjoy from that trip.

The World Trade Center site - now under construction.

The New York Stock Exchange

Times Square

Radio City Music Hall

Rockefeller Center

Times Square at Night

Views from the Empire State Building Observatory Deck. It was 95 degrees the days we were there so very smoggy out. But still some spectacular views.

The piano from the movie "Big" at FAO Schwartz

Central Park

Ahh...the Mecca

Spectacular at night

The new Yankee Stadium right across the street.

The Brooklyn Bridge

We took the Staten Island Ferry on a round trip ride just to see the Statue of Liberty and a great view of the Manhattan skyline. Thanks for the tip Carlos - one of the best trips we took all weekend.

Mowing the Lawn

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 21:07:00 +0000

So I'm loving this video thing so I thought I would bring you more. Samantha has become a pro at mowing the lawn...and chasing Jack in the process. Take a look at these videos and check her out.

Happy Memorial Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Sat, 24 May 2008 12:22:00 +0000

Greetings everyone - and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

In the spirit of the official start of summer, I'd like to share some pictures with you of Samantha eating steak from the grill. Now, there are a couple of you who visit this blog frequently who may shutter at these photographs....we love you guys! :)

Samantha Bryant - April 7, 2008

As you can see, Samantha is enjoying her plate of steak and green beans.

More...PEEEEAAAASSSSE...

So - she wasn't happy with her portion...she wanted Mama's. Now that's what I call STEAK!

And now a video for your enjoyment.

Bryant Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:18:00 +0000

For those of you who haven't visited in awhile, be sure to scroll below for any posts you may have missed.

Thanks to Becky and Kevin for these great pictures of the kids at Lydia and Greg's bday dinner on Sunday.

Bug

Brady

Casey (Case-Monster as I call her) and her Daddy

In the wagon

Samantha "loving" on Brady

Brady "loving" on Casey

"Let's move!"

"Well this looks like a good leaf."

"Yep...yummmmm."

Lydia and Bug hanging out at the swing.

Lydia and her dirt cake - Happy Birthday - May 15

Bug and Lyd are buddies

New Hampshire Update

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:26:00 +0000

Paul recently sent some pictures along from the Dobberstein clan in New Hampshire. So I thought I'd post a few here for everyone to peak at. Enjoy!

First some pictures of Miss Kaya!

What a proud Mommy!!

Nickandrachelblog.blogspot.com presents: A Day in the Life of Avery

Every great day starts with a hearty breakfast. Today: strawberries

Then it's off to color and draw.

Plus there's time to learn how to write. Here we are learning "A" for Avery.

Then time to help Mom feed little sister.

Now time for a little lunch and a nap. Don't you all wish you could do this?

Off to check out the sites around town and maybe find a soccer match to join.

Back home to help with that baby again.

And watch some Premier League Soccer with Daddy on the big screen.

Time for hearty dinner.

Winding down with a bath.

After a day like that - who can blame him?

Alicia Smiles

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:29:00 +0000

All - many of you may remember my friend Alicia whom I worked with at The Palace during my days with the Fury and Shock. She and I were attached at the hip for about two and a half years running around the building and making sure we were filling seats for the least sought after tickets in town (except for maybe the local women's football team)!

Recently, Alicia has been diagnosed with bone cancer after a long four years of pain and other illnesses. She is in Boston for the next week or so seeking some further advice from the doctors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, one of the premier cancer institutes in the world.

For those of you who know Alicia, she is an incredible woman with a great spirit. Always with a smile on her face, she challenges life head-on. She has created a website to track her journey through this process and allow her to journal through this difficult time. Check it out if you'd like. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aliciasmiles

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Future Surveyor

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:57:00 +0000

Check out this great video of Mr. Avery. Think he's a future surveyor like his daddy?

Labor Day - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:54:00 +0000

And some more Labor Day pictures.

Went to the park with Ava. It was a beautiful day.

Look at that beautiful face.

What?

Ava struttin' her stuff.

Ahh!

Let's see...what mischief can I get into now?

Beautiful Kendra

Hangin' out at the campsite.

There's my buddy Kendra!

Ok - these might be the cutest pictures of any baby I've ever seen (I know, I'm a bit biased). But judge for yourself.

What do you think? Pretty cute huh? Leave a comment if you'd like. Click the "Comment" link below.

Labor Day - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:44:00 +0000

So our annual Labor Day trek to Ivan's Campground was a bit different this year with all the kids but it sure was just as fun - if not better. Samantha had a great time hanging out with Kendra and Ava. At the end of the weekend, Jen and I talked about how neat it will be in a couple of year and the girls are running around in their pigtails chasing each other or getting into all kinds of trouble together.

SEB eating her first camping meal.

And Ava watches closely

Hangin' on the blanket

Having a drink with Daddy.

Kids are in bed and we do what we do best on Labor Day weekend - play Euchre!

Samantha was about a week from walking here but she loved hanging out on the camping chairs and walking around our circle from one to another.

Look at those feet!

Samantha has a crush on Jeff...

Playing TWACK!

Do you think these two are related?

The Bug and the Mom

Hanging out by the fire.

Jeff and Angie

Next up...More Labor Day pictures!

A trip to the zoo

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:36:00 +0000

Avery, Paul and Andria visited Ann Arbor in late August. We went and hung out a bit and even took our first trip to the zoo together. The kids had fun together and really enjoyed the animals.

The kids eating.

At the zoo

In the reptile house - look at that turtle!

"Dad - look at that!"

Aren't they adorable?

What a handsome guy.

"Thanks Avery!"

High five!

Uncle Paul reads a book

Andria cooking - she's awesome in the kitchen!

"Cheese!"

AHHH!!

Uncle Paul rocks!

Here are some random shots:

Bath time

Greatgrandma, Grandpa and SEB in front of OP! Yum.

Hangin' with Grandpa

Up next...Labor Day pics. Wait till you see these!

And the hits just keep on comin'.

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:27:00 +0000

And now for some more.

Here are some just random pictures of Samantha playing with us in our living room. These were taken in August so before she was walking.

Gettin' Mamma

I know this didn't come out too well but I love it anyway.

Reading a book

Going after Daddy

Looking at squirrels and birds out the window.

Reading another book

Next up...pictures from our trip to the zoo with Avery!!

I know, I know - but watch out.

noreply@blogger.com (Nick, Rachel, Samantha and Caleb) — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:03:00 +0000

I know we've been awful about keeping the blog updated. But get ready because here we come with a bunch of posts. We're going to catch you up on everything.

Now, you're probably wondering why I don't just start with present day pictures and skip the old ones....well, I'll tell ya. Not only does this blog serve to keep everyone updated on Samantha and us as a family but it is also used as a "photo album" that we use to look back and see how much Samantha has grown and how much we've changed.

So - in the next several posts, you'll see pictures from last summer, Labor Day, SEB's birthday, Christmas through today. So enjoy.

Happy Anniversary to Dan and Becky today!

This post starts with Casey Anne's arrival on August 3!

Kevin emerging from the delivery room to share the good news!

What is everyone doing here? Oh yeah, it's a girl!

Miss Casey

A proud Mama

What a great looking family.

The next day we visited Rib Fest - a great event in downtown Kalamazoo. Good food, good music, good fun. Samantha's first Rib Fest.

Playing with Lyd and Lyss.

Little Brady

Lick My Ribs

Then it was back to the hospital for a visit.

The Bryant Grandkids

Proud Aunt

Pretty Casey

And a proud Uncle

Next time...random play pictures.