Today we went to the apple orchard. We picked a whole bag of apples, tried many different kinds and then headed over to the little pond. Erin and I did our best to get some pictures of all the kids today. These next few are our favorites! ENJOY!
Four cousins in pumpkin hats! (doesn't Jackson look so big...bigger than 3 months!)
This was the first morning everyone was together. Jackson didn't make it in too many pictures with the big kids because he was always sleeping while they were playing. We have some of all four later on, so keep looking!
This picture is especially funny because Kira placed her two huge blueberries in the house...do you see them?
Here's my stud in his jean jacket on the leather couch.
The kids are watching uncle jim cut down some branches using a big lift he rented.
These girls are so silly! Not a moment goes by that we aren't laughing at something one of them does or says.
We went to a farm and say a ton of cows, horses, ducks, chickens and rabbits. We even got to see the cows being milked.
I don't think he could be any happier. He has been such a great baby. He must love to travel.
We ended the day with a big bath. Here are all the cousins nice and clean. How does anyone ever get four children to all look at the camera at the same time?
jackson's first flight
This afternoon we got on a plane and flew to New Hampshire! I have been so excited for this trip. Caroline was visiting for the week so the boys and I flew to CT with her and on Thursday we are flying back to Chicago with erin, who is coming in for her 10 year college reunion (yes...very old!). It worked out perfect so I didn't have to travel with two children by myself. Dare I say that they were perfect on the plane? Caleb had so much fun looking out the window and playing with the tray table. Jackson slept for most of the flight and then just laughed and smiled at us. Thank you so much Caroline for all your help. I cried when saying goodbye to her because we had so much fun and I just loved watching her take care of my boys. Every morning Caleb woke up and said "where's Caroline?" and he says her name really cute.
This morning we went to the Zoo. Here are my two favorite pictures from the day. It has been so wonderful having Caroline around...it makes having two kids much easier!
This is by far our favorite picture from the day! We started the morning by measuring Caleb. He measured in at 2 feet 9.5 inches.
A Mecher tradition is to have sticky buns for breakfast, so here is Caleb making sure they are cooled off.
He got a "doodle pro" from the Condaps...thank you!
Then the real fun began! We were all ready to head out the door and go to the Kohl Children's Museum...but instead we headed to the Evanston ER. Caleb was running from the kitchen to the dining room and tripped and totally cut his lip. It bled a lot and had a pretty big cut so we weren't sure if he would need stitches. To be on the safe side we went to the ER.
The doctor said that lips heal really well and that giving him a stitch or two would be way more traumatic for him. He sent us home with a rubber glove full of ice and told us to buy Caleb some popsicles.
Our pathetic birthday boy!
We weren't going to let a fat lip ruin our fun, so we headed to the Museum anyway. Of course the batteries to our camera died so I didn't get too many pictures there. Caleb had so much fun, he was really into all the exhibits and especially enjoyed "shopping and Dominicks".
Here is his "2" shirt.
I forgot to mention that Caroline is in town! We dropped off dad at work and picked up Caroline. After naps we went for a walk to the park. Caleb brought along some cars in this little bag...so funny!
Yes, Jackson was with us the whole day too. Here are some pictures of the smiley guy.
Next, Caroline and Caleb put the frosting on the cake.
And we had some friends over to celebrate with cake and ice cream. 
"Happy Birthday to You!"
It was a great day. It is crazy to think that we have a 2 year old. These 2 years have gone by so fast, it has been an amazing experience to watch this little boy grow up before our eyes. He is such a blessing and we are so thankful for him. Happy Birthday Caleb!
