Big Brother Helping Little Brother

Ben relaxing with Bella

So nice!

Here Quinn, let me help you with this.

I really don't know why you don't wnat this Quinn!

Ben and Quinn were hanging out one afternoon and Ben was confused as to why Quinn wouldn't take a Nuk....maybe it's in the delivery method???

Evening on our deck

Chris and I had an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time on the deck enjoying a sunset. Times like these are rare these days, but we are grateful for those small moments of peace and together time.

Crash & Burn

Ben had a minor accident while "flying" his plane one afternoon. Luckily all walked away from the crash seen with only a few scratches and a new appreciation for helmets.

Fun with Grandma

Swimming!

Getting ready for the 1st day of class!

This isn't so bad!

Getting a ride from Dad

Scoring points with the teacher!

Ben took his 2nd round of swimming lessons in July/August. He moved up from the Minnow group to the Whale group. The first day was pretty rocky - Ben was That Kid who cried the entire time and ended up spending the last 1/2 of class with his Nuk. He got better every day and I have to admit, the water temp didn't make it any easier to convince him it was fun to be in the water! It was freezing!! By the end of the two weeks, he was kicking and attempting to float and putting his face in the water - he even would jump in off the float!!

Ben's Surgery (August 2009)

Ben underwent a procedure this past August to clear a blockage in his Eustachian tube and to place tubes in his ears in order to improve his hearing. The staff at Childrens West were awesome and it was much harder on Chris and I than Ben. Everything went well and Ben was home with fruit snacks by the afternoon. Going through this issue with Ben has made us so grateful and lucky that we have a healthy and happy little boy. We saw many other sick kiddos and their parents and it is so difficult to see any child live with health issues. I enjoy every second of every minute that I spend with Ben and Quinn and I am so thankful to have them in our lives!

Wow...

I was at work today looking at my calendar trying to schedule a few things in between volleyball, work, Kindermusik classes and just some simple "down-time" at home and I suddenly realized it was almost OCTOBER! I recently spotted Christmas decorations at Target and we just turned our heat on...time really flies. I haven't posted since July - not that I haven't thought about it, just everytime I sat down to do it, something else came up. I am making a new "resolution" (ahead of the game, like Target and their Christmas in September idea) and attempt to get 1 blog up a week. So here goes....
The Kollasch Family is doing wonderfully. Summer was excellent and went by way too quickly. We were able to take a few trips to Grand Rapids, spend a lot of time with Grandma and Grandpa, and got to be outside A LOT! Ben and Quinn have starting forming a special bond - Quinn has a "smile" that he uses just for Ben. They like to chatter with each other and Ben is very attentive to Quinn. Ben underwent ear surgery in August and his language is really coming along. We hear new words everyday and Ben is noticing new sounds. He especially likes planes in the sky. Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for more updates - I promise!