Happy Easter

                 The Croteau's have actually done some activities worthy of blogging recently. Last weekend we went to the Grand Rapids sportsman's show. It was pretty fun, they had all kinds of boats for me to dream over and they also had a 700000 gallon pool stocked with fish. In the pond they also had the jumping dock dogs. It was cool to see the taxidermy exhibit as well, gave me some ideas for my next duck mount. After the Sportsman's show we went to a restaurant called Big Boy, we had heard good things about it so we decided to give it a try. It was good, nothing to write home about. It was essentially an IHOP.
                 Fast forward to Easter weekend, on Saturday I got a chance to bottle the beer I brewed a while ago, I plan to pop my first top on my birthday. I hope it is good. Saturday afternoon we went to a friend of mines house for an Easter party. His wife stuffed and hid 2000 eggs for the kids to find, they also had a nice little pot luck supper. It was a beautiful day, Allison, Norah, and I had a great time. On Easter Sunday we stayed pretty low key. I had given up sweets for lent so after waking this morning I was sure to bake some of the chocolate chip cookies Nanny White left us. We also ate some chocolate and had French Toast for breakfast. We hid a bunch of eggs for Norah to find but she was lazy and wouldn't crawl around to find them.
                  Norah Mae is doing very well. She is rolling over and is sitting up by herself for a little bit at a time. Its amazing watching her progression. Allison is doing good now that winter seems to be over and she is able to get out of the house. Allison and Norah have been venturing out to a couple of toddler time book readings at the local libraries each week. I think it is good for Allison to be able to talk to someone other than me, I mean I know I'm an interesting fella but she must be ready to kill me by now. I have been keeping very busy at work. It has been kind of nice to not just go sit in front of a computer all day. School is going well and it sounds like Coast Guard Tuition Assistance should be back in full swing by the time I am done with my current class in June. This is great news considering I am trying to complete my degree before leaving Michigan in 2016.
                   Well just over a month till we are back in New England, I hope its warm. Side note, if you are ever wondering why I post hardly and pictures of Allison its because she never thinks she looks good enough, I disagree but I always lose the editing battle.

I was trying to talk Allison into getting a sweetheart Deer stand. She wasn't having it.

DAD..MOM, THE EASTER BUNNY CAME!!!!

I hope this is the damn Fox that stole my duck last year.

Southern Dreams

Who's idea was it to move North? I remember winter being much more fun, so far this winter it has been cold and snowy with no redeeming factors. South Carolina isn't looking so bad.Allison, Norah and I haven't been doing to much lately. It was nice outside a couple of days last week and we were finally able to get out of the house and go for a walk around the neighborhood. It really gave us spring fever and now I can't shake it. Last Sunday I brewed a batch of beer. It smelled awfully good (to me) Allison would disagree. I can't wait to try it out. Today was Norah's 4 month doctors appointment, everything went well and she is getting big but is only in the 50th percentile for her age. As long as her size isn't below average I will be happy, we aren't trying to raise an amazon woman. Looking forward to seeing everyone in May, not to long now.



Norah Supporting the B's

Eskimo baby

Super Norah

Another Good Visit

Nana and Pepe Croteau came to Michigan for another visit this past week. It was great to see them. We didn't do to much due to the weather but I know they were just here to see Norah Mae anyways. I did make a great seafood chowder, everyone seemed to like it. I would definitely make it again. Norah is changing as each day passes and it breaks our hearts. I really wish she would stay my little girl forever. Being a father is such a great feeling. We can't wait to come home in May. Looking forward to seeing you all.

The Great Michigan Car Show

               Yesterday Allison, Norah and I braved the elements in order to attend the Great Michigan Car Show in Grand Rapids. We drove for over an hour to get there and it turned out that the car show was pretty small. I think we spent under and hour inside. It was still fun though and it got us out of the house. I think Allison and I both found our future cars, should we win the Powerball. Norah Mae was very well behaved and didn't really make a peep the whole time we were out.
                After the car show we went out for lunch at the Grand Rapids Brewing Company http://grbrewingcompany.com/ . Its a 100% organic and locally produced brewery and grill. The appetizers were amazing, Allison had a Pork belly lollipop and some fried pickles w/ avocado ranch sauce. I had a scotch egg. Our meals were great and the service was even better. Our server brought me over a bunch of samples of beers to try so I could make an informed decision on what beer to choose, he also gave us a complimentary dessert in congratulations of our new daughter. Needless to say I think Allison and I will be back.
               The weather here has been absolutely crazy. Last week we almost hit 60 degrees with rain and it effectively melted all our snow. It put me in the spring spirit although it was still January. Now we have had 12" since Sunday and are supposed to have another 12" by Monday night. Shoveling the driveway is getting a little old. Its a good thing all our snow has been powder so far.
               Allison and Norah are doing great. They have settled on a schedule that seems pretty accommodating for the both of them. I hate to leave them every morning for work but Allison helps out by sending me pictures throughout the day. Norah Mae sure loves being read to, We bought here Shel Silversteins The Giving Tree the other night. That book is one of my favorites.
               School is going well, world religion is pretty interesting and there is so much to it that it can be a little overwhelming at times. Being able to complete a majority of my classwork at work is a big plus for me. It's a pain now but I know it will pay off upon retirement.
               Nana and Pepe Croteau are coming out for a visit in a couple weeks, we are all looking forward to that. I sure hope the weather conditions are agreeable so they make it in.

The Croteau's w/ Grand Rapids news team 8

Allison in her Mini Cooper

Me in my Cummins

Waking up from my nap

Daddy and Norah reading time

Snow On The Pines

              Today I am updating you from the comfort of my own couch here in Michigan. It is 8 degrees out and has been snowing for 3 days straight. We really haven't gotten as much snow as you would think. Anyways today was my first ("snow day") no go to work day. I had to shovel the driveway and the porches though, that is much much more work then I normally accomplish in the CG.
             Last weekend was filled with sports. Some wins, some loses, the Pats will try again next year while the Bruins have finally just started. Norah is going to be raised in a sports loving family, hopefully she adapts.She seems to like being dressed up in Boston sports apparel, she is already playing the part of a Boston fan, but her fragile heart is still unknowing the torment her favorite teams will put her though year after year.
             Norah is getting stronger and smarter everyday. At night while I'm home I like to hold her up so she is standing, she can go for quite a while now. Norah has found her hands and has realized that she can use them. Its so funny to see the delight in her eyes as she simply bats at her stuffed animal hanging above her on her play mat. Norah has a doctors appointment on Friday for her 2 month shots, we will also find out how much she has grown. She is growing up much to fast for my liking.
             When Norah was born Allison sent her birth announcement to the White House, today we received a letter back from the President. I thought that was pretty cool and a great idea of Allison's.
               I brewed my first batch of beer on Sunday and now I just sit and wait a couple of weeks until bottling day. I look am looking forward to tasting the fruits of my labor.
             Papa White introduced me to audio books and now I can't get enough.It sure makes my 40 minute ride to and from work much more enjoyable. Our local library is very nice and I am amazed with the amount of books and audio books at my disposal. I just finished The Woods by Harlan Coben, I really liked it and would recommend it.
             Anyways here are a few pictures to tide you over.

Look at the weirdo plows Whitehall has, they do a pretty aweful job as well.

Before last Sundays game.

Norah wants you all to know her thighs are not chubby, we have been doing squats and those thighs are pure muscle.

Sad face after last Sundays game.

Photos From Vacation

Jackson Daigle and Norah Mae

Uncle Cam and Baily

Testing out snowshoes.

Eloise and Norah

Cousins!!!

Nana D with Norah Mae

Passed out in Buffalo NY. She is a good traveler.