Thursday, August 11, 2011

Old and New Presque Isle

After the 4th of July parade we headed north to Presque Isle to see the lighthouses and enjoy a gorgeous view of Lake Huron.
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse and keeper's home
Andy, Olivia, and Mia atop of the lighthouse

A full view of the light house with Aaron and Christy at the top enjoying it's scenic views.


Olivia putting a flower behind her ear, while everyone else walks back up from the beach in front of the lighthouse.


Aaron and Andy where they belong in the stockades

Mia helping herself to a drink with an old hand pump

The New Presque Isle Lighthouse

Christy, Aaron, Olivia, and Andy all conquered the climb. You wouldn't think this lighthouse was much taller, but it was quite a work out.

Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

4th of July Parade

Mia and Nana waving at a float

As is tradition, we went to the annual Fourth of July parade in Alpena. The girls love watching the parade and getting way too much candy. The parade is always full of patriotic homage and my favorite, sales at the downtown stores. There's a reason we always sit in front of the shoe store.

The whole gang sitting and relaxing at the parade
Mia looking on with Uncle Dale and Aunt Julie in the background

Olivia snuggling with her favorite Aunt Jen


Hugs good bye to Aunt Julie
Posted by Picasa

Patient Acres

Well, we had an amazing vacation up North for two weeks. It was two weeks spent with simple pleasures, exploring nature, visiting family, swimming, and just being together. A lot of projects were accomplished too. A deck built, trails made, landscaping done, a pavilion put up, the shed cleaned out and organized, a bat house hung, and a trailer full of trash taken to the recycling center. As a family patience is something we all need to work on, but we seem to do quite well on it while up north. We also have learned we need to be patient while getting projects done on the property. So we have finally decided on a name for our property. It has officially been dubbed "Patient Acres." It fits us quite well!
Mia and Olivia enjoyed riding the 4 wheeler around. Mia of course on short rides with either mom or dad, but Olivia would spend hours a day riding on all her trails.

Daddy and Mia cruising the trails

Some night time fun with sparklers. In the background notice the new deck Andy built on our camper.


Daddy and his girls
Some deer we spotted on the road before our property.

Andy's entire family came up for a week as well. Not only his parents and sister this year, but his brother Aaron and his wife Chirsty also made the trip from Southern Georgia. It was a busy few days, but we packed in a lot of fun and excitement. We spent a relaxing day on the beach at my Uncle Dave and Aunt Marvis' home and then walked the pier at the boat harbor that evening.

Stopping for a photo at the pier

Posted by Picasa

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Our new backyard

We recently relandscaped our backyard and moved the girls' playhouse. Moving the playhouse was quite a feat, but it was successfully done.

Mia loves to walk through the landscaping, sit on rocks, or smell the flowers.

Stopping to smell the flowers


Mia is quite a ham lately. She's really developing a personality all of her own. She once again got strep (5th time this year). Olivia also had it, so we're hoping both on antibiotics at the same time will end this cycle.

Vada enjoys the new area too, although she's supposed to stay out of the flowers. We all know that never happens.



Well, we are looking forward to heading up to Alpena for 2 weeks. So don't be looking for any new entries for a couple of weeks. We know it will be a nice and relaxing time and are thrilled that we will have some visitors our last week up there. Andy's parents, brother Aaron and his wife Christy, along with his sister Jennifer will be coming up. We plan on heading up to the UP for a couple of days. Fun is on the way!
Posted by Picasa

Fathers' Day!

The girls popping out of one of their Fathers' Day gifts for Andy. I know, a trash can, how exciting, but that's what he wanted.



Daddy, loved his new trash can, especially what he found inside.
The girls also got him a card that recorded their voice inside telling him they loved him and happy Fathers' Day. It is sooooo precious!


On Fathers' Day, an under the weather Mia and I went to church with my dad and Patty, while Andy and Olivia played in a golf tournament with his father. We had a nice time at church and a wonderful meal after with my sister's family there too. Later we met up with Olivia and Andy and went to Nana and Papa's for a Fathers' Day meal again.

And the winners are.....


That's right! Papa, Andy, and Olivia won the father and child golf tournament! We are so proud of them all!

Posted by Picasa

Strawberries

Tuesday, June 14th we headed out to pick strawberries along with my sisters crew and her sister-in-law Jennifer and her children. We had a fun time and our family alone came home with over 11 pounds of juicy sweet strawberries.
Child labor

"No mommy, I haven't been eating any strawberries!"

All smiles


The whole crew working together


Janie wanted in on Mia's strawberries too!


Olivia and Piper smashing some berries.

The next day, we had our friends over to help us make strawberry freezer jam. It was our first ever attempt. It turned out pretty good, but a little runny. I think it will be great on top of some ice cream as well!


Mia wanted in on the pictures too!

Posted by Picasa

Monday, June 13, 2011

Joan's

After the zoo, we made it safely to Scott and Joan's open house party. The house was gorgeous! We were thrilled to see Uncle Mike and Aunt Ruth arrive on their move up from Georgia. They both have officially retired and are now going to call their cottage in Tawas their permanent home. Uncle Mark and Aunt JoAnne also drove down from Midland. My dad and Patty even showed up. It was great to see Erica again too. We grew up like sisters being the same age and our mothers twins. Since she moved to Portland, Oregon, our times we see each other are slim.

A picture of Scott and Joan's gorgeous new home

Andy, Mia, Uncle Mark, Aunt JoAnne, and Olivia enjoying the AC in the living room

Erica with Mia

Amanda, Mia, Erica, Olivia, and Aunt JoAnne


Mia kissing on Aunt Joan

It was a great party. Great food, a beautiful home, and wonderful company! What more could one ask for?
Posted by Picasa