Tawas

We spent Monday, July 5th in Tawas visiting with my Aunt Judy and Uncle Jim, and my Uncle Mike and Aunt Ruth, or Sugar Momma as Olivia refers to her. It's such a beautiful setting at their cottages and a gorgeous view of the lake. Mike and Ruth had us over for ice cream with delicious fresh strawberries on top. When we finished we headed back to my Aunt Joan's cottage where we were staying to do some sparklers.

The girls with their sparklers

Olivia was a bit apprehensive about the sparklers this year, but enjoyed doing a few.

Mia was quite intrigued, but of course mommy wouldn't let her get her hands on any.

The next morning the girls enjoyed some time playing in the sand with Ruth and Judy before heading home. The Doyles all have such great hospitality!

Now we are in the midst of painting kitchen cabinets, then the walls, followed by the dining room. Therefore there will probably be few entries for the next week. I only managed to squeeze this one in since I am waiting for paint to dry. We will be sure to post a few pictures of the finished projects.

Gone Fishing

Andy has been telling Olivia he would take her fishing for some time now. She was so excited to go fishing while up north over the Independence Day holiday. We packed all the fishing gear, but with as busy as we were, we never managed to squeeze in any fishing time. Olivia was disappointed so we tried to please her by telling her she could go fishing on the Lake in Tawas. Andy and I both very aware that fishing of my aunt and uncle's docks on Lake Huron would yield no fish, but thought it was please her at least. The waters were fairly rough while we were there, but the girls and I still went in swimming for a bit. Needless to say it would have been ridiculous to attempt fishing. Andy made a deal with Olivia to drive to Oscoda to try out their miniature golf course in lieu of fishing, and promised he'd take her fishing when we got home. (They have already been fishing for those of you concerned; Olivia caught 7, Andy 3) Olivia happily accepted the offer.

Andy holding the girls in front of the all too blue looking waterfall

I scored 2 hole-in-ones back to back!

Olivia sinking her putt

Olivia was so proud of her high score! She got an 81 for the day!

Fireworks on the 4th

Here's the crew waiting for the fireworks to start on the 4th outside of John and Esther's motel. We waited for what seemed like an eternity for them to start. I think it was about 10:40 before they began, but they were thankfully worth the wait. I think everyone was impressed with the fireworks show.

Olivia posing for Aunt Jen

An overly tired Mia refusing to go to sleep, was off swinging with Nana. Thank goodness for Nana giving mommy a break.

More from the 4th

Thankfully John and Esther's motel had a clean pool to cool down in. Olivia spent a lot of time in the water there, but the rest of us just jumped in after the parade on the 4th. What beautiful, but HOT weather we had!

Nana swimming with Olivia and Mia

The pictures below are actually from Thursday when we got up to our property.

"Please don't go Uncle Jere!"

Mia giving kisses to her daddy. She loves giving kisses these days, but be forewarned, she only does so mouth opened.

4th of July Parade

The 4th of July proved to be another hot day. We headed out to watch the parade and waited quite a while in the heat, but it was a nice parade all in all. After the parade we headed over to the Maritime Museum where they were also having a Maritime Festival. For that reason the museum was packed. We made a quick walk through it, stepped outside so Olivia could enjoy some of the inflatables and the adults could snack on some fries with vinegar and whitefish sandwiches. Olivia loved the inflatables, one even looked like a ship going down in the water, but really it was a giant slide. The whitefish sandwiches got rave reviews as well. We headed for Nana and Papa's motel pool shortly after so we could all cool down.

Uncle Pat, Aunt Julie, Patty, Dad, Olivia, Nana, Papa waiting for the parade to start

Mia hanging with Aunt Julie (Thankfully my baby doesn't make strange.)

The ice cream truck came through prior to the parade so Olivia was sharing with Grandpa.

Mia proudly waving her flag during the parade.

More of the 3rd of July

My Uncle Dave and Aunt Marvis had lots of family over for a cookout and to enjoy their beautiful beach on the 3rd. They have a beautiful home and gorgeous beach. It was great to catch up with my aunts and uncles as well as some of my cousins and his Aunt June who is 94 and still going strong. The beach and water were the highlights for the girls. Nana and Aunt Jen enjoyed a bit of the water too. It was quite cute watching Grandma Patty and Nana building a sand castle together for Olivia. I of course didn't have the camera down at the beach initially so I missed some wonderful Kodak moments. Andy had Vada in the water too. She truly loves to get wet, and she needed it with the heat that day.

Mia's big old Luvs diaper soaked up half of Lake Huron. It was quite a sight to see her big ol' booty jiggling up and down the beach.

Even in the cool water, Mia loved the lake.

Olivia enjoyed swimming as well as running up and down the beach. She couldn't con anyone into letting her bury them in the sand though.

Mia is definitely a daddy's girl at heart.

The 3rd of July Continued

At the pier is also a playground, which of course my girls couldn't pass up. Mia enjoyed riding the whale and exploring all the playground had to offer. Olivia just pretended it was her castle.

Even Andy had a whale of a time. I think he might have exceeded any weight restrictions. Andy had as much fun as the girls playing on the equipment and taking Vada down the slide.

The princess atop her castle.

My little climbing monkey

The 3rd of July

Nana, Papa, and Aunt Jen all headed up in the busy holiday traffic to join us in Alpena for the 4th of July weekend. We got up Thursday late afternoon, but they didn't get there until Friday evening. Jennifer hung out with us in our camper, but John and Esther decided a motel across from Lake Huron would provide finer accommodations. Saturday morning we ate a good breakfast and then headed to the boat harbor to walk the pier. The weather was beautiful the entire weekend, although quite hot.

Lazy Olivia suckered Aunt Jen into carrying her most of the time. Nana and Papa happily walked with all of us.

Walking the rocks along the water's edge

Miss Vada got in lots of walking and swimming this weekend too.

Many more pictures from the 4th of July weekend to follow!