Memorial Weekend

The weather was uncommonly warm and sunny for a Michigan Memorial Day Weekend. (The hallmark of this particular holiday in Michigan is a sharp 30 degree temperature drop accompanied by precipitation in all its forms flying in sideways in a 40 mph gale)

Samuel loves to swing. The life jacket is just in case he flies off into the lake.

Abigail has a good view of the hike from her perch over my shoulder.

Day out with Thomas the Train.

Saturday we took a trip to the Greenfield Village in Dearborn for the Day out with Thomas the Train.

We liked the area so much we put a bid in on this house.

Apparently it was a little low, and we didn't get it.

Ewe butts!!

At the end of a long day Abigail shares an after dinner binky with her brother.

Christmas around our world

After Abigail saw that the tree was decorated and lit she decided we were ready to start with the festivities.

Samuel sat at the table thumping his fork and knife on the plate, thereby notifying us of his readiness to eat.

Abigail enjoyed the presents and wrappings alike.

Some present wrappers get a little too tape-happy so Abigail nominated her Papa to assist on more than a few occasions.

Samuel postulates as to what the big box contains.

Good guess. Samuel bussied himself for the rest of the day by plowing the driveway.

Rewind

Rewind to a mid October.

Cottage.

Samuel pictured here sporting a ten-gallon stocking cap.

Abigail kicks back with Papa.

Samuel goes to camp

This past week Samuel went on his first camping trip.

Sand Lakes Quiet Area was the destination.

Several discoveries were made throughout the trip. Some by Samuel (the wilderness isn't plumbed with flush toilets, and it's encouraged by my dad to go pee in the woods), and some by myself (pyromania is linked to the Y chromosome, as is whacking things with sticks and throwing rocks into perfectly still lakes).

A hot dog at the ballgame beats roast beef at the Ritz.

Monday Grandpa Wagner took the family to the ballpark.
Hot dogs, popcorn and fellowship were shared by all.
Samuel and cousin Peyton enjoyed the rides more than the game,
but that should change when Samuel develops his curve ball and can locate his change-up!
Tigers lost 2-7.

Weekend Adventure

With our driver chomping at the bit early Saturday morning we were off to Uncle Nick and Aunt Joy's cottage on the Muskegon River.

Loaded up on java, we were ready to point the motor-coach north.

The weather was beautiful and Great grandma kicked back with Abigail.

Samuel, Sarah, Owen, and Uncle("boppa" to Owen)Nick catching minnows and crayfish in the river.

Huckleberry fin times two.

During lunch Abigail evaluated what was soon to be converted to breastmilk and made available to her.

"Hey, you guys!! I bet we could package some of that milk stuff into a handsome container for casual drinking. These chairs seem to be already outfitted for holding the containers....neat!" Abigail.

If all of these babies ever realize how much they out-number us we could all be in big trouble.

On the way back we stopped by Ohma's house to say hello. Ohma took this opportunity to make a wish on Abigail's head.

A big hug and kiss for Ohma and it was time to hit the trail and head for bed. It was a long day.

The Great Ohio'an Adventure

This past weekend we made the trip to the lake house per the invitation of Kate and Ryan.

We loaded up the jalopy like a tibetan sherpa and updated our passports with an Ohio stamp. Friday morning we piloted our motorcoach South by Southeast.

Day 1:

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We didn't have too many miles under our belts before we encountered some wildlife of interest. I have a habit of photographing outstanding mullet haircuts. So when we stood in line at McDonalds for coffee behind this stunning specimen I completely gave in to temptation and snapped this nice candid.

Then it was back onto the highway. We made it to the lake house where some introductions were in order (Abigail's first meeting with some native Ohio'ans)

Then it was time to eat some lunch and play trucks.

Day 2:

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Samuel starts off the day by brewing a pot of java for the fam.

Our bellies were filled to carrying capacity with breakfast so we figured the best thing to do was to spit in the face of sea sickness and go for a boat ride.

A trained goose made a great babysitter while Abigail took a nap.

The afternoon was consumed with working on the tan and looking at the boats.

Day 3:

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The water was calm for skiing in the morning.

Samuel took the jet-ski out for a cruise and encountered a piece of Marblehead, OH history. The smallest lighthouse in the universe. This is not trick photography this microscopic beacon of saftey is roughly 6 inches taller than Samuel. A boat captain needs the vision of an eagle to avoid this landmass.




















This concludes our adventure. The remainder of the day was occupied with the journey home. No photos or commentary will accompany this event as it was filled to overflowing with cranky tired children. We are currently praying that our memories of the return trip will be obliterated completely.