Up North

An unexpected weekend getaway is just what our family needs.  My blossom-making will be taking a little break while we pack up the car and kids and travel up north and going to one of our most favorite places...

Pure Michigan

This year we will be spending the weekend at the family cabin and making a day trip to the city.  We will take lots more pictures of the "Mighty Mac" and throw countless rocks into the Straits.  It is heaven on earth.

First glimpse of the bridge

Really...has anyone ever been happier???

The 5 mile Mackinaw Bridge

Rock throwing

Our family has grown since our 2009 visit and I know Lila will have a blast exploring the rocks and water.  My mom suggested we visit the McGulpin Point Lighthouse and Brendan is hoping we see some new birds and Bald Eagles.

McGulpin Point Lighthouse

We are excited to stay at the cabin with our cousins.  Brendan loves hanging out with the girls and it is fun to visit somewhere new.  I found out tonight that there are loons on the lake and previous bald eagle sightings.  We will have our nature book with us to identify all the new birds around the cabin.  We simply cannot wait for a weekend of just fun!

"Kisses are gross!"

What Brendan said when Lila wanted to give him a kiss...

Relay for Life

Starting at ten today our local Relay for Life kicks off for the 24 hour walk to honor the survivors and remember those who lost their battle with cancer.  Tonight at 10pm my mom and I will be walking to remember my father who lost his battle in 2004.

Lazy almost summer days...

What are you to do when you get all caught up on your blossom orders???

Play a little hopscotch

Enjoy a nice cool drink

Then spit it on your sister

Have a sleepover at Grandma's...no pictures mom!

Watch in amazement as they take huge trees down at your mom's house

Go out to dinner

Then have dessert too

Walk to the "biggest flag in the world" and jump for joy

Watch the birds on our homemade feeders

And enjoy a morning coffee

Silent Sunday...Custom ribbon blossom edition

A proud marine...

My dad.

A proud marine and Vietnam Veteran.

He earned many medals including a purple heart.

He did not talk about Vietnam other than a couple of instances.  I once asked when we were out to lunch together about what year he went to Vietnam (1969) and the other time when he was in the hospital shortly before he passed away.  He told my brother and I that he lead so many men into battles and saw them die next to him and had no idea how he made it out alive.

In honor of him on Memorial Day we plant flowers at his grave.  The weather was HOT and sunny.  His favorite.  He could spend hours out in the heat.  Just sitting in a chair and roasting.  He would have loved it.  I know he was smiling down on us and watching all the kids running and marching with the flags my mom brought for them.  My brother in law planted all the flowers and it looks beautiful now.

Auction

This past weekend the kids and I went a couple hours north of our home for a family camping weekend.  My husband's side started this last year and we had such a great time.  This year they decided to include an auction to help pay for future weekends and the lodging where we stayed.  It was the family group camp at School Section Lake Park.  We had 6 cabins, bath house, main lodge with kitchen, volleyball court, fire pit, and beach.  The area was all private and for the use of our family.  There were lots of items for the auction that everyone brought including several handmade items.  I was outbid for one of grandma's afghans but she promised to make me one in exchange for some ribbon magnets:)  This is what I made for the auction..