Christmas Eve 2010

  Jim, Anna, & Leah

 Rachael & Anna

 Leah & Anna

 Leah & Rachael

 Amy & Leah

 Bill, Joyce, Rachael, & Anna

 The 5 youngest grandkids with Marian

 Leah opening the sweater from Joyce!!

 Trev got the Bears football.....I think I will see this flying in my house soon!

 The gift Leah had been wanting....cowboy boots!

 Marian's gift from Santa....a fireplace heater for her room.

Dune Buggy Ride

On Sunday, we went to Silver Lakes, MI to take a dune buggy tour.  This was a definite highlight of our trip.  We actually got to ride on the dunes, enjoy the scenery, and appreciate the humor of our tour guide.

This is the dune buggy that you ride in.

This is our tour guide....he was fantastic!!

 A photo opportunity on the dunes!

You can see the trails in the sand and it was a beautiful day on Lake Michigan!!

Saturday Night

On Saturday night, we stayed in Muskegeon, MI at the Shoreline Inn.  We didn't have reservations but we found this great hotel with a pool, a view of a lake, and a breakfast in the morning.

The sitting area with the view of Lake Muskegeon and the sofa that turned into a queen size sleeper bed.

Another view from the room.

The other half of the room with the king size bed.

Michigan Dunes

On Labor Day weekend, we took a trip to the Michigan Dunes!!  All of us had a blast!!  On Saturday, the weather was cool and windy but sunny.  We climbed the dunes at Warren Dunes State Park.

Looking out at Lake Michigan from the top of the Dunes.

Trevor & Abby trying to climb up a very STEEP Dune!!

Even Jim got in on the action!

Having a cold snack on a cold day at the concession stand!

Trevor with his Root Beer Float.

I love seeing all of the colors of Lake Michigan.



The journey begins at the bottom!!



He cracks me up :)

  Trevor had trouble falling asleep on Monday night.  This is unusual for him.  On Tuesday night, he said to me, "Mom, I know why I couldn't sleep on Monday night.  On my Axe deodrant that I use it says may cause female attraction and late nights.  That's why I couldn't fall asleep!!"   
 
  I am still laughing today :)

Back to School 2010

It's hard to believe, but today my son became a Junior High student!!  Wow!!  Trevor started 6th grade and Abby started 4th grade.  Abby was excited beyond belief.  They were both up at 6 a.m. and eating breakfast.  We took pictures and waited for the Shelly (the bus driver).  Who else gets picked up by a bus at 7 a.m. in the middle of a cornfield?!  Here's to a great school year!!

Leo -- waiting for Abby!

After I got back from dropping Abby off at camp, I noticed her cat Leo sitting on the trampoline and waiting for her!  Abby loves her cat and Leo will miss Abby this week.

Softball Season

This year, Abby decided to play softball.  She hasn't played since T-Ball.  She is quite good.  She has been playing the positions of first base, pitcher, 3rd base, and shortstop.

Girl Scout Camp

Abby is staying in a cabin with 4 beds this year.

Here are 2 of Abby's cabinmates -- Emily in the middle and Abby (another one!) on the end!

Abby's 2 counselors -- Truman (glasses) and Ronna.

2 girls from Abby's GS troop -- Grace and Linze.

One of Abby's best friends -- Linze.

I drove Abby to girl scout camp today.  She was very excited....the theme of camp this week is horses and she will get to learn about horses and go horseback riding!!  She is there with 3 of her friends.  She is farther away from home this year....2 hours south and 1.5 hours west of our house!!

Illinois State University

Jim & the kids in front of Stevenson Hall -- where we took English together.

The kids on the bridge over College Avenue in front of Milner Library.

Jim & I met at ISU while taking an English class.  We took the kids down to ISU to show them the quad and took their picture in front of the building where we took our English class.  We had a blast.  Jim and I enjoyed walking around the quad (I don't think we have done that in a LONG time!), and the kids loved the library!

Mulch fanatic

  I love mulch!!  The hostas that I got from my Uncle Mark last year look much better this year.  I put mulch around them to hopefully keep the weeds and the dogs away.  I also love the solar lights...especially at night!  I would love to mulch the whole front yard but I feel that is taking it one step too far!!  I also included a picture of my pot of petunias.  They are doing well, and I am starting to have a small green thumb.

Happy 11th Birthday Trevor!

 

 

You ate every 2 hours for the first 3 months of your life.

You were (and still are) an excellent sleeper.

You do well riding in the car.

You woke us up at 6:17 a.m. this morning to open presents.

You were actually born on a Friday.

Your grin makes me wonder.

 You love to be outside...playing, hunting, camping, 4-wheeling, exploring.

 You love Maggie -- your dog.

 You never complain about the school lunches.

 You are interested in SO many things that it is hard to keep up!

 You love science, space, weather, and building things.

 You are interested in wars and the military.

 You love doing projects with Poppa.

 Going to Grandma's house is always a treat and you always find a treat!

 You prefer doing homework with your dad.

 Abby is your best friend and the person you fight with the most.

 You are learning  a lot in band.

 Your favorite vacation was in Maui at Aunt Bec and Uncle Matt's wedding.

 You are artistic.

 You have fun dancing.

You are playing baseball again this summer.

 You are going to drive me crazy with your love of guns.

 You are a great eater.

 My 2 favorite quotes from you:

 "Mom, you don't need makeup.  You are beautiful just the way you are."

"Where's my Ab?"

 

Happy 11th Birthday Trevor!!

The past 11 years have truly been an adventure, and I look forward to sharing more adventures with you!!  You keep me on my toes and make me a better person!!