Determined...

Determined...
Yes, that is what I am.
I am determined...
I am on a mission.
A mission to find it...
It?  You may ask...
"What I'm good at".
I try everything.
A little of this...
A little of that...
I dabble here...
I dabble there...
But I never excel at anything.
Scrapbooking?
Yes.  I do it.
Good at it?
Nope...
So so...yep.
Stamping?
Yes.  I do it.
Good at it?
Nope...
So so...yep.
Piano.
Yes.  I play.
Good at it?
Nope...
So so...yep.
Gardening?
Yes. I do it.
Good at it?
Nope...
So so...yep.
I'll try anything.
There are many things I love!
But I'm just not good at anything!
I love hair, nails, make-up, fashion...
Am I good at it?
NOOOOOO!
People say I'm a good friend...
Well none of them seem to stick around for me after I've been there for them!
And ya can't get paid to be a good friend!
I'm looking for a new direction in life...a new career preferably.
Monday, I will start cake decorating classes.
I am praying THIS WILL BE IT!!!
I've wanted to do it for years.
Praying I will be good.
Praying I will be great!
Praying THIS will be my niche!
Will it be?
I need this.
I need something.
I need to have a calling.
Something I'm great at.
To find my true talent.
I want to build a new business.
I would love it if it were this.
I covet any and all prayers if you're reading this.
I can't stand this "not good enough" at anything feel anymore.
It is wearing me down and tearing me apart.
I'm not happy with my current situation (career) at the present.
I am blessed to have it.
It has been good to me.
I am here for my family.
Set my own hours/policies.
But I am so burnt out.
I have to admit...
It's not just the job either.
That "not good enough" feeling sneaks into other aspects of my life too.
Without going into too much detail...
It's kind of that "always being second best" feeling with everyone.
EVERYONE.
It can be hurtful...
Irritating...
Maddening...
But, I thank God for my husband and sons.
They get me through it all.
I live for them.
So anyway...
I haven't had a pity-party in a while...so I guess I was due, LOL!
But...
Here's to new beginnings!
Cake decorating here I come!
Maybe THIS will just be my thing!
Please God?

Our Home Is...

Our home is...

Backpacks and trumpet case in the hallway...

Laundry baskets full of folded clean clothes waiting to be put away (and waiting and waiting)...

Clean dishes in the dishwasher...and dirty dishes in the sink...

A kitchen counter full of mail, recipe cards, homework folders, permission slips, lists...

A kitchen table full of "already read" newspapers waiting to be taken to the dumpster...

Piles of coupons in the corner of the living room...

Nate's blanket draped over the chair...

Legos all over the living room floor...

Dirty clothes in the hamper needing "caught up"...

Bathrooms in need of their weekly clean-up...

Stacks of old magazines by my bedside that need to be sorted...

Dust bunnies that are not so cute...

Carpets needing to be swept...

Evan's pottery on the desk...

Nate's artwork filling his cubby...

Video games and remotes scattered about...

My paperwork laying on the couch...

Oreo's toys in at least one corner of every room...

Plants needing water...again...

Shoes in the entryway...a lot of them...

The boys' rooms are messy...(I can't complain, because...)

Our room is messy...

Reusable grocery bags loiter my hallway...

Our home will never...

Have everything in its place...

Have everything "caught up"...

Be immaculately clean...

Because...

Our home is...

Lived in...

Filled with children...

Filled with family...

Filled with clients...

Filled with a crazy cat...

But most of all...

Our home is...

Filled with joy...

Filled with care...

Filled with fun...

Filled with happiness...

Filled with compassion...

And lastly...

Filled with LOVE.

Learning more and more...

When Nate decides to do something...

He goes at it full steam ahead!

He bought a little booklet, bag of balloons, and pump from Scholastic Books last year...and we discovered some tutorial videos on a website and he has become addicted to learning the art of balloon animals!

Here he is with his "hat"...

...and the deer he made today.

He is coming along so well!

We're so impressed and proud of ya Natee!

Keep up the great work!

Raspberry Streusel Muffins

Many years ago, back when Jamie and I worked at the Stuart Avenue Inn Bed & Breakfast right after we first got married...when I was on duty in the evenings, I used to read through all the many B & B magazines, country magazines, midwest type magazines that the owners subscribed to.  I found this recipe for "Raspberry Streusel Muffins" and tried it...and they are the BEST ever!  I have made them for nearly seventeen years now!  And tonight, we substitued the raspberries for blueberries and are anxious to try them.  This is the best fruit muffin I've ever had.  Try it...and let me know what ya think!

Raspberry Streusel Muffins

1. Prepare topping.  Set aside.  Grease 12 muffin cups.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. In large bowl; w/ electric mixter beat butter & sugar until light and fluffy.  Add egg.  Beat until well blended.

3. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.  In small bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and vanilla.  Add flour mixture to butter mixture.  Alternately w/ milk mixture beating just until baatter is combined.  Gently fold in raspberries (or other berries of your choice).

4. Spoon into tins about 2/3 full.  Sprinkle w/ topping.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes.  Cool 5 minutes and remove.

Topping:

1/2 c. flour

1/2 c. oats

1/3 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. salt

With 2 knives cut in 6 tblsp. butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Briefly rub mixture between fingers to blend butter.

Muffin Mixture:

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. sugar

1 egg

2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 c. milk

1/2 c. sour cream

1 tsp. vanilla

1 c. raspberries (or berries of your choice)

The finished product!

I thought I told you not to play with mom's camera...

Ok...so they know they're not supposed to play with my camera...
But I had to laugh when I was going through my photos and surprisingly saw this one, LOL!
Guess Ev snapped it of Nate in the garage the other day...teehee...
I have to admit...it was pretty funny to discover this one, LOL!

"I don't have time for this!"...said my rude cashier at Walmart.

So, as Nate and I headed off to Walmart today for cat food (Meijer no longer sells our brand, grr!)...I figured I might as well bring my high value coupons and do a little shopping as well.  I'll tell you all about my savings in a moment...but first I have to share about my extremely RUDE cashier! 
Whenever I use a lot of coupons, I make sure I am very patient and very polite with my cashier.  I engage in chit-chat and want him/her to know I'm friendly, not trying to scam, patient, and doing my best to make their job easier.
So Nate and I proceed to the check-out...and after she scans all the coupons...she THROWS them in a pile (instead of placing them where they go) and she shouts "I don't have time for this!".  Well how rude it that?!?!
I turned and said, "Have a great day!  Thank-you!"
But I do plan to use their online survey about my visit today and see what happens!
I mean seriously...don't yell at me because I'm trying to save my family money!  You of all people (making minimum wage) should understand just how hard it is in this economy to make a decent living and pay the bills!  So don't yell at me for using my coupons!  Sheesh!
So anyway...enough of the bad...
On to the good...
I got some GREAT deals...
Good Life cat food...$4.48...used a $2.00 coupon...paid $2.48 (got 3 bags for that price).
Satin Care shave gel...$1.97...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 97 cents (got 3 cans for that price).
Friskies cat treats...$1.42...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 42 cents (got 2 bags for that price).
Shick disposable razors...$5.47...used a $3.00 coupon...paid $2.47.
Cinnabon cereal...$2.00...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.00.
Ready Rice...$1.78...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 78 cents.
Ready Rice...$1.78...used a 75 cent coupon...paid $1.03.
Danonino yogurt...$2.00...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.00.
Danimals Crush Cups yogurt...$2.00...used a $1.00 coupon...paid $1.00.
Ronzoni pasta...$1.50...used a $1.00 coupon...paid 50 cents.
Ronzoni pasta...$1.50...used a 75 cent coupon...paid 75 cents.

My tally...
Before coupons...$42.07
After coupons...$20.93

I saved more than I spent...maybe that's what upset her???  LOL!!!

Random fun w/ cat...

They say a cat will never sleep on anyone he doesn't trust...
I guess he trusts all four of us a WHOLE lot! LOL!
He sure loves those boys...
And I sure love my fur-baby!

And again...here's Prince Oreo...wearing another one of the crowns sweet Natee made him, LOL!
We love ya Oreo!

SUMMER...

I'm hot...

I'm cranky...

I sweat...

I'm ornery...

My make-up runs...

I'm grumpy...

My hair is flat...and frizzy...

I'm irritable...

My flowers wilt...

I'm angry...

I feel sick to my stomach...

I want to go to bed...

I want to hole up in the air-conditioned house for three months...

THIS IS SUMMER TO ME.

Out of the mouths of babes...

Out of the mouths of babes...

Nate is always quoting his Royal Ranger pledge, motto, code, etc...so, today he decided it would be appropriate to put Evan in his place when Evan was due for a shower...

Nate: "Evan, a Royal Ranger is CLEAN!"

Evan: "I'm clean spiritually."

Nate: "Well now it's time to clean your body, you stink!"

Gotta love 'em!

Another funny...

After going through some junk mail, Nate discovers an ad for ProActive, the blemish control system...

Nate: "Hey mom, Evan's got AGNE...should we get this?"

Me: "AGNE? Natee I think you mean ACNE."

Nate: "Whatever, can we get some for Ev?"

Instant adrenaline/energy when it comes to my family!

You know...

It's amazing how...when it comes to my family...no matter how tired, sluggish, or lazy I'm feeling...if they're hurt or sick...NOTHING gets in my way!!!

I'm THERE!

In a flash!

Light-speed!

Today we were taking the kids for a walk.

I was pulling the wagon...with THREE heavy toddlers in it.

It was hot...muggy...I was tired...sluggish...sweaty...irritable...dragging...up the hill...ugh...miserable.

Then I saw it...

Nate was riding his scooter...up ahead of us...and...

BOOM.

Down he went.

I could see he was crying...but he bounced back up fairly quick...

You should've seen me take off RUNNING with that heavy old wagon full of toddlers up the hill!!!

Their pigtails and curls were flyin' in the wind!

This momma was BOOKIN'!!!

I WAS ON A MISSION TO SAVE MY BABY!!!

His knee was pretty messed up.

He had quite the scrape...bleeding, a bruise, and quite a bump.

We rushed home with all the kids and cleaned Nate up, sprayed him with Bactine, put some triple-antibiotic cream and a bandage on it, and he was good to go. He had a bit of a scrape on his hand too. He was starting to feel the brunt of the fall...so we gave him some Tylenol too.

He's doing pretty good now...milking it of course...giving us the "poor me" deal, LOL...Nate's pretty good at that, LOL!

It just kinda dawned on me later...how when we're at our most tired, least energy, feeling our worst...that adrenaline really kicks in when it comes to our family!

NOBODY gets between me and my fam when they're down and out!

It's "MY" time...before I lose my mind...

I have been struggling a lot lately with burnout.
Mostly with the job I think...
But also just looking for fulfillment...
Wondering what my purpose is.
I just can't fathom...
Making it to my grave...
Cleaning up toys, wiping snotty noses, washing up finger paint, and changing dirty diapers.
I have been thinking and thinking and praying and praying and wondering what to do.
I can do a lot of things "OK"...
But I'm not "good" at any one thing.
So...after nothing came to me...career-wise...
I came to the conclusion...
That if I'm not going to be able to change jobs...
At least for now...
Then I HAVE HAVE HAVE to do something for ME.
Just for fun.
Something I've always been wanting to do.
Three things that top my list...
1. Cake decorating
2. Photography
3. Violin lessons
So I am crossing number one off my list!
I called several hobby stores today and am going to sign up for cake decorating classes.
If it just turns out to be a hobby...nothing more than making cakes for family and friends...
So be it...
At least I have some kind of creative outlet.
If it turns into something more...
Possibly making cakes for money...
Even better.
At this point,
I am just excited about getting out of the house one night a week and learning something new.
My only fear is...
That I am such a perfectionist...
That it might stress me out even more than I am now! Eeek!
I am going to try my best not to.
I just want to have fun.
Practice makes perfect.
Live and learn.
I just have to remember...
This is for fun.
Anything else that comes from it...
Well...
Then that's just...
"Icing on the cake"...no pun intended, LOL...ok...well maybe a little pun intended, LOL!

Practice makes perfect!

Nate is continuing to make progress with his latest interest...

Balloon creations!

He has been using a booklet that came with his balloons and pump...

But then I found a website for him that had all kinds of videos loaded to it so that he could follow along and watch "the balloon master" step-by-step.

He has been doing awesome!

He loves the site and has been creating all kinds of things!

He made this hat the other day...they call it "the dolphin"...I can kinda see it, LOL!

But it looks exactly like the one "the balloon master" made and Nate copied it twist for twist!

He's doing awesome and we're so proud!

Peek-a-boo!

Peek-a-boo!
I see you!
Guess who?
Yep...
Oreo seems to find comfort in tight squeezed places.
He crawled in Nate's marble works box and fell asleep yesterday.
Was too cute not to get a picture, teehee!

Running on fumes today...

So...

Last night Jam and I spent the whole night in the ER at ZCH.

He thought he "pulled something" in his back.

But as the pain got worse and worse and soon became unbearable...we decided it had to be something more and better get it checked out.

The nurses and doctor were so nice.

The doctor knew immediately what it was (though she still ordered a cat scan to confirm it).

A kidney stone.

Who'd have thought?

Crazy.

Poor fella.

He was in unbearable pain.

And several of my girlfriends who've had them have told me they'd rather give birth than endure another kidney stone.

It was awful.
He had four doses of various pain-killers intravenously and also some vicodin orally.
It really didn't even touch the pain for the most part.
I felt so helpless.

Both of us were up all night...but I went ahead and worked on Friday...muddled through. I don't know if it was the extra large iced coffee I sipped on all day or the grace of God...but I didn't even feel that tired.

By Friday night, it was a different story. I was dead.
I think we both went to bed around 10:30 pm...which is extremely early for both of us. I slept off and on all night, but woke every few hours to check on Jam...who didn't sleep at all...again.

So he's now it's been since Wednesday night that he had a full night's sleep. Between the excruciating pain and vomiting...he was up all night last night as well.

We think we finally figured out what was causing the majority of the vomiting...the vicodin. So now I am cutting all his pills in half and he's only taking half the dose. This stinks because now he isn't able to mask the pain...but what do you do? Be in pain? Or vomit all day? Gee...hmm...what a choice?

We've been told to "flush flush flush" him out with fluids. I've been bringing him waterbottles, lemonade, and his sparkling grape water.

I just feel so helpless. I have NEVER seen such pain on him.
He was literally shaking he had so much pain. He had chills...yet was sweating...it was awful.

It has been a LONG two days. The dr. said it should pass within 1-3 days.
Welllllll...
WE'RE WAITING!!!
Please Lord...I don't know how much more pain and vomiting he can take...

My skirt came in! Yay!

I have been wanting one of these skirts for the LONGEST time!

Peasant skirt. Broomstick skirt. Whatever you want to call them. I LOVE THEM!

And when Chadwicks had their coupon code for $15.00 off any $15.00 purchase...well, I just couldn't resist seeing what they had to offer!

So, when I saw this skirt...I was hooked! It was originally $45.99.

They had it marked down to $16.99...making it only $1.99 for those of us with the coupon code!

I did have to pay $6.99 shipping...but hey...for a whopping total of $6.98...I get this beautiful comfy, flowy skirt (in my favorite color no less!)...I am geeked! I love it! Woohoo!

Chunky Bling!...Have you heard about it?

Chunky Bling...
Have you heard about it?
My mom introduced me to it and I have just started checking out their website!
They have this amazing chunky jewelry that you just HAVE to check out!

They are famous for their interchangeable watches which are absolutely beautiful! Just pick your favorite watch face, choose a watch band and BINGO! You can have a new look every day!

They have all kinds of jewelry. I personally am excited about trying one of their rings, because EVERYONE knows I am a ring gal! I'd wear one on every finger if I could! You also have to see their charm necklaces , they are beautiful! So many to choose from!

And of course if you're going to get a coordinating watch, ring, and necklace...who doesn't want a bracelet? Am I right? Go take a look-see! They're beautiful!

One of the other cool things is, you can also host online jewelry party ! So make your list, check it twice and tell all your friends about ChunkyBling.com , the chunky, funky BEAUTIFUL way to dazzle your wardrobe!

"I married my best friend"

I finally saw the movie "Valentine's Day".
I'm a sucker for most romantic comedies...aka "chick flicks".
And thankfully...my hubby will endure them with me and usually enjoy them too.
This one was pretty cute.
One of my favorite lines in the movie was:

Reed: "Tell me somethin’, how did you and your wife get it so right?"
Alphonso: "It’s easy…I married my best friend."

I wonder how many people can say they married their best friend?
I know I did.
I sometimes think if people weren't looking so hard for the tall, dark, and handsome knight in shining armor...or the one who gives them non-stop butterflies in their stomach...or the one who always makes them feel good...or the one who needs to always be romantic 100% of the time...
Maybe there wouldn't be so many break-ups, let-downs, broken hearts, and divorces.
Maybe...
Just maybe...
If we not only fell in love...
But we married our BEST FRIEND...
We'd find that we too can "get it so right".

Summer?...Not a fan...

Summer + Melody = Yuck

"Dislike"

"Not a fan"

However you want to put it.

I do NOT enjoy summer.

I hate the heat.

I hate being hot.

I hate humidity.

I hate sweating.

It makes me feel nauseous.

It gives me a headache.

I don't like it.

Not one little bit.

I can't even go outside and enjoy working in the yard.

I can't water my flowers.

Weed the yard.

Take a walk.

Sit outside.

It just sucks the life and energy right out of me.

I guess it's a good thing Jam and I hooked up.

He's the same way.

Neither of us like it.

Honestly...

I can't believe I'm saying this...

But if I don't have to go anywhere...

And they keep the roads clear...

I don't even mind Michigan winters.

My favorite?

Autumn.

Give me all the colors of fall...orange, red, yellow, brown, gold.

Give me crunchy beautiful leaves to jump in!

Give me caramel apples, donuts, and cider.

Give me pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and cornstalks.

Give me Halloween, costumes, and candy.

Give me jeans, sweaters, and boots.

I LOVE IT ALL.

Now...

If someone would kindly wave their magical fairy wand and make this gosh-awful heat and humidity go away...

I'd be most grateful!

Nate's newest hobby...

So lately...
Nate has taken up "balloon twisting", "balloon art", whatever...I don't know what you call it.
But he got a pump and some of those long balloons and a little book...
And he's been inflating and twisting all kinds of creations!
We've had lots of popped balloons, LOL!
But he is making LOTS of progress!
I told him before long, people will be hiring him for parties! LOL!
Good job Nate!
We're proud of you!

One good cry...

"No sense crying over spilled milk"...the saying goes.
But sometimes, it's the silliest or dumbest things that bring on our tears.
I tend to think that sometimes, we just have "a good cry" building up inside...and then something...anything...can set it off.
Doesn't have to be anything major...or horrible...or big.
Even the smallest of things can bring on a "sob-fest".

I had that happen last night.
If you read my post from our vacation the other day, you saw that I purchased a new ring.
It was nothing major.
Nothing expensive.
In fact, it only cost me $1.98!!!
But it was a very pretty pink, glass, hand-painted ring w/ little flowers on it.
It's chunky and funky...yet girly and delicate...
And most of all...
I LOVE IT.

So last night...
We had gone out and run some errands...
Did some shopping at JCPenney, picked up pizzas, etc.
Came home, put things away, got the kids to bed, did some chores around the house.
And I started to get ready for bed.
When I started my routine...taking my rings off and laying them on the counter...
I first noticed.
My beautiful new pink ring was GONE.

When did this happen?

How did I not notice it!

It's so big and chunky and it sits right next to my mood ring that I bought on vacation as well.
Where had it gone?

Well...
I guess I had this big 'ol blubbering cry building...
Because here came the tears.

I got so upset.
I started looking everywhere.
In the car.
In the garbage.
In the hamper.
Everywhere.
I knew it slipped off my finger somewhere...but where?!?!
I'm not a tiny person...but I'm a bit small-boned and I always have the hardest time finding rings that properly fit my fingers. They're always a bit on the big side...so they twist and slide a lot.
So I just knew I lost it when we were out and about.
And that's what upset me the most.
I knew I was never getting it back.

Jamie was looking all over the house with me.
I said through my tears, "I know you think I'm being ridiculous, it's just a hunk of glass to you and it was less than $2.00, but I loved it."
"We can get you another when we go back", he said.
"It was the only pink one!" I reply.

I continue to tear up.
And I keep looking.
Finally...
One last place to look...
I remember I folded some towels and put them in the closet.

I peek in and pull all the towels out.
Sure enough!!!
In the back of the closet corner lays my ring!

"My ring!" I exclaim as I hear it rattle when I move the towels.

I thank Jam for helping me look and appologize for being such a stupid blubbering fool.

Then, even after I found it...I just sat there...tears still dripping.
I'm happy I found my ring.
But the tears didn't stop immediately.

Like I said, it was one of those times...when I think there was just some pent up, built up emotion...and all it took was one little thing to set it off.

I cleaned myself up.
Thanked my hubs again.
And safely placed my beautiful pink chunky funky floral ring on the counter with my new mood ring.
Thanks God...I know it seems stupid.
But He knew how much I loved that ring and how much it meant to me.
I'm grateful He showed me JUST where to look...one last time...before I gave up.
(smile)

Mackinaw City/Mackinac Island Vacation

These two photos are a bit out of order...(the bike trip)...but I forgot to include them when I first posted this. We had a wonderful time biking around the island (eight miles in one hour). Nate and I rode a tandem for the first time together and he was so proud of himself! It rained a bit...so we got a bit wet...and muddy, LOL. But we had loads of fun!
Now...moving on...you can start from the beginning of our adventure, LOL!

"All good things must come to an end"...or so they say.

But I like to think more along the lines of..."Until next time".

We had a fabulous time on our vacation up north. I do have to say, when you take the kids...it's anything BUT relaxing. But hey, it's a family vacation. It's busy, chaotic fun, right? LOL! There's always time for our relaxing "couple only" trips, LOL! This first picture is at a little shop at Mackinaw Crossings called "Melody's Lane". And being as cheesey as I am..."Melody Elaine" had to have a picture of "Melody's Lane". LOL!

This was also at Mackinaw Crossings...I just loved this bear and had to have a picture. The boys humored me, LOL!

I have always said, "I HATE the beach"...but honestly...I had SOOOOO much fun playing on the sand and in the water with the boys this day! It was a warm day...the water was warm enough to be comfortable, but cool enough to be refreshing. We had such fun splashing about in the waves. And each time a ferry came in, Nate nearly got knocked over by the huge waves, LOL!

I didn't know Jamie was taking this picture. He yelled, "Hey momma!"...and I looked up and he took it. Excuse the pasty white vampire skin.

Here's the boys splashing around in the lake having fun!

We all got some icecream before the Laser Light Show began. Nate got Fudge Brownie in a cup. Evan got chocolate peanut butter in a waffle cone. I got praline pecan in a waffle cone. And Jam got praline pecan and Mackinac Island Fudge in a waffle cone.

Got a little chocolate dripping down your chin, Nate?

Ev's eyes are always bigger than his stomach. He didn't finish his cone...as usual, LOL!

Before the Laser Light Show began, this girl came out and did fire dancing! She was really great!

And before the fire dancing, she did a hula hoop dancing routine (it lit up) and it was quite cool!

Laser Light Show! It's a neat laser show set to music. They did some patriotic songs. When they played Lee Greenwood's "Proud To Be An American" I nearly cried...that song always chokes me up.

Laser fireworks!

While in Mackinaw City, we stayed at The Hamilton. This fish tank was in the lobby. These fish were HUGE!

We flew kites when we first arrived at the island. Both of the boys did great keeping theirs in the air!

The boys and I went in the Lakeside Marketplace to get some drinks...and while we were gone...Jam tried to reel in the kite alone (something you should never attempt)...and it fell into a murky, swampy pond and the string got all stuck in a tree. Thankfully, he was able to reel in all the string without any tangles and Nate and I were able to dig the kite out of the swamp. It came out undamaged thankfully...but just a little wet and muddy. With a little cleaning, it was good as new! LOL!

Just relaxin' on the lawn at Mission Point.

Jam flying the kite..."pre"-disaster.

We hiked up to SugarLoaf one day. What a trek. Nate wanted to go so bad. So we made it. And we also climbed up and around it. Whew, what a climb...quite challenging! Jam had to help me up and around!

They came, they saw, they conquered!

Natee and I at SugarLoaf.

Ev climbing the rock!

One of our hikes through the woods. So many people never even go up into the island. These are my favorite spots...away from everyone! This trail is paved, but I like the unpaved ones even better! Love these spontaneous shots of the boys!

Up by Arch Rock...

Dinner at the Round Island Bar and Grille.

Crazy Evan goofing around.

What's so funny Nate?

Ev and I at Fort Mackinac. Every year we go to the All American Picnic put on by The Grand Hotel at Ft. Mackinac. It is a wonderful picnic with bbq ribs, chicken, burgers, hotdogs, potato salad, pasta salad, coleslaw, baked beans, chips, relish trays, and dessert tables like you couldn't even imagine!

They have all kinds of special demonstrations, rifle/cannon firing, old fashioned kids' games, music, singing, etc. It's so much fun!

Nate bought a soldier hat with his own money!

Ev inside one of the fort buildings. Yes Ev...they even had mocha back then! LOL!

Two of the fort soldiers playing the fife and drum. They also sang and harmonized so beautifully!

Yum yum yum!

How's that bbq Evie?

I think I gained 10 pounds! LOL!

Golfing with the babies!

Nate got called into the captain's quarters on the ferry by Captain Shepler and asked to blow the horn! He sounded the horn and Capt. said, "Captain Nate has sounded the horn...we will now depart for Mackinaw City!" And the whole ferry burst into applause!

Bye bye Mackinac!

I don't normally buy souvenirs...but I found this pink hand-painted ring so cute...I had to have it!

And then I saw this mood ring...and fell in love with it too, LOL!

I also picked up this cute headband at Del Sol...it changed bright magenta in the sunshine!

Got this bag free at Del Sol with the purchase of my headband! It changes all kinds of beautiful colors in the sun!

We had a wonderful trip and can't wait to go back to our "home away from home"!!!