Early quiet time and events recap

So as it would be, Summer has sailed past and Autumn is slipping by as well. We have had quite a few changes this year and unfortunately have not captured many of them except in memories. I got the chance on the DST Fall Back day to watch the early sunrise in relative peace. The kids are up, MHM is in the bath and E is watching the tube. A nice cup of fresh ground coffee and yes, I feel quite well this morn.

Some of what happened this past four months are;

Ok, so all Hell has broken loose, back to my story...

In July, we boarded a plane for the Clark Compound on Beechill Pond in Maine. M had previously designed a T shirt which was quite a hit. We had a very nice arrival in a Limo and the week got better from there. We had a Dune buggy, Sea Doo's, and a great beach at our disposal. We went to Bar Harbor and did a Two hour harbor tour. One of the high points were the enormous Lobster Uncle E scared up in town. They were enough to have fed the whole lane. They did as a mater of fact as we had friends and family in the next day to enjoy Lobster Rolls. The kids loved our slow cruise on the Sea Doo's that took us out to the Wind Sock which was a marker for a sunken island. There they pretended to be in trouble and still play that game here at home. The other day MHM out of the blue said something to include the Wind sock and M and I sorta chuckled. The camp fires were nice as were the S'mores and going to the dock to star gaze was also awesome. Three other nice items were the Cotton Candy machine, the fresh Raspberries we picked on the power lines with Uncle E and E2 and of course the sound of the Loons is such a wonderful and exciting thing, I which I could hear the more often.

Upon arrival back to Michigan, we settled in for a couple weeks before I got a Five week layoff form work. We immediately did an excursion to Frankenmuth to the water park which was a huge hit for the kids. After that, M had to head back to work so we didn't get out anywhere else but H.L. for Labor Day which was very nice for weather and friend get together. Also during my time off, the kids and I did lots of running to the park and riding in our free Bell "Burley" we found lying beside the road from someones garage cleaning. That thing is great and we got lots of mileage from it so far.

Part of our changes are the fact that currently I am on third shift which has been an adjustment for everyone. It seems to be getting better slowly and we'll see where it goes from here.

More of the Autumn fun are the big piles of leaves that are still in the yard. The kids have had lots fun kicking, trudging and throwing leaves all over as well as playing rescue from the leaves. We just recently had a visit from Cousin S over the Halloween weekend which was full of activities. Starting on Friday, there was Trunk or Treat at their school then Saturday was a tour at the Police station and the Public access T.V. studio which everyone enjoyed. Then on to view a real race car then to Harris Nature Center for their annual Halloween day extravaganza. There the kids did a quick craft then whacked at a pumpkin pinata, went for a stroll down the Happy Halloween path to pick out a pumpkin then finally to the bon fire to roast some marshmallow. Previous to cousin S's arrival, we had gone on several "Night walks" which the kids really enjoyed with flashlights. As days got closer to Halloween day, we stressed the fact that they would have to be able to walk the whole way by themselves, and by golly, they were, mostly. This year, I started out kinda early with lots of Halloween books to get the mood going. The kids enjoyed them all as did we. Early this year the kids became infatuated with "The Incredibles" so in the back of our minds figured we'd go as the whole family. Much closer to the day, M assessed the mood to see if time into costumes would be worth it. They stayed true and she made some awesome ones. We had Dash, Violet, Mr. Incredible, Banana Girl and the Constructionater. Anyway, we had a very nice evening though a bit cold.

All in all, we have stayed pretty true to getting out and doing fun and different things with the kids from the MSU Homecoming parade, to biking down the river trail to M's work to picking up Black Walnuts and lots of other crazy stuff.

One more quick note, we have had for some time a Roomba to help with the vacuuming. She was without battery for some time and the E was also freaked out by her so she sat in the closet. Well now she has a new battery, and a new name. Lilly Grace is here to help and does so on a frequent basis. And the kids love her but still run when she heads their way.

Independence Day

It has come and gone once again with this year being especially nice weather as well as activities which abounded at Houghton Lake. We packed our stuff and set out by 11am Sat and made a relatively quick shot up 127. When we got there the lake was flat calm, the temp was around 80 and Uncle S and Aunt L were readying their boat for the afternoon. M and I had a quick conversation and decided that this was our time so we got the suits on and headed out. We got out and did a bit of touring to find the right spot and were able to witness the annual Boat Parade. We weren't too close so we didn't see much of this small affair but I am glad that someone is still putting it on to try to keep tradition alive. We finally made our way back to Elks bay and got out the tube which MHM and I first went on at idle speed for probably 10 minutes. MHM didn't care a bit and thought it the BEST! Next E and I jumped on and toured at normal speed for about the same amount of time. A was anxious to get out there himself so we turned it over to him and went for a ride. The kids loved watching the show of A swinging wildly back and forth behind the boat. Albeit only and hour and a half, I am so happy the kids got out as this was our only opportunity for the entire weekend.

Fireworks for the Fourth were Saturday night. As in many recent years, we had joined D n W at their place by the lake. To start, the kids loved seeing and playing on all of the Big Kid toys they have there. MMH loved the speed boats! As twilight approached, the private fireworks started and the excitement mounted. As we scanned the lake, M kept them busy at the same time with Glow sticks and such. As the fireworks commenced the mosquitoes descended upon us in a cloud. Really truly one of the worst swarms I had seen in quite some time. With plentiful bug spray, we made it through a wonderful show.

Funland was Sundays destination for the kids. They remembered it well from Memorial Day and were anticipating it with joy. We did the rickety roller coaster first and got just short of beat to death. The kids each had like five or six tickets to give the "Guy" to ride. From slides and carousels to rocket ships and army tanks, they were a hit. Then it was inside for some arcade games and quarter rides then home for a nap.

We did a dinner with old friend G who did E's fingernails which made E just as happy as anything. Then a bonfire with Cousins J n L with smores, glow sticks and running around.

Gpa's old cars made an appearance and was a hit as usual. Nothing but big smiles while we put put down the road slowly. We got several rides before some electrical problems shut them down.

On Monday we set out for G's house to see her and her mom and sue their beach. The water was warm making the sandy floor a great place for the kids to let loose and enjoy the lake. We probably spent two and a half hours there visiting. The highlight was when a Osprey flew overhead with a LARGE bass in its talons.

After returning from G's, the power was out and MHM was soon as well. He made it in the house, asked for chocolate milk and crawled up on the stairway with head and arms on one level and butt and legs below. Very cute! We do have a pic! We almost decided to pack and go but M wasn't feeling well so we made the decission to stay and take our chances with comfort as it was quite warm. I rounded up E and took her out on the porch to read to her as I told her Gma did for me many times. She layed on the swing next to me and listened to probably two books and started to fade. I continued until I knew she was asleep then gently picked her up and carried her in and layed her down. M and I went back to the porch for a short while wher I told her some memories of summers past for me then we too retired.

Tuesday was up early, pack and lighly clean and get back so I could get to work....

Thanks again cottage for a nice w.e.

Understandably

This past Memorial day we were up ion H.L. for the w.e. and enjoyed the best weather and circumstances in several years. The temps were near perfect and the sun plentiful. We did the beach twice and the pool on the porch as well as visits from friends Ging, Den N Wen. With cousins J and L, our kids had just a hoot. It is nice to have them older and more able to do some of the things the older kids enjoy.

Well to keep this short, the w.e. went really great until about 9:15 Monday morning when the skies opened up while I was finishing a 4 mile run. You have to understand that this is just less than an hour before what we were presenting as the high light for the w.e. The Memorial Day Parade. Our kids are all over all things marching band, fire truck, horses, and floats. I think of all family style events we have strive for, it is the community fireworks or parades. Anyway, God smiled on us and the skies cleared and the parade went on as scheduled. The kids loved every moment and looked great doing so with the hand held flags that M of course made a point to have on hand (as if she would forget). There was plenty of candy and fun and the best part is that understandably the photographer from the Resorter fell victim to the allure of our kids! Please don't judge me, but our kids are most certainly the cutest best looking kids to ever exist and we know it!

Just you and me!

With M and E on a springtime trip to N.Y to see the fam, I was for a couple days prior to their departure trying to make sure MHM was going to understand that it was just going to be me and him. As time flew past, I could hardly believe the day had come. As The girls were all but walking out the door I was hoping he was grasping that Mom and Sis would be gone for a bit and that it would be "just you and me".

At the time he seemed to understand but was preoccupied by a show but did come to the front door for two group hugs. After they were gone, it was business as usual. Getting dressed, walking to school and the such.

When time to go pick him up, I called M to see what to do as this part of the day is not normally mine. I had an idea that as something special we would go to the ice cream store as a treat. M advised me on what to offer and it went over quite well. We ordered him a kids Supermoo (Superman) which was just right as M suggested. He chose to sit inside even after noting that there were umbrellas over the tables outside. So we sat. There was a young girl sitting at on of the tables with one of the server kids who was understandable smitten with MHM (as if anyone could resist) and I could through the back of my head see her stealing glances at him while we licked the goodness.

(btw, I have an open bottle of red and half a chunk sharp cheddar gone, Yum!)

At home, I offered him some pizza of which he ate just a bit. Then we went outside for a bit to play in the sand box and look at the newly revived pond. I could tell either the mosquitoes or the approaching storm had him uneasy, so we went back inside to some chocolate milk. While watching a show, he turned his head as I was washing some dishes in the kitchen and uttered "It's just you and me dad!" He understood and was OK with that!!!!

I just hope the rest of the w.e. goes as well from here!

Certain Bliss

The Easter Bunny had a late delivery for MHM and it could not have been more perfect for the motor head that he is. Anything, I repeat ANYTHING with wheels is golden where MHM is concerned. Now, add Bubbles and you've got the single most bestest reason to live. On Tuesday evening, the late arriving gift of a Bubble lawn mower hit the spot for this little guy.

He is not obsessed with his mower but close to it. So far the mower has been pushed to school in the morning, taken to two parks and I am certain it will get more miles than the warranty will cover but as you see the pride on his face when he is pushing it, you know that he loves this mower and it provides probably what all of us strive for... Certain Bliss! MHM, your lucky you have a great mom to thank for that one!

She gets it!

Bathroom conversation;

E~ "Sometimes I need a little more cause my bottom is wet."
Me~ "That's OK, but you need to work on being more efficient with the toilet paper..."

This is where I thought I'd be clever, as E was exiting and headed down the hall.

I continued~ "Paper doesn't grow on trees you know!"

E takes a second, stops and does a short analysis of my statement and turns to me.

E~ "But Dad, paper does come from trees."

At that moment I broke out in a BIG smile and told her she was SMRT. I was inwardly happy that she caught on to my snare and hoped that she understood that this is a trap that as she grows will be used in humor and teasing but the important thing is for now...

She gets it!

Little voices

This morning I was in the kitchen listening to MHM playing with a truck in the other room.

Brrrrruuummmmmmm, Errrrrr! I fogot ma coffee!

I have no doubt where it came from but about the Errrrrr! I have no idea! Anyway, Spring is on nicely for the next four or so days with temps in the 70's, then some rain to move in and cooler temps in the 50's and such.

With the nice morning, we for the first time of 2010 walked to school. We started out looking for birds, flowers, dogs and horses! E thought that horses would be a good thing to be on the lookout for. We did see some birds, planes the mushroom tree and even got chased down by an elephant. We made it to school unscathed and the kidlets seemed to enjoy it as did I. If we can have a nice Spring unlike the past few, I will be very happy.

With the nice expected weather, M is hosting our 4th annual Easter Egg hunt. I believe we have only been able to be outside once or maybe twice but never with 70 degrees as a promise. This should be a good one, I hope to make it into the garden to clean up a bit but what ever happens it will be nice to ring in Spring with friends!

Anticipation and rememberance

I am a person who likes to reminisce and pretend I live in a world that doesn't exist. Normal for me and probably the answer to many peoples questions of "Where the H#%% is he comin' from".

As Spring is looming here in the big town of Okemos I want to embrace it and get out with the kids to explore what is in the real world compared to the wintry indoors cyber and TV world. With E now 4 and MHM now 2+, I think we can now start some good adventuring with the warmer weather to come.

For the past two Sundays, after church, we had come home, had a quick lunch then ventured out for some outdoor activity. Two weeks ago, it was the snow forts and a bobsled run of which lasted almost an hour but was as much fun as the kids needed and really got them tuned in for a long nap. This past week, as the snow is now icy and crunchy, we opted for a walk toward our local park. The lion share of the walk was through the subdivision but along the way we noted what was changing. Under a pine tree and partially covered with snow were some flower sprouts, then further down the way we explored the mushroom tree which we pass when walking to school. It is just an old shriveled shelf mushroom but I make quite a deal of it as we pass to make sure that the kidlets don't go through life completely oblivious of their surroundings. As it had been 4 months since our last walk, I was impressed that MHM remembered it. At the furthest part of our trek, there was the remnant of an very large Igloo cleverly constructed. With the warm sun drenching it, it was too unstable to enter.

As we walked, we talked about things we like to do and were anticipating, like Goe Caching and runs to the park. As this warm weather sparks thoughts of easy out of doors excursions, I hope now that both kids are older that we can buck it up and make those cold blowy days of winter some fun and lasting experiences as well. For now though, we will pray for an actual Spring this year and the sooner the better.

As for my dream world, I will still reminisce and enjoy it. I hope these postings will allow me to remember there was actually some reality to my memories.

"THE" Shirt

What is it about a shirt. Some times a certain fit, logo or memory attached to it make it special. I have lots now with many running races and family vacations but as I flip through the stack every once in a while I will come across one I haven't seen in some time. About a month ago I found one with an interesting cut in the sleeves and a certain wonderful feel though not for the fabric or cut but for the circumstances around it.

This shirt as it happens to be is THE one that I was wearing when both kidlets were born. With E, though we wished for as natural a birth as possible, E was stubborn so we did the next best thing and induced then went through the rest with a perfect little sweet, dark haired result. I know when that day came, I was thinking comfort and it seemed to the right one as I pulled it from the stack. I don't remember when it resurfaced again after that day but it did from time to time.

I recall a certain Saturday when we had scheduled production at work so as I picked shirt that might bring comfort not afforded by the loud cacophony of a manufacturing facility. As MHM was not due for close to 20 more days, it never crossed my mind that we would be preparing for the unexpected arrival early the next morning. Once again the shirt got shuffled and from time to time shows up and I think to myself that I should save it out to make sure it sticks around for a long time.