Vacationing in the U.P.

We got back yesterday from our vacation to Michigan's beautiful Upper Pennisula. We really had a wonderful time and I wanted to share a few pictures. I'll try and share a few details when I get a chance. 

Bummin' at the Beach

This is an old style scrapbook page from our family vacation to Michigan in 2000. Connor was 2 1/2 and Jameson was 4.

The photo was taken at Bete Gris and if I remember correctly, the water was pretty warm that day. The next year when we were there my Dad's knees were buckling from the icy water. Ok, so Lake Superior is not known for it's balmy temperatures. But that won't stop us from visiting as many beaches as we can in the 7 days we will be there.

Only 9 more days! 

10 days and counting

It is only 10 days away until we get to the beauty of Michigan's Upper Pennisula. I can't wait! My sister Lorilee and her family and Mom and Dad will be there too. We will be staying at Louis Point.

There is just something so special about this part of the country. You can't help but fall in love with it and the slower pace of life. There are no lines to stand in to get on rides, no big traffic jams to manuver through. There is the simplicity of enjoying God's creations and sharing time together as a family.

I am so looking forward to searching for agates at Calumet Waterworks, eating a pasty and washing it down with a Faygo Rock and Rye, visiting the ice creams shops in Copper Harbor and Eagle Harbor and most of all watching my kids experience all the places I grew to love when I was a girl.

Fantastic Fourth

Troy and I have commented many times to each other on how blessed we feel to be a part of such wonderful families who we love and enjoy spending time with.

Lorilee and her family were able to come up this past weekend and hang out with us. My Mom and Dad came over as well and we had a great time lighting fireworks, playing games and eating lots of yummy food- including homemade ice cream, and other various red, white and blue treats.

Lor and her family left after lunchtime on the 4th and we then headed out to Mahoney State Park where the annual Bennett family campout was taking place. We had a picnic lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon visiting and enjoying the nice breeze. We drove to Ashland that night to watch the fireworks. We had a great view from the football field there and did a lot of oohing and aahing.

I think one of the best parts of the fireworks that night was the patriotic music that accompianed the display. As I was singing along with God Bless America, God Bless the USA and even Grand Old Flag, I couldn't help but tear up with emotion. I truly am so proud to be an American and to live in this country. 

Baseball Birthday

For Jameson's 10th birthday we decided to have a baseball birthday party. We thought it was fitting for his interests this summer. It seems like we are either coming or going to a ball practise or game.

With much excitement we ordered tickets for a Lincoln Saltdog's baseball game and started making the other arrangements. Jameson invited 4 friends along- Hunter, Trey, Coleman and Aaron. You may remember at Connor's spy party that Aaron's Mom, Cheryl, my good friend, helped me out a TON. Well, Cheryl came to my rescue again and helped drive all the birthday kids up.

We met at Oak Park, which is really near Haymarket Park Stadium and had a picnic with hotdogs, chips, watermelon and baseball cupcakes. We had planned to play a quick game of baseball, but when we drove by the time & temperature sign and saw that it said 104, we decided to stay in the shade and just eat and open presents.

We then headed over to the stadium and got our spot on the 1st base berm. While the girls held down on blankets, the boys all went over to find some players. They were able to get 2 autographs.

We then watched the game and loved all the fun mini games they did between innings. The Saltdog's played a great game against the St. Paul Saints and won 12 to 0. Afterwards the boys and Genna got to run the bases- which for Jameson was one of his favorite part of the whole night.
They then shot of an awesome display of fireworks- which was a perfect ending to a great night. We drove the boys home listening to the Cars Soundtrack and thinking up funny Cars nicknames for the boys. I thought it was a wonderful party. I know that material things are not the way to show love to your children, but I hope that Jameson had a special night because he is truly loved! 

Perspective

Today my 3 year old got dressed and I noticed a few grease stains on her shirt, that I obviously missed when I did the laundry. I pointed them out to her and told her she needed to change because of the stains. She looked down at the marks on her shirt and said, those are polka dots, Mom.

I needed that perspective today, thanks, Genna! 

I have been planting tomatoes in my garden for at least a decade now. I started long before I appreciated the difference between red, ripe homegrown variety and the pink, dull impostors that you get at the store. Back then I only planted tomatoes as a means to making spaghetti or pizza sauce. Now I must plant them, because you just can't enjoy a blt with the t's from the store.

Another reason I love having a garden full of tomatoes is so I can make Fried Green Tomatoes. I dip the green ones in a flour/salt & pepper mixture and fry them in a tiny bit of olive oil and then eat them with ranch dressing. I was so excited to be able to pull a few small green tomatoes from the garden the other night.
It won't be long now and our salads, tacos, sandwiches and burgers will taste so much better with the juicy red tomatoes that only summer can bring.