Freshman Fun

What fun, getting ready for Homecoming! Every day I take a picture of the freshmen who help work on our float, and then it goes on the school video announcements all day! The kids are crazy and fun - I don't know what the float will look like, but we are getting to know a lot of the freshmen! (and we eat also!!!!!)
So the Homecoming theme is Voyages Around the World -- and the freshmen choose IRELAND. :) We might ask Mr McGee to be on our float!
Any ideas? anyone out there???

Summer is Slowing

The milestones of Summer: Dairy Treat's last day. The ritual of being there the first and last day of the season seems to have flown too fast this year. Maybe we should join all the people who sprawl on the grass, sit on the benches or sleep next to their spouses while the river slowly slides by. I love the trend of people just sitting or bringing their chairs to the river side and watching the world walk or float by. Slowing down.....

Greek Weddings

We went to a Greek wedding; 2 couples drove from Michigan to Pittsburgh to join in the celebration of a wedding. It was awesome! The wedding ceremony was 45 minutes of symbolism: including having the bride and groom walk around the alter, led by the Father. Showing that the first steps in your married life is with the church leading you. The crowns on the heads show the unity of the marriage, and that you both strengthen each other. It was a joyous, significant wedding; and made us all thankful that we were sitting with ones we love.

School Starts

Wow, school has started, with more than the normal challenges for some. The class of 2011 has a new state-wide requirement (seen on the shirts).
I have questions about the blanket formula set for all. What about those who are much more creative than mathematical? Our school seems to be the place to be; we have added 41 new students in the first 2 weeks. Classes are filled, more than we would like. But as a family grows bigger, you just can't tell some they have to live elsewhere.... or that we won't adopt them:)

Retirement for Some

So a whole bunch of friends got together and celebrated the first couple who are 'setting out' of the world of work. Dang, how lucky is that; to still be young and active, with the one you love, and have fun ALL DAY (and night!)
Good thing I love my job!

August Storms

We went sailing, and raced back to the dock just before the lightning started. The world is beautiful!

Land Yachting

I bid on a motor home last year at a fundraiser, so we and another couple went "Land Yachting". They usually take us on their boat, so we 'sailed' off on wheels. Wheels that were 30 feet long! Andy was the master at the wheel, and we really didn't kill or maim anything. We explored 3 campgrounds, each with it's own uniqueness (but all on Lake Michigan).

Orchard Beach, north of Manistee, was great, mixture of tents and RV's, clean restrooms, shade trees and a beautiful beach. We could bike into Manistee for icecream - round trip only 10 miles.

Nordhouse Dunes was the best, remote, primitive, with biking trails through the woods. We spent hours exploring on our bikes. I had never done any 'off roading' on my bike. We even went geocaching and discovered a hidden public beach. We never would have found itif it wasn't for tracking the geocache. This was Sheryll's first find:)

We ended at Mears State Park, a really RV packed spot; but again we could experience what it's all about. Again the beach was awesome. And the best - we could walk into Pentwater for dinner and live jazz!

Lisa Leaves, Brett's Birthday,Coast Guard Party

The sun is hot, and the activities never stop! Between beach and golf, a few other things happened.

Lisa stopped for a last visit, and we found the perfect carry on that Aniken could 'ride' from terminal to terminal.

Then I took the easy way to celebrate Brett's birthday; we took him and Jamie to breakfast in the CG Cutter Mackinaw.

Saturday we had a small party on the front lawn for parade watching.

Whew, it's fun during the CG Festival!

Kid's Day Parade

Andy and I organize the GH Coast Guard Kid's parade, and this year was another great experience!

Thanks to a great group of volunteers (some who wore costumes) the parade went on without any major hitches.

Over 1000 children lined the streets and everybody smiled!!

Storms

I meant to put pictures of the storm we had, but kept forgetting. God and all is awe! some.

Skate Park

We have a brand new, awesome skate park! I simply love watching the attempts, either great or small, of the people who use it. Today was the dedication and it was packed. Maybe that's why the ambulance was there twice today?

Hummingbirds, Harry Potter and Flowers

I never seem to have time, but finally I got to weed and tend my perennial garden. These are some of my flowers. It makes me smile to work with them, and look at them. Nuturing is good for the earth! and even better for us!





I, like most, went and got the Harry Potter book at midnight. It was bittersweet to finish it, I am amazed at the author's creativity.





So I finally took a break and did a few fun things. We have this incredible deck where hummingbirds hand out all the time, they don't care if you are eating dinner or talking with friends. I finally took a few pictures of our friends. At times one hummer seems to be the resident 'king' and chases the others away!

Pets....

So our children's friends have all started having pets, and training them, and sending out cute email pictures of them doing cute things. Our youngest son received a 'unique' pet, and he aptly named him 'Plant'. He has put a lot of effort into training plant, and couldn't leave Plant alone all July 4th week. Sooooooooooo Plant came to stay with us. Plant enjoyed brushing fronds with some of our 'older' and more mature plants, but did maintain a respectful relationship through out the whole week (at least when we were awake and watching). But the time came for all to return to their homes and jobs, but what?????? Plant's owner left in such a hurry, Plant was forgotten.....Nooooooooooo not forgotten, as the picture shows; here comes the owner in his jeep -hurrying to rescue Plant and carry him home.

Sun and Fish

After spending quality time on the beach, my sister and her husband flew back to NJ. Then the family that was still here (sorry Fitz and Jessica - next time!) went fishing. I recommend fishing - as long as you catch fish!!

Family Bridges

This has been a fantastic week, we walked the International Bridge with my sister and her husband (his wonderful idea), stood between the Soo Locks as boats went through in both directions, then relaxed on the porch at Mackinac Island. Now just time to kick back, laugh and talk, re-connect and remember. What a blessed life.

Lisa visits home

So we were all happy to have our Lisa and boys return from Budapest for a visit this summer. Of course it was down to GH for Gyros and hot dogs, Fortino's for candy and then to the beach!

Then fellow Lee members gathered with food and cake to catch up and laugh, celebrate community and summer.

Bittersweet experiences; because with each reunion, a coming departure inches closer. But happiness for now!

Lake Michigan sunsets

I admit, the sunsets are truly awesome over Lake Michigan, but even better is having a husband call softly to you in the evening, and invite you to standby his side and witness the beauty together.

Dang, life is great.

Family and Flowers

I was lucky to have family from Denver come and stay; having our own reunion while they were on their way to another 'school' reunion. They brought me flowers. But as you can see, the happiness of them will forever outshine the beauty of the blooms. May we always value family, and treaure each moment with them. I do.

Graduation

It was a beautiful evening; sunshine, love, and pride were in the air as parents, friends and family celebrated the 2007 graduates' walk across the stage. It may take a village to raise a child, but maybe it also takes a Lee faculty and staff 'family' to launch them. Our hearts and hopes go with them into the future.

Our First 5 K

So two friends decided to do their first
5 K. We got to put on 'chips' and get
timed, run just as the rain was ending,
and celebrate finishing!! We definitely
didn't go for speed, but we never stopped
running; past the beach, up hills, through
Duncan's Woods and then home. It truly
was the "Kick Off to Summer" experience
we hoped for. Now to a bonfire and
brats on the beach.