Family Weekend/Birthday Celebration

Recently we were back in Webster to celebrate Ben’s 30^th Birthday. Christy had planned a series of surprises for him and it was a great weekend. We were able to be with Ben, Christy, Maddie, Phil, Rachel, Annika, Brian and Grandma Wanda. 

We had a great time just hanging out, laughing, eating and spending time together. The guys were able to go to a Red Wings game Friday night while the girls hung out at home. Saturday we were together again. The guys pulled out a tree; we took pictures, played Gripe and laughed, cooked out and went to church in the evening followed by dessert at LuGia’s!

Sunday we had a quiet morning before hitting another favorite spot for lunch at Krony’s! Then we headed back home. It was a great weekend of food, fun and most important family!

 

The Birthday Guy

 

 

The Grillers

 

Christy and Maddie

 

 

 

Rachel and Annika

 

Hanging out with Brian

 

Grandma Wanda and two of her boys

 

 

Family

 

 

 

Busy But Fun Weekend

A couple of weekends ago we traveled back to New York again. It was a busy weekend but we were able to see a lot of family.

First we went to the cottage and were able to see Dad on his birthday and visit with my niece Kelly whom I hadn’t seen in a year.

Next we traveled to Rochester and were able to celebrate Christy’s sister’s wedding.

 

Afterward we were able to spend some time with Maddie and went out to dinner with Phil, Rachel and Annika.

It was so much fun to see the two girls play and have an opportunity to be with them both.

Being a grandma is the best!!!!

Birthday #55

Last week I celebrated my 55th birthday. Bob worked from home that morning and I enjoyed the beautiful morning reading on the patio, talking to both my boys and I even was able to watch Annika walking via Skype!  At noon, Bob finished his work then we went out to lunch at DiBella’s for a delicious sub sandwich.

We tried a different theater over in Birmingham. Google search on Bob’s iPhone misdirected us and we had to stop and ask for directions.  WARNING!!!!  Be careful when entering addresses-- there is a difference between Woodward Avenue and Old Woodward Avenue. We found downtown Birmingham and were happy with the small town feel.

The original theater was built in 1927 and renovated in 1996 into eight theaters but still has the old style charm. We were the only ones in that theater and thought we would have a private showing just for us but just as previews started we had a dozen or so people arrive to watch with us.

After the movie we headed to another favorite place we like to go to BD’s Mongolian Grill. We debated whether to go there or to the Outback as we like both. A quick survey to the kids a few days before and BD’s won hands down. They all love to go there when they come out to visit!

We headed home for presents and Bob had made a delicious cake. I went off my low sugar policy for a few days to enjoy it. (Extra exercise over the next few days kept me from feeling guilty!).

It was a great day spent with Bob and I was able to talk to both my boys and all my sisters before the day was over! Thanks Bob for a great day and to everyone for all the well wishes!

Vacation and Sunrise

The last day I finally went out and captured the sunrise. I’m so glad I did because the clouds came in and we had some much needed rain that morning before we left for home.

What a wonderful two weeks I had at family camp and then vacation at my parents. I already have my reservations in for next year!!!!

Vacation – Animals

While out on my morning walks I saw many animals. I never brought my camera along, although it would have made a nice weight to work off a few more calories. I heard and saw many birds, bunnies, bullfrogs, chipmunks, squirrels and even saw a couple of deer. Just watching from the cottage you could see many animals as well.

Canadian geese

 We enjoyed watching seven swans a swimming (they were in groups of five and two).

 

The tree swallows were active in the birdhouse, but the last few days we didn’t see any sign of them. We didn’t know if something attacked them or if they just moved on.

I loved watching the hummingbirds.

One day two hummers were battling over who was to eat first!

The ducks found the bird feeders and came ashore to find the seeds the birds dropped.

There were also numerous goldfinches that visited the feeders as well.

Each evening we began to notice the seagulls flying above, heading out to the lake.