Charleviox Get Away

Last weekend, courtesy of JQ 99 and Pure Michigan, we had the pleasure of exploring Charleviox. Surprisingly, Jeremy and I had never been there before. It was also Emerson's first time sleeping in a hotel. Apart from the semi-rainy weather, it was a fun trip!

We were supposed to go on a boat ride, but because of the rain and wind, settled for a walk by the channel instead.

One of the highlights was a store called The Taffy Barrel......many different flavors to fill up a basket with. We are still enjoying all the yummy candy we brought home!

We also got the chance to walk around the grounds Castle Farms. I didn't know we had a castle here in Michigan! It was set up for four different weddings last weekend.

Emerson sporting her rain gear. She is the only one who really came prepared. Mom and Dad each bought rain coats while we were in Charlevoix!

To-Do List

Summer has been winding down rapidly over at my house. Seems as if all the great things do. I have meetings at school next week as well as my sister's wedding this weekend. We had a great weekend away last weekend (pictures soon!), Jeremy and I have an anniversary date tonight and I leave with Emerson tomorrow and head for Chicago.

Amid all of this activity, I am trying to tackle a To-Do List that is as long as my arm. Seriously. Although some of the items on the list are fun.....like getting my toes painted this afternoon. It seems as if the whole summer will culminate with this weekend's festivities. Now if only I can get my act together!

I do....

forever and ever! Jeremy and I were married two years ago today. The past two years have been full of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade any of them!

Road Trip

Last weekend we had the opportunity to travel north to Benzie County. This was primarily for Jeremy's job. The DJ's are partnering with Pure Michigan and along with that comes the chance to travel to fun destinations all over Michigan. (Check out www.JQ99.com for more travel experiences.)

Our day started early and ended late. We were able to do all the fun things we enjoy doing....shopping in downtown Frankfurt, visiting the Point Betsie Lighthouse, some general sightseeing as well as dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, The Roadhouse. All in all it was a fun day as well as a learning experience, since Emerson's schedule was thrown for a loop. We are looking forward to another travel experience this weekend!

When we arrived, we checked in with the Visitor's Center and received a couple coupons to aid in our days adventure.

Visiting the Point Betsie Lighthouse.

After visiting the Gwen Frostic Gallery (something I had never done before!), we were able to get a close-up of this little guy who was running around the gallery.

Since we were in and out of the car all day, we stopped for awhile at a park in Elberta to give Emerson some time to play.

A cool family shot. I like this one because it looks like Emerson is holding the camera and taking the picture!

Pure Michigan. It's days like this one that remind me why I love to live here!

Hot Wheels

A while back my dad gave Emerson a walker, but since she wasn't ready to use it yet, it went down into the basement. We got it out couple days ago for Emerson to give it a test drive. She likes it until it starts to ride away and she has to really get her legs working. I have found though, that if I put a snack on the tray, she is much more content for a longer period of time. Bribing with food? I'm sure no other moms would ever do such a thing!

Eating Cheerios off the tray.

Playing with the Elmo teething toy.

Summer Lovin'

I look at her, and all is right with the world. Enough said.

10 months

Emerson Grace - 10 months

In a Blur.....

I woke up last weekend thinking, "It's August." I woke up this weekend thinking, "One month left." When you are a teacher like me, your whole world revolves around summer, Christmas and Spring Break. You plan, look forward to and count down. Then the big awaited event arrives and it passes in a blur.

This summer is the first summer with my daughter. In past years, I have laid around, gone to the beach, stayed up late and pretty much scheduled things at my leisure. Although this summer was different, I have enjoyed it so much! My life revolves around nap time and that's okay.

I hope I am able to sit back and enjoy these last couple weeks. The teacher in me really "kicks in" once August appears on the calendar. I plan to keep it at bay for as long as I possibly can. If you are a fellow teacher, you know what I mean.

First Lick

With Emerson teething (now working on her top front tooth!), we have been looking for new ways to keep her happy. Oragel is not her most favorite thing, so the other day we gave popsicles a try. She wasn't sure at first, too cold I think, but then came around. I've tried them since and she is very interested at first, then makes me finish eating her treat!

We went with strawberry to be safe.

Since the original try the other day, Emerson has gotten much better at making less of a mess. She's allowed to eat them inside the house now!

Finishing Touches

Jeremy and I have been busy freshening up our house...except for the living room, because, well frankly, it stumped us. It's a big enough room, but the configuration and the placement of the cable wire left us with few options. When my mom was up for a visit last weekend, she took a serious look and made some suggestions.

She suggested we run the cable up the opposite wall, changing the placement of well, everything! When running the cable up the other wall, we dealt with another dilemma. What to do about our existing TV? It was an older model, thus not fitting flush against the wall. Answer: buy a new TV. (The one Jeremy has been coveting for almost two years!)

So.....the finished product has the TV in a new "unit"and the couches against different walls. We are still looking for the last few finishing touches- namely a new end table that works better and some pictures and little mementos that make the unit feel more like home.

Old TV and stand.

The new unit, complete with a new 32 inch HD TV. :)