Michigan Vacation

We just got back from vacationing in Michigan, near Hart. This was the first time we went by ourselves (without any extended family), and the five of us had a pretty good time! The weather was wonderful- everyone thought it would be too cold in June, but it was perfect for us. Most of the days were sunny and in the 70's, so we were on the beach a lot. Usually we can use the beach right by the cabin, but for some reason this year there was no beach- the lake just ran right up to the dunes. So instead we drove about 10 minutes to Silver Lake State Park and beached by the lighthouse there, which was actually kind of fun, even though not as convenient.

Hannah mostly liked the beach...

Jacob and Mary loved the beach, as usual...

Maybe we're not true beach combers with this tent, but I like to have some shade around.

Little Sable Point Lighthouse:

Wednesday was the only really overcast day, so we chose that day to take a little roadtrip up to Ludington. We stopped at Ludington State Park, where Big Sable Point Lighthouse is. To get to it, you have to walk 1.8 miles on a sandy/gravel road (a 3.6 mile round-trip). We thought, sure no problem. Well, we were definitely questioning our decision when we had to walk back carrying Hannah the whole way, and Mary part of the way. But, it was fun to see the lighthouse.

Enjoying a little rest before the walk back:

Ice cream in Ludington:

Hannah on the deck at the cabin:

More time at the beach:

And this is what Hannah looks like when she's had enough of the beach:

The kids enjoying lunch at the cabin:

Our last day we decided to ride the Mac Woods Dune Ride (a big attraction at Silver Lake). Jacob and Mary have ridden it before, so they were really excited. Hannah did pretty well, sitting between me and Brian, but she didn't want us to hold on to her- she kept pushing us away. It's a pretty wild ride, so I guess she's a daredevil. Here are Jacob and Mary getting ready to start the ride:

The tradition is to take a family picture on the deck at the end of the vacation, so of course we left that to the last minute, when everyone was a little testy and ready to hit the road. Mary decided to be difficult:
But, she finally came around:

We All Love a Parade!

We took Jacob and Mary to the Indy 500 parade Memorial Day weekend (Saturday)... Hannah stayed with G&G Dianne and Charlie. I didn't take any pictures of the parade itself, but I did get a couple cute ones of the kids:

After the parade we stopped in to see my Grandma ("Grannie") Gardner. We had told the kids that Hannah couldn't come to the parade because she wasn't old enough, so Mary said to grandma: "Grannie, someday when you're older YOU can come to the parade!"

I took a couple pictures of my vegetable garden today... it's doing well so far!

Spelling Bee Champ!

Today Jacob became the spelling bee champion of Fox Hill Elementary first grade! There are 4 first grade classes, so that's probably about 85 or so kids. The winning word was "fields." He also spelled "electricity." Jacob seemed very proud of himself, as he should be!

Last weekend my cousin Emily got married, so we had a fun family wedding to attend. Here's Emily with her new husband, Jim:

Mary waiting patiently for her piece of cake:

Mary waiting patiently for her turn on the dance floor:

Jacob and I got to dance a special "mother-son" dance. Behind us is my aunt Charlene (mother of the bride) and her son (my cousin) Paul.

Finally Mary gets her turn to dance! Hannah is turning out to be quite a dancer, too... she loved this arrangement:

It's been gorgeous all week (now, of course, it's going to rain on the parade and race this weekend!). The kids have been having fun playing with some new outdoor toys:

Anything that involves water is always a big hit...

Busy weekends

A couple weekends ago we went to St. Meinrad for two nights as guests of my dad (who was completing his term on the board). It was very warm, so we spent a lot of time outside just roaming the grounds. The only downside of the warm weather was that we had to keep the windows open at night, and the bell tower chimes every 15 minutes! AND, at 5 a.m. the bells ring for 15 minutes straight, for vespers! But, the kids had fun and loved the big abbey church and the bells.

Another big weekend... on May 2 my mom graduated from Martin University! Jacob and I went to the ceremony, along with my dad, brothers, and Aunt Charlene. Afterwards, we had a big party for mom. It was good for us to get to spend time with my brothers and their families, and we're all so proud of mom!

And, some cute pictures of Hannah... we've been giving her chances to try out silverware, and here is her attempt at yogurt. Not bad, I think!