tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63809760107093750602024-03-13T16:07:36.451-04:00cherise's chimings"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ" 1 Peter 4:10-11Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger230125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-5268358472234999962015-07-13T17:44:00.003-04:002015-07-13T19:09:36.281-04:00Adventures Along Lake HuronFor our summer 2015 vacation, we decided to circle all the way around Lake Huron. Andrew's family had a summer get-together, which we had not participated in in previous years and wanted to attend this year. We made sure to include the family gathering into our vacation and then continued on to further our vacation experiences.<br />
<br />
Here is a snap shot of our route.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5FuDyqzP8o/VaQLZ1MX6-I/AAAAAAAAClk/Mhr6PJyaJxI/s1600/Map%2Bof%2BRoute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e5FuDyqzP8o/VaQLZ1MX6-I/AAAAAAAAClk/Mhr6PJyaJxI/s400/Map%2Bof%2BRoute.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our first few days were spent in Seaforth, ON. Then we traveled on to Sudbury, ON, but before we got to Sudbury, we stopped about halfway at Wasaga Beach for a little time in the water. From Sudbury, we traveled on to St. Ignace. Since we were passing through Sault Sainte Marie, we stopped there to view the locks and stretch our legs. Once in St. Ignace, we took a day trip to Mackinac Island and another day trip to Tahquamenon Falls, before finally heading back home.<br />
<br />
Now that you have a good idea of our route, here are some pictures of what we saw along the way.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Family Get-together</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of course, I forget to get the camera out till the end when people were leaving.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least I got a picture of Avery's favorite Bergsma cousin to play with :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wnEiYofwik/VaQPCvBIf6I/AAAAAAAACl8/IrAMS6z84RI/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2wnEiYofwik/VaQPCvBIf6I/AAAAAAAACl8/IrAMS6z84RI/s320/IMG_0018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3TnxzozP4I/VaQPCSmn3CI/AAAAAAAACl4/LMiwDXwPk0Y/s1600/IMG_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q3TnxzozP4I/VaQPCSmn3CI/AAAAAAAACl4/LMiwDXwPk0Y/s320/IMG_0017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Science North Museum, Sudbury, ON</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWXUuiESBpw/VaQPX3XjoeI/AAAAAAAACmE/y4RFMlV0-Zw/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sWXUuiESBpw/VaQPX3XjoeI/AAAAAAAACmE/y4RFMlV0-Zw/s320/IMG_0020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Avery got to see a porcupine up close</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMF-nkMmel4/VaQPljTvE3I/AAAAAAAACmQ/QZam11SeT3g/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LMF-nkMmel4/VaQPljTvE3I/AAAAAAAACmQ/QZam11SeT3g/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and pet a painted turtle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmoijUj30bA/VaQPl6aOsbI/AAAAAAAACmU/WDy0soUpPqE/s1600/IMG_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zmoijUj30bA/VaQPl6aOsbI/AAAAAAAACmU/WDy0soUpPqE/s320/IMG_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We watched daddy try out the bed of nails and see if it still hurts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_UfEAMElGk/VaQP2BHil4I/AAAAAAAACmc/DkGM2g1hSbY/s1600/IMG_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_UfEAMElGk/VaQP2BHil4I/AAAAAAAACmc/DkGM2g1hSbY/s320/IMG_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She even danced while the skeleton mimicked her every move.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(she was learning about all the different parts of the body in this exhibit)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_TZihQPvQQ/VaQQQ_qHEVI/AAAAAAAACm8/IlgU0ugUrbg/s1600/IMG_0028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D_TZihQPvQQ/VaQQQ_qHEVI/AAAAAAAACm8/IlgU0ugUrbg/s320/IMG_0028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u> Dynamic Earth Nickel Mine, Sudbury, ON</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We took a tour underground into the mine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We saw how they mined years ago vs how it is done today.<br />
Thankfully they had a nice kids play area for Avery. She had fun playing in their little kids "mine" with styrofoam rocks and also in their little "stream" panning for gold dust.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIMwWg_85CE/VaQQQ9YTNKI/AAAAAAAACm0/Zw561t3_Nuw/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qIMwWg_85CE/VaQQQ9YTNKI/AAAAAAAACm0/Zw561t3_Nuw/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBf0fdtwNrg/VaQQikMbiPI/AAAAAAAACnE/3dRQgqokT0k/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBf0fdtwNrg/VaQQikMbiPI/AAAAAAAACnE/3dRQgqokT0k/s320/IMG_0037.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcW43Sx0z-k/VaQQxDfi7iI/AAAAAAAACnU/tilB-PPiccw/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gcW43Sx0z-k/VaQQxDfi7iI/AAAAAAAACnU/tilB-PPiccw/s320/IMG_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JtBskK9Nbc/VaQROWDHKYI/AAAAAAAACnk/eDg4OFdbXBU/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JtBskK9Nbc/VaQROWDHKYI/AAAAAAAACnk/eDg4OFdbXBU/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Sault Sainte Marie/ Soo Locks</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLV3J6nJZTc/VaQRT9JN9OI/AAAAAAAACn0/ud1t4g2L58U/s1600/IMG_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLV3J6nJZTc/VaQRT9JN9OI/AAAAAAAACn0/ud1t4g2L58U/s320/IMG_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the original historic locks (only used for pleasure boats today)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-VymMUrmG8/VaQRSogUKtI/AAAAAAAACns/CuqSF23LoDw/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-VymMUrmG8/VaQRSogUKtI/AAAAAAAACns/CuqSF23LoDw/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcrc4dAqfxs/VaQRtl2EaUI/AAAAAAAACoI/eMWf1mwS-g0/s1600/IMG_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcrc4dAqfxs/VaQRtl2EaUI/AAAAAAAACoI/eMWf1mwS-g0/s320/IMG_0046.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Below are the current set of locks used both for commercial and pleasure boats</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(we had just missed a boat going through and didn't see any others in the short time we were there)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHGpmmY5Ftk/VaQRr_OyT0I/AAAAAAAACn8/FSX5sAK4AIQ/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHGpmmY5Ftk/VaQRr_OyT0I/AAAAAAAACn8/FSX5sAK4AIQ/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cdBUkoypWg/VaQRtmx5TEI/AAAAAAAACoM/Eok2Dysy8Lo/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cdBUkoypWg/VaQRtmx5TEI/AAAAAAAACoM/Eok2Dysy8Lo/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Mackinac Bridge/ Mackinac Island, MI</span></b></u></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ferry boat to the island, with a scenic drive by under the bridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrV-PIKemuU/VaQSDgRxR6I/AAAAAAAACoc/hG0jxMA7lX8/s1600/IMG_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrV-PIKemuU/VaQSDgRxR6I/AAAAAAAACoc/hG0jxMA7lX8/s320/IMG_0063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a unique view of the bridge from the water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0IIN9nPchk/VaQSIieXk-I/AAAAAAAACok/DZknlljKy0I/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0IIN9nPchk/VaQSIieXk-I/AAAAAAAACok/DZknlljKy0I/s320/IMG_0064.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
5 miles long suspension bridge (longest in North America)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
columns are 300 ft above water, 200 ft in the water, & another 100 ft below the water</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpI37Bt1a60/VaQSUq6H3vI/AAAAAAAACos/OREcYHlJcXk/s1600/IMG_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EpI37Bt1a60/VaQSUq6H3vI/AAAAAAAACos/OREcYHlJcXk/s320/IMG_0065.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKXirBBQAos/VaQSYGRYFzI/AAAAAAAACo0/K71UUxs6Juc/s1600/IMG_0066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nKXirBBQAos/VaQSYGRYFzI/AAAAAAAACo0/K71UUxs6Juc/s320/IMG_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2LTASmeoJw/VaQS0BiKoWI/AAAAAAAACpc/vDknIxxo794/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2LTASmeoJw/VaQS0BiKoWI/AAAAAAAACpc/vDknIxxo794/s320/IMG_0071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Approaching the island.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Grand Hotel is the large building you see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDyNWDodXck/VaQTBsJdg6I/AAAAAAAACpk/Cmnk8y12AXw/s1600/IMG_0072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FDyNWDodXck/VaQTBsJdg6I/AAAAAAAACpk/Cmnk8y12AXw/s320/IMG_0072.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1tNlyhNz3k/VaQTJC3giJI/AAAAAAAACps/7ACz08Y7e1c/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1tNlyhNz3k/VaQTJC3giJI/AAAAAAAACps/7ACz08Y7e1c/s320/IMG_0074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the Old Fort, watching some demonstrations and listening to presentations</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lchWdgSxzSU/VaQTlIZqrYI/AAAAAAAACp8/7eoWxroKzR4/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lchWdgSxzSU/VaQTlIZqrYI/AAAAAAAACp8/7eoWxroKzR4/s320/IMG_0075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The 3 men were: (r-l) 1860 American Soldier, 1812 British Soldier,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and (firing the gun) 1940 American Soldier</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5Y8aJ_yFs/VaQTpu5u20I/AAAAAAAACqE/4bbJZYRQqk8/s1600/IMG_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cS5Y8aJ_yFs/VaQTpu5u20I/AAAAAAAACqE/4bbJZYRQqk8/s320/IMG_0077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the water from the top of the fort. It was... BEAUTIFUL!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvgBq2nVj6w/VaQTrUtzoiI/AAAAAAAACqM/hWXAAu-J7c0/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yvgBq2nVj6w/VaQTrUtzoiI/AAAAAAAACqM/hWXAAu-J7c0/s320/IMG_0078.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the bridge from the fort on the island</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiXLqnBBA3s/VaQT7tI9QiI/AAAAAAAACqU/XUz4vAZTxZw/s1600/IMG_0079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DiXLqnBBA3s/VaQT7tI9QiI/AAAAAAAACqU/XUz4vAZTxZw/s320/IMG_0079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtLuy2Q_jo/VaQT_24QOMI/AAAAAAAACqc/9GyQj9Jiaxo/s1600/IMG_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dtLuy2Q_jo/VaQT_24QOMI/AAAAAAAACqc/9GyQj9Jiaxo/s320/IMG_0081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
posing by one of the canons</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_lDL4nX1t0/VaQUaUgPSCI/AAAAAAAACqs/RQ8Urc5yARg/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p_lDL4nX1t0/VaQUaUgPSCI/AAAAAAAACqs/RQ8Urc5yARg/s320/IMG_0082.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We walked around every where, but couldn't cover every single piece of ground.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At one point we had to take these steps to the top. There were 150(ish) steps to climb.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHfaCz0SQa0/VaQU-HHzz-I/AAAAAAAACrE/kiKVg3AEbo4/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dHfaCz0SQa0/VaQU-HHzz-I/AAAAAAAACrE/kiKVg3AEbo4/s320/IMG_0086.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
halfway and still more to go</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPMpUvC7l0A/VaQVEwyZxtI/AAAAAAAACrM/C-XuUgvj2MM/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPMpUvC7l0A/VaQVEwyZxtI/AAAAAAAACrM/C-XuUgvj2MM/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The view at the top was worth it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3Fx2-iJvqk/VaQVL3ikjLI/AAAAAAAACrU/HapflUuVfPA/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D3Fx2-iJvqk/VaQVL3ikjLI/AAAAAAAACrU/HapflUuVfPA/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsNQEfPiA6k/VaQVivNyx_I/AAAAAAAACrc/lWh0Z_-ee-Q/s1600/IMG_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsNQEfPiA6k/VaQVivNyx_I/AAAAAAAACrc/lWh0Z_-ee-Q/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Arch Rock </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBgKgbzwHIw/VaQV74RBbCI/AAAAAAAACrw/cEuNNTYDTBA/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBgKgbzwHIw/VaQV74RBbCI/AAAAAAAACrw/cEuNNTYDTBA/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkqGUjik6dc/VaQV9MFlf5I/AAAAAAAACr8/mSuV24dDGDo/s1600/IMG_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SkqGUjik6dc/VaQV9MFlf5I/AAAAAAAACr8/mSuV24dDGDo/s320/IMG_0093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More views of the absolutely beautiful water. It was definitely a perfect day for viewing!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdV4ZB4EMT0/VaQWU8IvwyI/AAAAAAAACsM/qHkVafMq7Dg/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MdV4ZB4EMT0/VaQWU8IvwyI/AAAAAAAACsM/qHkVafMq7Dg/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXqn3gCPO60/VaQWWEyYzcI/AAAAAAAACsU/NCfFF6_gzuA/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXqn3gCPO60/VaQWWEyYzcI/AAAAAAAACsU/NCfFF6_gzuA/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXPn5jgSm0g/VaQWVOmt9WI/AAAAAAAACsI/fpldDQDKyx0/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nXPn5jgSm0g/VaQWVOmt9WI/AAAAAAAACsI/fpldDQDKyx0/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" width="193" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PBxrZ2w6I8/VaQWxYLQRQI/AAAAAAAACsc/oCBhrp8aDfU/s1600/IMG_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_PBxrZ2w6I8/VaQWxYLQRQI/AAAAAAAACsc/oCBhrp8aDfU/s320/IMG_0097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Close-up of the Grand Hotel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(chose not to pay $10/person to go closer, ridiculous!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQJ7STysTNk/VaQXaTnKVrI/AAAAAAAACs8/SXNC6h8--qg/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQJ7STysTNk/VaQXaTnKVrI/AAAAAAAACs8/SXNC6h8--qg/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and the front lawn of the Grand Hotel</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zScZ9M_HVDc/VaQXka609CI/AAAAAAAACtE/2XIE-uTM-O4/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zScZ9M_HVDc/VaQXka609CI/AAAAAAAACtE/2XIE-uTM-O4/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tahquamenon Falls, MI</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the Lower Falls</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can rent a boat and go on to the center island you see in the middle of the picture.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some day we hope to come back and spend more time here and do some more exploring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQa29GJfpGU/VaQYXh9vipI/AAAAAAAACtk/P0XT2UzoOmk/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VQa29GJfpGU/VaQYXh9vipI/AAAAAAAACtk/P0XT2UzoOmk/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that center island you can step out into the water and "experience" the falls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQlqHoD_kU/VaQZDF4yayI/AAAAAAAACuE/poq5XQVTAjc/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GqQlqHoD_kU/VaQZDF4yayI/AAAAAAAACuE/poq5XQVTAjc/s320/IMG_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moose head on the way to the upper falls</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3ybzeA54HA/VaQZRi8b4CI/AAAAAAAACuM/QBkgFmlSRtI/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V3ybzeA54HA/VaQZRi8b4CI/AAAAAAAACuM/QBkgFmlSRtI/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View of the Upper Falls</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USp28TgmYmw/VaQaFl6-2BI/AAAAAAAACuk/sZJjo3g9hxw/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USp28TgmYmw/VaQaFl6-2BI/AAAAAAAACuk/sZJjo3g9hxw/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85F_FHmGOeY/VaQaQQe5BYI/AAAAAAAACu0/ye7b1JoWV1w/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-85F_FHmGOeY/VaQaQQe5BYI/AAAAAAAACu0/ye7b1JoWV1w/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLv6p2ElAQ/VaQanoinZ9I/AAAAAAAACu8/NWtj4uE-L70/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLv6p2ElAQ/VaQanoinZ9I/AAAAAAAACu8/NWtj4uE-L70/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Had to walk down 94 steps to see the falls up close</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(which means 94 steps back up)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BqOUUs56ig/VaQbX1HUSKI/AAAAAAAACvc/E5KbpxzUhBA/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1BqOUUs56ig/VaQbX1HUSKI/AAAAAAAACvc/E5KbpxzUhBA/s320/IMG_0125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRaI6z06ubs/VaQbahaQK2I/AAAAAAAACvk/P4po8pEXLQA/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oRaI6z06ubs/VaQbahaQK2I/AAAAAAAACvk/P4po8pEXLQA/s320/IMG_0126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27HdrZJSHpY/VaQb5qiEUlI/AAAAAAAACv8/OlFYI2cxzvc/s1600/IMG_0128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-27HdrZJSHpY/VaQb5qiEUlI/AAAAAAAACv8/OlFYI2cxzvc/s320/IMG_0128.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was another set of 115 steps down into the gorge farther down the path, but we chose not to take those as we were already feeling the 150 steps from Mackinac Island the day before. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Packing up, heading home</span></u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Avery was trying to be a big helper and carry the tent bag to the car</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REZ5qSUI_TE/VaQb39rHqdI/AAAAAAAACv0/QkSHiAyZ2Ec/s1600/IMG_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-REZ5qSUI_TE/VaQb39rHqdI/AAAAAAAACv0/QkSHiAyZ2Ec/s320/IMG_0129.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...lets try picking it up this way instead.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Too heavy, daddy, too heavy!"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftRoMHIc4eg/VaQcK9XXReI/AAAAAAAACwI/G3gU1HQYiME/s1600/IMG_0130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftRoMHIc4eg/VaQcK9XXReI/AAAAAAAACwI/G3gU1HQYiME/s320/IMG_0130.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Driving over the Mackinac Bridge on our way home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wa4Fi0BgWE/VaQcLKcEhKI/AAAAAAAACwM/4L9NOVZXD4A/s1600/IMG_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--wa4Fi0BgWE/VaQcLKcEhKI/AAAAAAAACwM/4L9NOVZXD4A/s320/IMG_0131.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNJhI2tzjw/VaQcMZ02f-I/AAAAAAAACwU/mFBITw3BUXY/s1600/IMG_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ngNJhI2tzjw/VaQcMZ02f-I/AAAAAAAACwU/mFBITw3BUXY/s320/IMG_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Home Sweet Home!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It is SO NICE to sleep in our own bed (although the air mattress was better than the hard ground), shower in our own shower (with more than just a little stream of water to rinse out the shampoo), and no more pesky mosquitoes (I think we used up an entire bottle of spray)! We exercised our muscles with all the walking and climbing steps we did at each place - it made up for all the sitting in the car while driving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-716597476207119562015-05-04T10:02:00.001-04:002015-05-06T09:08:14.662-04:00Second stage of kitchen remodel has begun!Now that the wall has been completed, and we were able to get our cabinets on sale, we are ready for the next stage of the kitchen remodel - new lower cabinets and countertop. My dad had Monday and Tuesday off this week and Andrew took a day off as well so we could get things rolling. Here is progress that happened over the last couple days.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiErhI-ULiA/VUd75tXQQTI/AAAAAAAACkc/Xtenq36YoUc/s640/blogger-image-7199052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NiErhI-ULiA/VUd75tXQQTI/AAAAAAAACkc/Xtenq36YoUc/s640/blogger-image-7199052.jpg"></a></div>Tearing out the old cabinets</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwioogbaIHc/VUd73sOqYRI/AAAAAAAACkU/1c9cMF5F6OU/s640/blogger-image-2056421448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jwioogbaIHc/VUd73sOqYRI/AAAAAAAACkU/1c9cMF5F6OU/s640/blogger-image-2056421448.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xZepkMVh0RY/VUd71SizIJI/AAAAAAAACkM/XhiBPU2C2Uo/s640/blogger-image-763201716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xZepkMVh0RY/VUd71SizIJI/AAAAAAAACkM/XhiBPU2C2Uo/s640/blogger-image-763201716.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Installing new cabinets! We took the opportunity to change the cabinet styles a little bit. We had two blind corner cabinets, but instead we decided to try to make one corner be a lazy susan. So with some configuration we were able to squeeze in a lazy susan on one side of the sink. We dislike those blind corners as they are always such a pain to use! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5Y7v--twUQ/VUe8rLvR_jI/AAAAAAAACks/-EaOIrPFPFM/s640/blogger-image--409667724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H5Y7v--twUQ/VUe8rLvR_jI/AAAAAAAACks/-EaOIrPFPFM/s640/blogger-image--409667724.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Cabinets are in and most of the counter top. I even started priming the cabinets. I have my stove and dishwasher back in use and the sink is almost ready. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--No1po53yU8/VUmCMGXH99I/AAAAAAAACk8/p5HHALUxOAI/s640/blogger-image-604321236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--No1po53yU8/VUmCMGXH99I/AAAAAAAACk8/p5HHALUxOAI/s640/blogger-image-604321236.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I love the continuous counter on the left above the dishwasher. Previously, there was an uneven seam where the counter above the dishwasher connected with the counter above the cabinet next to the dishwasher. I can't wait to complete the counter with filling I the corner seams with wood filler, and finishing off the butcher block counter.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-61669290079059313182015-01-03T21:30:00.000-05:002015-01-05T11:22:41.176-05:00Primed and painted!<div>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xoYnzDaVUJg/VKVzpwYZdJI/AAAAAAAACi0/7lXmzPp7Pq4/s640/blogger-image--412274047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xoYnzDaVUJg/VKVzpwYZdJI/AAAAAAAACi0/7lXmzPp7Pq4/s320/blogger-image--412274047.jpg" width="320"></a>Now that the drywall mudding and sanding is complete, I was eager to get the first coat of primer on the walls. Once the priming was completed and dry, I didn't waist any time in repainting.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xoYnzDaVUJg/VKVzpwYZdJI/AAAAAAAACi0/7lXmzPp7Pq4/s640/blogger-image--412274047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a>
<br>
<br><br>
<br>
(Sorry for the fuzzy pictures. They were taken at night with the glare of lights and with the iPad.)<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lkcASprZgpI/VKTCujHx_3I/AAAAAAAACig/UeiwC2pZC4M/s640/blogger-image-1035602861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lkcASprZgpI/VKTCujHx_3I/AAAAAAAACig/UeiwC2pZC4M/s400/blogger-image-1035602861.jpg" width="400"></a><br>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CayyMC9lcl8/VKVzoCvy-kI/AAAAAAAACis/BCEGv42Vh3k/s640/blogger-image--1530409095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CayyMC9lcl8/VKVzoCvy-kI/AAAAAAAACis/BCEGv42Vh3k/s640/blogger-image--1530409095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CayyMC9lcl8/VKVzoCvy-kI/AAAAAAAACis/BCEGv42Vh3k/s320/blogger-image--1530409095.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
My kitchen may look a little odd in this transition mode, because I painted the light grey that is in the dining room into the kitchen to the corner above the remaining hanging cabinets. The rest of the yellow is on it's way out as well, as I am ready for something else, but I just haven't decided yet what I want to do.<br>
<br>
Paint the cabinets a different color and keep the rest of the walls the neural grey?<br>
OR<br>
Keep the cabinets white and paint the walls a different accent color?<br>
OR<br>
Keep the cabinets white and paint all the walls the neutral grey?<br>
<br>
What do you think? Here are some more pictures to help you understand better what I am looking at.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pO3JtxiFB2E/VKq43EmkLBI/AAAAAAAACjM/cfTIorp5H38/s640/blogger-image-2146518295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pO3JtxiFB2E/VKq43EmkLBI/AAAAAAAACjM/cfTIorp5H38/s640/blogger-image-2146518295.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9CYU8-As-bE/VKq5plhDACI/AAAAAAAACjU/bCAQ3CInYEo/s640/blogger-image-241996757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9CYU8-As-bE/VKq5plhDACI/AAAAAAAACjU/bCAQ3CInYEo/s640/blogger-image-241996757.jpg"></a></div></div><br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d24dirYp11o/VKq41losstI/AAAAAAAACjE/Usv3qOPCFdk/s640/blogger-image-1418893222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d24dirYp11o/VKq41losstI/AAAAAAAACjE/Usv3qOPCFdk/s640/blogger-image-1418893222.jpg"></a></div><br>
Now that things are painted, we are ready to get the counter top on and the shelves hung.<br>
<br></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-41464023450910995562014-12-29T21:24:00.001-05:002015-01-03T21:11:45.237-05:00Kitchen work continuesRemodeling an older home is never an easy task! Andrew has had to figure out all the old wiring, that were in the walls, as well as the newer wiring done by previous owner. Next, try to either relocated them to another spot or at least fix what was there.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PZQxmr9_gVM/VKIOXhjFOiI/AAAAAAAACiI/8RP6WjPWt34/s640/blogger-image-1825630015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PZQxmr9_gVM/VKIOXhjFOiI/AAAAAAAACiI/8RP6WjPWt34/s320/blogger-image-1825630015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A couple outlets had to be moved down on the kitchen side, an outlet that wasn't working had to be fixed on the dining room side, the kitchen light switch had to be moved down and rewired in a crazy way (down the half wall, under the walkway to the living room, up the wall by our fridge, and over the the light fixture), and the dining room light switch had to be relocated and rewired (from the half wall side to the other side of the walkway).<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sooxOk4E0tE/VKIOaIa0_uI/AAAAAAAACiQ/ZNaAZmdbEEg/s640/blogger-image--1510149890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sooxOk4E0tE/VKIOaIa0_uI/AAAAAAAACiQ/ZNaAZmdbEEg/s320/blogger-image--1510149890.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My dad has also been busy with getting the header looking nice and smooth again. Mudding, sanding, mudding, sanding, etc till he gets the end result he is looking for. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lIPSTYzJfsg/VKIOVFc8kKI/AAAAAAAACiA/u6PDZ49kOx0/s640/blogger-image--1791637503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lIPSTYzJfsg/VKIOVFc8kKI/AAAAAAAACiA/u6PDZ49kOx0/s320/blogger-image--1791637503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On the outside wall, the kitchen side of the wall and the dining room side of the wall were at different levels. I guess the thickness of drywall was different, so that also posed as a challenge to somehow taper it off so it is not as noticeable and hope that the shelves I am putting there won't accentuate the problem. With the wall there, who have known the difference....until someone had the crazy idea of taking that wall away! Oh well. It added to the character of an old home, right?</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-odSokfftqZU/VKIOSi-5_LI/AAAAAAAACh4/niTw09u4T6I/s640/blogger-image-144052047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-odSokfftqZU/VKIOSi-5_LI/AAAAAAAACh4/niTw09u4T6I/s320/blogger-image-144052047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is the tedious part, that always makes a project feel like it is taking forever! Cutting open the wall, seemed to go so fast, because you get big results with each step. Once we start painting, and installing the counter top, things will start coming together again quickly, and then you start feeling like you are really accomplishing something again.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-58081797642318094202014-12-20T14:21:00.001-05:002015-01-03T21:15:42.095-05:00Kitchen remodel has begunRemember this post [<a href="http://cherisemoerdyk.blogspot.com/2011/01/our-painted-kitchen.html">here</a>] where I talked about sometime in the future removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room. I can say with excitement that it is finally happening! My kitchen will not feel so small anymore and I will be able to see and talk to anyone sitting in the dining room. I can not wait for it to be done!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have decided to do this in several stages. Stage 1 is opening the wall, installing a bar height counter, and some open shelving on the outside wall. Stage 2 and maybe even 3 or 4 will be working on the rest of the kitchen cabinets and counter tops.<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
Here are the begining details of stage 1:</div>
<div>
We emptied the cabinets and took them down</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XILOtFqng6Y/VJW_aQ4q41I/AAAAAAAACgY/os6oOegLdwo/s640/blogger-image-1486340079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XILOtFqng6Y/VJW_aQ4q41I/AAAAAAAACgY/os6oOegLdwo/s400/blogger-image-1486340079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
View from the dining room side</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cos9O5eZlHc/VJXMKEVdtMI/AAAAAAAACgo/1L8mL3FmJbg/s640/blogger-image-91572326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cos9O5eZlHc/VJXMKEVdtMI/AAAAAAAACgo/1L8mL3FmJbg/s640/blogger-image-91572326.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Drywall is down and they are working on the electrical (whatever was in the wall now has to go elsewhere).</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tFh-RlF6Kkc/VJhyyIcUUgI/AAAAAAAAChA/sqLnlO7uyak/s640/blogger-image--509549924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tFh-RlF6Kkc/VJhyyIcUUgI/AAAAAAAAChA/sqLnlO7uyak/s640/blogger-image--509549924.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
We tried to cover things to keep the dust from covering it all, but everything was still covered in dust! Oh well! It's all part of having construction going on in the house, while trying to make it livable. :)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LQ3aNacQDWg/VJhywTQMJMI/AAAAAAAACg4/Z0bqWoxlYwE/s640/blogger-image--772042882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LQ3aNacQDWg/VJhywTQMJMI/AAAAAAAACg4/Z0bqWoxlYwE/s640/blogger-image--772042882.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div>
Things are looking nice and open already! (What you see hanging down on the half wall is our thermostat, which is currently being rewired and installed somewhere else.)</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6HAI0dptfsw/VJhzmuh2orI/AAAAAAAAChI/EqLsplv_sh0/s640/blogger-image--2527313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6HAI0dptfsw/VJhzmuh2orI/AAAAAAAAChI/EqLsplv_sh0/s640/blogger-image--2527313.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Another view from the other side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biNN256Irwo/VJ2gdjP3ovI/AAAAAAAACho/s6V9AXOfXyY/s640/blogger-image-577825482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-biNN256Irwo/VJ2gdjP3ovI/AAAAAAAACho/s6V9AXOfXyY/s640/blogger-image-577825482.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The drywall and mud is covering the bottom of the header now and down the side. Even though it will a bit yet before everything is done, this kind of gives you an idea of what the end will be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The next few steps for completing this first stage of kitchen remodel are finishing the drywall, painting, installing a countertop on the raised half wall, and installing open shelving on the outside wall between the two windows.</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-81064447728610269542014-12-15T21:08:00.000-05:002015-01-03T21:14:47.482-05:00DIY Roman Shades - No SewingI had the itch to do something creative around our house, as it has been a while, so I thought about areas in the house that could use some attention. The one area that came to mind, was our front porch. I really had not done much in there since we moved in and I have been meaning to do something with the windows or walls, but had not really settled on anything that I fell in love with. But with the urge to do something again, I revisited the ideas, I had going in my head and decided to focus on the windows and what I can do to add a little more life and color to the space.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIXqwndLebo/VGp1qrDZ4AI/AAAAAAAACgI/6HBEKGl00g4/s1600/front%2Bporch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WIXqwndLebo/VGp1qrDZ4AI/AAAAAAAACgI/6HBEKGl00g4/s1600/front%2Bporch.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Here is what the room looked like when we bought the house (Sorry it doesn't give you a good view of the windows. Some how I lost my 'before' picture I took of what the porch looked like right before I worked on it):</div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
The walls are painted white and there are white mini blinds in the windows. I had pinned several diy roman shade ideas on Pinterest that I wanted to try someday, so I figured why not try they out now, with the current mini blinds. Romans shades is the best application for that space, as I have six windows all in a row and I didn't want any rods running the whole stretch, or curtain panels hanging all the way to the floor. So, I looked through all the tutorials I pinned on Pinterest and decided on {<a href="http://www.domestically-speaking.com/2011/04/mini-blind-makeover.html">this one</a>} for this project.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Avery and I went off the the fabric store and spent some time looking at all the different colors and patterns they had to offer. I wanted something that would fit well with the current color pallet I have in the house, while still giving me some flexibility of still working with any changes that I want to make in other areas in the house, in the future.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qtmjPAVZm6g/VJoW6a3uhoI/AAAAAAAAChY/FtFQPQ3rcbw/s640/blogger-image--573420563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qtmjPAVZm6g/VJoW6a3uhoI/AAAAAAAAChY/FtFQPQ3rcbw/s320/blogger-image--573420563.jpg" width="320" /></a>The fabric we ended up coming home with is a Sunbrella material which is suppose to not fade as fast. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wasted no time in taking down the blinds and getting started on them. I cut the ladder cords, but saved the main pull cord. I took off the bottom rail, so I could slide off the vanes I didn't need. Put the bottom rail back on and retied the string at the proper length. Then I switched my attention to the fabric.<br />
<br />
I cut the main decorative fabric slightly bigger than the opening of my window. Windows were 25"x45", so the fabric was cut to 28"x48". The extra 1" or 1.5" is what is used to turn over on the other side. Then I cut the lining fabric to the exact size of the window. I glued the perimeter of the liner, with special fabric-tec glue, centered on to the back of the decorative fabric. Then I folded over the edge on one side and glued it in place. When I went to the opposite side, I made sure that when I turned it over as well, it would measure the 25" that I needed for my width of the window. Next I folded over the top and glued it down. Then did the bottom side, again making sure it measured the 45" that I needed.<br />
<br />
After I let the glue sit for a little bit, I proceeded to glue the mini blind to the shade. First starting with the head rail, then moving down with each vane, measuring each one as I went along. Because I didn't have super tall windows, I only had 3 vanes that I glued along the blind. Finally, I glued on the bottom rail. One some of them I has to adjust the bottom rail a bit, as where I have tied the strings, it left them still a little long. But that wasn't hard to do.<br />
<br />
Last, but not least, I hung up my shades and smiled at how much more color they bring to the front porch. Even Andrew, who doesn't like change, commented that it is so different now anytime he steps up in there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ieDigDV4vlg/VGIiK6_m6vI/AAAAAAAACfw/mTqe5Pkm5g8/s640/blogger-image--786713766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ieDigDV4vlg/VGIiK6_m6vI/AAAAAAAACfw/mTqe5Pkm5g8/s400/blogger-image--786713766.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vUqIjrUL7Mk/VGIiI0y_p9I/AAAAAAAACfo/QGLH68rERoo/s640/blogger-image--1389279862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vUqIjrUL7Mk/VGIiI0y_p9I/AAAAAAAACfo/QGLH68rERoo/s400/blogger-image--1389279862.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Well, there you have it! Super easy, no sewing, roman shades! The most expensive part of the whole project was the cost of the fabric. Even on sale, it still adds up quickly!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Have you tried these before? How did yours turn out? I would love to see them!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-87045241008096809392014-08-27T22:20:00.002-04:002014-08-27T22:20:56.927-04:00Summer 2014 Recap: New Job, New Jersey, New York, etcThis summer has been busy and full of all kinds of adventures.<br />
<br />
First, Andrew got a new job at GE Aviation for which we can only thank and praise God. We have been praying for a full time hired in position (which included benefits) for a while and now God has led us to that. We are very thankful for the secure job position and he greatly enjoys working with his new team members.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39MwOYDO4pY/U_6Fp-6Oz7I/AAAAAAAACdw/KHt6pft_NNg/s1600/GE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-39MwOYDO4pY/U_6Fp-6Oz7I/AAAAAAAACdw/KHt6pft_NNg/s1600/GE.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Second, we celebrated our 4th Anniversary in New Jersey. We didn't do anything special, just hanging out with family and friends at the rehearsal dinner for my brother's wedding. Which brings me to....<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Third, we traveled 11 hours to New Jersey for a very special event in the family: my brother's wedding! 1st brother to get married, 1st sis-in-law for us girls, and 1st out of state wedding for our family! That is a lot of firsts for us, but we enjoyed every bit of it! We welcome you into our family, Leah, and hope you will soon feel at home with all us crazy Moerdyks here in Michigan. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3vXb_8go98/U_6GZjpw9oI/AAAAAAAACd4/tB4gHAQFu4A/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_3vXb_8go98/U_6GZjpw9oI/AAAAAAAACd4/tB4gHAQFu4A/s1600/IMG_0383.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(You will have to forgive Avery in this photo, as it was 10pm and she could hardly keep her eyes open.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The poor girl fell asleep in my arms on our way out to the vehicle, 10 min after this photo was taken.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpP8S0o0GKo/U_6NL8QIPII/AAAAAAAACfU/5Mx8cLdcxeY/s1600/Sam%2B%26%2BLeah%2Bwedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YpP8S0o0GKo/U_6NL8QIPII/AAAAAAAACfU/5Mx8cLdcxeY/s1600/Sam%2B%26%2BLeah%2Bwedding.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Fourth, we toured Ellis Island and Liberty Island the day after the wedding. We listened and learned lots of information from the audio tours, admired all the architecture, and enjoyed the scenery of the city skyline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks6A9FUx2Y/U_6LrfGaf0I/AAAAAAAACew/MpbpUZbqTw4/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks6A9FUx2Y/U_6LrfGaf0I/AAAAAAAACew/MpbpUZbqTw4/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHTW6aTe-Kg/U_6LOxhYCnI/AAAAAAAACeI/2DiWNaeyL3E/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHTW6aTe-Kg/U_6LOxhYCnI/AAAAAAAACeI/2DiWNaeyL3E/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewn01ArfmiA/U_6LqUPdOVI/AAAAAAAACeg/EkBZsnFP_e8/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewn01ArfmiA/U_6LqUPdOVI/AAAAAAAACeg/EkBZsnFP_e8/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
An old Fire Boat </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM7JHO-0tgM/U_6Lzda80LI/AAAAAAAACfA/LQjLm8aqXiE/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wM7JHO-0tgM/U_6Lzda80LI/AAAAAAAACfA/LQjLm8aqXiE/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emP4zJofnTo/U_6L3TsQjYI/AAAAAAAACfI/1x-aXFJzh1U/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-emP4zJofnTo/U_6L3TsQjYI/AAAAAAAACfI/1x-aXFJzh1U/s1600/IMG_0456.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Now that things have settle down into a regular routine, I hope share things a little more frequently. No promises, because I know how quickly time can fly by before you know it and it has been a while since the last post. Well, that is all for now. Hope you enjoyed our little visit through our pictures. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-62074433418933074272014-07-01T22:15:00.000-04:002014-07-01T22:16:07.942-04:00Learning from God's CreaturesRecently we had the opportunity to visit a christian owned family farm, called <a href="http://www.critterbarn.org/site/c.ihKMIWPDIqE/b.4103393/k.8407/Family_Fun__Handson_Animal_Education_Farm__Holland_Michigan.htm">The Critter Barn</a>, as a family outing. Avery had a blast petting and watching and seeing all the different animals. They allow kids to be very hands on with petting, holding, feeding, and even milking. They even have a washing area for everyone to wash their hands after petting and holding the animals. They have lots of volunteers and staff around in every department. This definitely a place we will be visiting frequently as Avery gets a little older and would appreciate holding and helping out more with some of the "chores".<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We started it out with watching a baby calf drink from a really big bottle</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k69R_eyVdg0/U7NmK6v1OGI/AAAAAAAACZg/9IFvUR4LVHg/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k69R_eyVdg0/U7NmK6v1OGI/AAAAAAAACZg/9IFvUR4LVHg/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then we saw this friendly goat with really big floppy ears</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6272iIQLqNg/U7NmS0GnJCI/AAAAAAAACZo/KUIEjvXeBv8/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6272iIQLqNg/U7NmS0GnJCI/AAAAAAAACZo/KUIEjvXeBv8/s1600/IMG_0299.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtI0bJE502k/U7NmpfrvM2I/AAAAAAAACZ4/sK9lXD2y2X0/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TtI0bJE502k/U7NmpfrvM2I/AAAAAAAACZ4/sK9lXD2y2X0/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp9EtOxhCMY/U7NmuuGn5KI/AAAAAAAACaA/5rZGiX3Blm0/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp9EtOxhCMY/U7NmuuGn5KI/AAAAAAAACaA/5rZGiX3Blm0/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRAz8-rG6FE/U7Nm0aOcEDI/AAAAAAAACaI/0UlbsHvEB24/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gRAz8-rG6FE/U7Nm0aOcEDI/AAAAAAAACaI/0UlbsHvEB24/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she had fun petting the super soft rabbits</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHCC0ymV8ls/U7NnA_AJhTI/AAAAAAAACaQ/qvG5sX1kZNs/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHCC0ymV8ls/U7NnA_AJhTI/AAAAAAAACaQ/qvG5sX1kZNs/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
even this extra soft angora rabbit</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-MyxHnPMTU/U7NnEmTcUwI/AAAAAAAACaY/20sArHPvtGc/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V-MyxHnPMTU/U7NnEmTcUwI/AAAAAAAACaY/20sArHPvtGc/s1600/IMG_0306.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAbbDvdoNIw/U7NnOaJW2pI/AAAAAAAACag/3m1av5cckQw/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAbbDvdoNIw/U7NnOaJW2pI/AAAAAAAACag/3m1av5cckQw/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez0TAVP8zRk/U7NnZbjNgCI/AAAAAAAACao/IqaFsYabrv8/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez0TAVP8zRk/U7NnZbjNgCI/AAAAAAAACao/IqaFsYabrv8/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and got to go into one rabbit box and chase then around a bit</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvHLqpEOKe0/U7Nnig40syI/AAAAAAAACaw/D3ExXtEEgzI/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CvHLqpEOKe0/U7Nnig40syI/AAAAAAAACaw/D3ExXtEEgzI/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
she didn't want to hold the chick but was willing to pet them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SF57P0rJtYs/U7NnkpQotqI/AAAAAAAACa4/314k33-Io8s/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SF57P0rJtYs/U7NnkpQotqI/AAAAAAAACa4/314k33-Io8s/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this pot belly pig kept grunting at her</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucdGBLWrOw8/U7NnxyYCOxI/AAAAAAAACbA/hSJkblJUvpI/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucdGBLWrOw8/U7NnxyYCOxI/AAAAAAAACbA/hSJkblJUvpI/s1600/IMG_0314.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
another friendly goat</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h_C82-hepI/U7Nn25VAUYI/AAAAAAAACbI/SsfnmymORTY/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_h_C82-hepI/U7Nn25VAUYI/AAAAAAAACbI/SsfnmymORTY/s1600/IMG_0315.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyUlSTTNou4/U7Nn6XEwetI/AAAAAAAACbQ/I9L710HRbVQ/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FyUlSTTNou4/U7Nn6XEwetI/AAAAAAAACbQ/I9L710HRbVQ/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
some turkeys, the male had his feathers all on display</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEHKc6sogAU/U7NoVQARkGI/AAAAAAAACbg/bEMUMEVeIYU/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEHKc6sogAU/U7NoVQARkGI/AAAAAAAACbg/bEMUMEVeIYU/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
posing in front of this ram with big horns</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLt2CXihTA/U7NoPqZkbaI/AAAAAAAACbY/ENISTxScDzs/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVLt2CXihTA/U7NoPqZkbaI/AAAAAAAACbY/ENISTxScDzs/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
this girl was trying to get Avery to milk the goat, but she didn't to touch it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIUv6D9iKek/U7NoWh_1AtI/AAAAAAAACbo/rF_zkT1pAbk/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TIUv6D9iKek/U7NoWh_1AtI/AAAAAAAACbo/rF_zkT1pAbk/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so daddy tried it instead</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g__wBBzJSxQ/U7Nof5i4plI/AAAAAAAACbw/TRUdJPjMZn4/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g__wBBzJSxQ/U7Nof5i4plI/AAAAAAAACbw/TRUdJPjMZn4/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We loved it so much, we want to got back again!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-31806522802817041642014-05-26T22:28:00.000-04:002014-07-01T22:29:40.584-04:00Recent Visit To See Canadian FamilyOur family visit was enjoyable and relaxing. These pictures are of our walk at an animal park and an authentic carousel that was only 5 cents per ride. We made sure to ride it twice!<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIsSubPjYwk/U7NsUBjSrqI/AAAAAAAACcA/X2PVlMUglk4/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIsSubPjYwk/U7NsUBjSrqI/AAAAAAAACcA/X2PVlMUglk4/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxHO_qu6JnA/U7NsV1USHGI/AAAAAAAACcI/VYAOku65P2k/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxHO_qu6JnA/U7NsV1USHGI/AAAAAAAACcI/VYAOku65P2k/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdKOXRhWwfs/U7NsWda9bkI/AAAAAAAACcQ/wLywAJJIFcc/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GdKOXRhWwfs/U7NsWda9bkI/AAAAAAAACcQ/wLywAJJIFcc/s1600/IMG_0062.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muod0NyM_r8/U7NsgCl3CtI/AAAAAAAACcY/1rsba5122K8/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-muod0NyM_r8/U7NsgCl3CtI/AAAAAAAACcY/1rsba5122K8/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrAbFwD0a3E/U7NsiqQeieI/AAAAAAAACcg/_ubXJZmMmw0/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrAbFwD0a3E/U7NsiqQeieI/AAAAAAAACcg/_ubXJZmMmw0/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0o-vtuiQ8Q/U7NsxQ_gcxI/AAAAAAAACcs/IyqLg1kVFeI/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o0o-vtuiQ8Q/U7NsxQ_gcxI/AAAAAAAACcs/IyqLg1kVFeI/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM-lDrO98nk/U7NsyYonnUI/AAAAAAAACcw/WSiUEYO9GKM/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RM-lDrO98nk/U7NsyYonnUI/AAAAAAAACcw/WSiUEYO9GKM/s1600/IMG_0074.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRH7VUzqFpw/U7NszcWSW4I/AAAAAAAACc4/CmdhPdD25jc/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aRH7VUzqFpw/U7NszcWSW4I/AAAAAAAACc4/CmdhPdD25jc/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB4zpTeMBXM/U7Ns8yQ5zWI/AAAAAAAACdA/bAldW7EqY1g/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uB4zpTeMBXM/U7Ns8yQ5zWI/AAAAAAAACdA/bAldW7EqY1g/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Avery was a little scared and would not let go of me the whole ride</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cytjF9UumGE/U7Ns9tJoFRI/AAAAAAAACdI/6e97cSk2i_k/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cytjF9UumGE/U7Ns9tJoFRI/AAAAAAAACdI/6e97cSk2i_k/s1600/IMG_0078.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-52521967769952671982014-03-27T10:00:00.000-04:002014-03-27T10:00:02.057-04:00Butterflies are in!Last weekend we decided to go on a family pleasure outing to Fredrick Meijer Gardens and look at all the butterflies that they have hatching in their conservatory. Avery loves butterflies, so she was excited to see them. <br />
<br />
Let me tell you! They were everywhere! Flying in and out of people. There were big ones and little ones.<br />
<br />
It was challenging to get them to sit still long enough for me to take a picture of them. I did manage to catch a few. Hopefully you will be able to spot them on the pictures as some of them did not rest with their wings open.<br />
<br />
They also had an area where they kept all the cocoons and you could see the difference between the ones that have a while to go and the ones getting ready to hatch soon. There was even one that had already hatched and was just sitting there drying out it's wings.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sitting on a bench watching them fly around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8_ZKW6TRiI/UzONGa8HM0I/AAAAAAAACYY/RQ3oTAzcEcE/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k8_ZKW6TRiI/UzONGa8HM0I/AAAAAAAACYY/RQ3oTAzcEcE/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pointing out a resting butterfly...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C80NUzR3DtU/UzONGRxyshI/AAAAAAAACYg/USEjbThvXyU/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C80NUzR3DtU/UzONGRxyshI/AAAAAAAACYg/USEjbThvXyU/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...getting a closer look...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIeBgNB-qAM/UzONF9fRJVI/AAAAAAAACYU/Z9IbAZsAPio/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RIeBgNB-qAM/UzONF9fRJVI/AAAAAAAACYU/Z9IbAZsAPio/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...and closer pictures. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7i7j74rbsI/UzONHa_KT0I/AAAAAAAACYs/gE8aHtiijFU/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B7i7j74rbsI/UzONHa_KT0I/AAAAAAAACYs/gE8aHtiijFU/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0sSitH2AA/UzONJOmB0jI/AAAAAAAACY0/5TgIrG38PGY/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hI0sSitH2AA/UzONJOmB0jI/AAAAAAAACY0/5TgIrG38PGY/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sUsrN0K-A0/UzONJ13C3oI/AAAAAAAACY4/8C9OU48AFoE/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--sUsrN0K-A0/UzONJ13C3oI/AAAAAAAACY4/8C9OU48AFoE/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWR9kD0Hkb8/UzOMG05vD4I/AAAAAAAACXw/Yc3mTW32acY/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vWR9kD0Hkb8/UzOMG05vD4I/AAAAAAAACXw/Yc3mTW32acY/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2XNS-vdPag/UzOMItcPSBI/AAAAAAAACX4/BFd72zlJOAo/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N2XNS-vdPag/UzOMItcPSBI/AAAAAAAACX4/BFd72zlJOAo/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ending an exciting adventure with a picture on the butterfly bench.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(she was too busy watching people that she did not want to look at the camera)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BC_tC6mBH4/UzONLOKk3yI/AAAAAAAACZE/MpQvTxgPqyE/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BC_tC6mBH4/UzONLOKk3yI/AAAAAAAACZE/MpQvTxgPqyE/s1600/IMG_0430.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-86021634960050436342014-01-20T10:13:00.000-05:002014-01-20T15:45:46.443-05:00Our New VocabularyAvery has been learning lots of different words lately. Andrew and I have enjoyed watching and listening to her try to repeat what we say or try to join in a conversation or respond to us when we ask her a question. Certain words (mommy, daddy, no, yeah, go, uh oh, hi) we all can easily understand, while others may need a little translation. If you ever visit our house, here is a little cheat sheet to help you. :)<br>
<br>
BUP = cup<br>
KICKY = kitty<br>
BAPA = grandpa<br>
A GO? = Where'd it go?<br>
WA HAPPEN? = what happened?<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5wGhDHZ70BE/Ut1-80h9Z-I/AAAAAAAACWs/pEcCbkFd-gI/s640/blogger-image-1200940489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5wGhDHZ70BE/Ut1-80h9Z-I/AAAAAAAACWs/pEcCbkFd-gI/s640/blogger-image-1200940489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8_r9xfh6OmY/Ut1-7qjGzZI/AAAAAAAACWk/tJHJEL3FblM/s640/blogger-image-921881374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8_r9xfh6OmY/Ut1-7qjGzZI/AAAAAAAACWk/tJHJEL3FblM/s640/blogger-image-921881374.jpg"></a></div></div><br>
NIGHT NIGHT = bed, or time for bed<br>
GOG, GOGGY = dog, doggy<br>
GUCK = duck<br>
GOOK = book<br>
NUM NUM = food, snack, anything good to eat<br>
NANA = banana<br>
NENNA = Brenna (a little girl I babysit)<br>
BA BUY = buy buy<br>
<br>
I know over time, she will straighten these words out with a little more proper pronunciation, but for right now, it is cute to hear her trying her best. I know each toddler has their own "language" so it is interesting to see what each child comes up with. What are some unique sayings does your toddler(s) have?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-90212188970616931362014-01-17T22:34:00.002-05:002014-03-25T12:18:18.152-04:00Having Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Avery is always trying new things. I catch her walking around in my slippers or getting frustrated when something doesn't go exactly how she wants. She copies everything we say and do! Gotta watch out! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These are pictures of when we last visited Grandpa and Grandma Bergsma. We found her trying to walk in Grandma's shoes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IO_xC4jNQA/UtnxzE6xtjI/AAAAAAAACV0/cAO_a1QfulY/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IO_xC4jNQA/UtnxzE6xtjI/AAAAAAAACV0/cAO_a1QfulY/s1600/IMG_0894.JPG" height="320" width="213"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvcG5WsnQwY/UtnxyS6qoVI/AAAAAAAACVs/FnqO-o_piTc/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dvcG5WsnQwY/UtnxyS6qoVI/AAAAAAAACVs/FnqO-o_piTc/s1600/IMG_0895.JPG" height="320" width="213"></a></div>
<br>
These puzzles were a Christmas gift and she has them down pat! She knows where each piece goes and gets most of them in fairly easily. The few pieces that take her a bit, she gets frustrated with quickly.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9F4yAFwPjI/Utnxwx96YlI/AAAAAAAACVk/nWkk3jcgseA/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9F4yAFwPjI/Utnxwx96YlI/AAAAAAAACVk/nWkk3jcgseA/s1600/IMG_0896.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRbCbs9muxY/UtnyHiZHY2I/AAAAAAAACV8/LxxAdii8J70/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VRbCbs9muxY/UtnyHiZHY2I/AAAAAAAACV8/LxxAdii8J70/s1600/IMG_0897.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
This doll stroller was also a Christmas gift and gets pushed around the house often. Many items fill her basket and doll seat and not always is it either of her two dolls. We chuckle at her reasoning and many times would LOVE to see inside her brain, as to what she exactly thinking.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf1LWowsiLc/UtnyLsSrPrI/AAAAAAAACWE/nWu2Z6NsHt0/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf1LWowsiLc/UtnyLsSrPrI/AAAAAAAACWE/nWu2Z6NsHt0/s1600/IMG_0898.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6a_d1DVOT7s/UtnyN3-2AMI/AAAAAAAACWM/Bp35y2st3t0/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6a_d1DVOT7s/UtnyN3-2AMI/AAAAAAAACWM/Bp35y2st3t0/s1600/IMG_0899.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs2rDIrM4Pw/UtnyUZJ0EBI/AAAAAAAACWU/aqfLLFOBdJY/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bs2rDIrM4Pw/UtnyUZJ0EBI/AAAAAAAACWU/aqfLLFOBdJY/s1600/IMG_0900.JPG" height="213" width="320"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When she climbs up on our bed, she will often crawl all the way to the top, sit with her back against the head board and pull the blankets over her lap. She likes to sit there and hang out with me in the mornings sometimes while daddy is getting ready for work. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-50566745667900876562014-01-16T10:18:00.001-05:002014-01-16T10:36:51.734-05:00Tasty Meatloaf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdi88owJ44c/Utf2738-E0I/AAAAAAAACU8/B00c_udU4YY/s1600/IMG_0128b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bdi88owJ44c/Utf2738-E0I/AAAAAAAACU8/B00c_udU4YY/s1600/IMG_0128b.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This is probably the tastiest meatloaf I have ever had! My husband and I just get excited and start drooling thinking about it every time it is in the oven! <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is the recipe for the rest of you to enjoy it as well.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 pound of ground beef (you can use ground turkey as well)</div>
<div>
1/2 cup of oatmeal</div>
<div>
1 egg</div>
<div>
1/2 can of tomato soup or vegetable soup (I have also used tomato spice soup - adds flavor)<br />
- If I have about a cup of soup left over from a meal, I will freeze it and use it here.</div>
<div>
1 small onion chopped fine (you can use minced onion, but I prefer the fresh onion - better taste)</div>
<div>
1/2 large green pepper chopped fine</div>
<div>
Salt and pepper to desired taste</div>
<div>
Parsley</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.<br />
Mix all ingredients together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBJp69Nvk9c/Utf3PtWzIiI/AAAAAAAACVI/JrRAkSwiDFE/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBJp69Nvk9c/Utf3PtWzIiI/AAAAAAAACVI/JrRAkSwiDFE/s1600/IMG_0125.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Sprinkle extra parsley on top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__u9C6MY2mQ/Utf3iKrhS3I/AAAAAAAACVU/3MWCDmTxY-Y/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-__u9C6MY2mQ/Utf3iKrhS3I/AAAAAAAACVU/3MWCDmTxY-Y/s1600/IMG_0126.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Bake for one hour.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8SbKpGRvtM/Utf3iY8cZxI/AAAAAAAACVQ/FEWC97huH8Q/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8SbKpGRvtM/Utf3iY8cZxI/AAAAAAAACVQ/FEWC97huH8Q/s1600/IMG_0127.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Serve with a couple side dishes. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Linked to: </span><a href="http://www.growinghomeblog.com/" style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Growing Home</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-13076429469384656352014-01-13T16:56:00.000-05:002014-01-13T16:57:00.056-05:00Fun at the Children's MuseumLast week Friday evening, we had the opportunity to go to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. We were only there for a limited time, but I think next time we will have to make sure to set aside more time to play! Avery liked all the different things she could do there. Daddy liked it just as much, if not more! ;)<br />
<br />
Here are some snapshots of our time there and the things we managed to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
crawling through a triangle mirror</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0bMJYbqZs/UtRce5_M_4I/AAAAAAAACTU/50xy8Mcbvtw/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ0bMJYbqZs/UtRce5_M_4I/AAAAAAAACTU/50xy8Mcbvtw/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcyNbP-EbDE/UtRcMGkwTnI/AAAAAAAACTM/AF6LarTKihc/s1600/IMG_0095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TcyNbP-EbDE/UtRcMGkwTnI/AAAAAAAACTM/AF6LarTKihc/s320/IMG_0095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gNbioVEzHU/UtRcxyeN5aI/AAAAAAAACTc/0hEx6N8IAvA/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--gNbioVEzHU/UtRcxyeN5aI/AAAAAAAACTc/0hEx6N8IAvA/s320/IMG_0096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
watching daddy create big bubbles</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbnsfrQzMM/UtRc5lxB1cI/AAAAAAAACTo/Tjl_fvBZGV8/s1600/IMG_0098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbnsfrQzMM/UtRc5lxB1cI/AAAAAAAACTo/Tjl_fvBZGV8/s320/IMG_0098.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dNsycUYA_c/UtRc4s604NI/AAAAAAAACTk/ap3aOCqIK30/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5dNsycUYA_c/UtRc4s604NI/AAAAAAAACTk/ap3aOCqIK30/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
putting balls into the holes, then dropping them back out the bottom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5pxvuGoFFg/UtRdFiFjVQI/AAAAAAAACT0/7izJ0BwA4Qk/s1600/IMG_0103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W5pxvuGoFFg/UtRdFiFjVQI/AAAAAAAACT0/7izJ0BwA4Qk/s320/IMG_0103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3olzbXQ0cuA/UtRdTYRPERI/AAAAAAAACT8/wntwEcw-RTA/s1600/IMG_0104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3olzbXQ0cuA/UtRdTYRPERI/AAAAAAAACT8/wntwEcw-RTA/s320/IMG_0104.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
rolling balls down the track</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4Vzg1rkhGE/UtRdspvJBJI/AAAAAAAACUM/4CP7I1Vj4VM/s1600/IMG_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4Vzg1rkhGE/UtRdspvJBJI/AAAAAAAACUM/4CP7I1Vj4VM/s320/IMG_0106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
looking at herself in another mirror</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuCHv2I3hOA/UtRdbXbSI2I/AAAAAAAACUE/3_4s4o4BbwE/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xuCHv2I3hOA/UtRdbXbSI2I/AAAAAAAACUE/3_4s4o4BbwE/s320/IMG_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
playing in the sand box</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-povNNH-fna8/UtReG5uifsI/AAAAAAAACUc/7tkADGxMrU8/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-povNNH-fna8/UtReG5uifsI/AAAAAAAACUc/7tkADGxMrU8/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaceNWsECtg/UtRd2QmdoNI/AAAAAAAACUU/VZe99MtCD_E/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaceNWsECtg/UtRd2QmdoNI/AAAAAAAACUU/VZe99MtCD_E/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
sitting in a car</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHnSvH5GymI/UtReIkhfnRI/AAAAAAAACUk/tm8hFueYeQw/s1600/IMG_0117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eHnSvH5GymI/UtReIkhfnRI/AAAAAAAACUk/tm8hFueYeQw/s320/IMG_0117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
helping grandpa pick up at the end of the night</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isVwdYNfn4Q/UtRePxNcG1I/AAAAAAAACUs/BtdccrlPvMQ/s1600/IMG_0121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isVwdYNfn4Q/UtRePxNcG1I/AAAAAAAACUs/BtdccrlPvMQ/s320/IMG_0121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-27330238450516254682014-01-01T17:52:00.000-05:002014-01-03T18:00:06.019-05:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!I hope you all have had a wonderful Christmas season and stepping into the New Year with great anticipation with what God has in store for you. I know we have enjoyed ourselves and look forward to the many fun filled activities being planned already, Lord willing.<br />
<br />
Here is our Christmas card I wanted to share with you earlier on Christmas day but never got around to actually doing it. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLqISzXrsWs/Usc5AoCBNjI/AAAAAAAACS8/NvdLZb-ffqA/s1600/Collages2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLqISzXrsWs/Usc5AoCBNjI/AAAAAAAACS8/NvdLZb-ffqA/s400/Collages2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
May the joy of know that Christ came to this earth for sinners like us always remain with us as we "leave" the Christmas season. The true meaning of Christmas is meant to be remembered not only on December 25th but all throughout the year.<br />
<br />
Now that 2014 is upon us, what new resolutions have you come up with? We have decided as a family to complete certain tasks that have been pushed aside for a while and to simply get them done! As our little girl gets older, there are certain traditions we hope to start and values we hope are instilled into her little heart (I will write more on that at a later time). We are ever so thankful for the opportunity God has given us to raise our little girl and we can't wait to build more memories together as a family in 2014!<br />
<br />
Any of you have New Years resolutions you are willing to share? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-19975412114344147332013-11-27T22:17:00.001-05:002013-12-04T12:33:29.988-05:00ThanksgivingThere is so much to be thankful for in life. God has richly blessed us as a family that we really can't complain. Our little girl keeps growing bigger, learning new things (copying what we do, whether we like it or not), talking more (or trying to, by repeating what we say), and learning that she has a will and determination of her own. Andrew has a wonderful job that allows me to be able to stay at home with Avery. I babysit two other little girls that have become good friends and playmates for Avery, as well as a bit of extra income of my own. We have a wonderful house we live in and it suits our family's current needs. We were blessed to be able to purchase a new vehicle for Andrew this summer and sell his old car. We both still have our parents and siblings, who we can visit and fellowship with on a regular basis. We are thankful for a soon to be new sister-in-law (the first sis-in-law for us sisters) who will be joining my side of the family next summer. :) (Just a little excited!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-goacaSCzNYc/UpeDcaL_vYI/AAAAAAAACSs/ZAPgbjz02x0/s640/blogger-image-2101565369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-goacaSCzNYc/UpeDcaL_vYI/AAAAAAAACSs/ZAPgbjz02x0/s400/blogger-image-2101565369.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our family has been in great health with no major medical problems. So many things happen in life which we so easily take for granted. I am thinking of my cousin (my age) with breast cancer, or Andrew's sister's fiancé (younger than us) who had testicular cancer. Daily we are reminded of the frailty of life and how everything is under the watchful, caring eye of God. We praise God that he has brought us through to another thanksgiving and soon the end of another year together. We pray that these reminders will not be forgotten, but kept with us as we plan for the future. May we learn to be thankful not just on thanksgiving day, but every day of the year. Each day is a day God has given us, let us rejoice and be glad!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Ps. Eat lots of turkey for us as we will be jumping the border to visit our Canadian family. ;)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-9054692620000515642013-11-08T13:48:00.000-05:002013-11-15T13:49:18.958-05:00Our Cool Chic! ... and cool daddy ;)Avery loves playing with these sunglasses. They come on and off on a regular basis. Sometimes she will even try to put them on us. So here is Avery and daddy looking cool! :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZP7GL5j6AQ/UoZsN8qUU7I/AAAAAAAACSc/__c1INIFqyM/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LZP7GL5j6AQ/UoZsN8qUU7I/AAAAAAAACSc/__c1INIFqyM/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajU5j4oNJcw/UoZsKLCTwYI/AAAAAAAACSU/EbPDJNUrXH4/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ajU5j4oNJcw/UoZsKLCTwYI/AAAAAAAACSU/EbPDJNUrXH4/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-15347094113035598172013-10-12T18:24:00.001-04:002013-12-04T12:36:14.064-05:00Playing Outside and Taking BathsAfter a busy Saturday helping mommy and daddy outside with yard work and digging in the dirt, I get dirt all over my face, hands, arms, legs, and feet. I think dirt and I are best friends, however, mommy doesn't like it when I get dirty so she puts me in the bath tub. That's okay with me, because I really like taking baths too!<br />
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4ErTZxCFW7Y/UlnME5NDlsI/AAAAAAAACRw/wg5rzTgxHvg/s640/blogger-image--281917218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4ErTZxCFW7Y/UlnME5NDlsI/AAAAAAAACRw/wg5rzTgxHvg/s640/blogger-image--281917218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It is a great excuse to play with my fun bath toys. I like to stick them to the side of the tub and float my ducks around.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9p0xT7JeOk8/UlnMDht1TCI/AAAAAAAACRo/8_Iz215i3f0/s640/blogger-image-2098133739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9p0xT7JeOk8/UlnMDht1TCI/AAAAAAAACRo/8_Iz215i3f0/s640/blogger-image-2098133739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
What do you like to do when you play outside and then take a bath?</div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-12464209720491750232013-10-11T22:58:00.000-04:002013-10-11T22:58:00.294-04:00Applesauce and SalsaSeveral days over the last few weeks I have been busy making applesauce from apples picked in my grandparents backyard. Now, I have several quart canning jars full and lined up on the shelf! Feels good to have that task accomplished and knowing we will be able to enjoy it for a while.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ptz1rogzcA/Uk4uLUr7MDI/AAAAAAAACRY/4ww21PxlmVw/s1600/IMG_0263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ptz1rogzcA/Uk4uLUr7MDI/AAAAAAAACRY/4ww21PxlmVw/s320/IMG_0263.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Next, my garden tomatoes started all turning red at the same time! I had to come up with a few different recipes that I could use them up with. I turned one batch into salsa, another into spaghetti sauce, and another into soup. Any more ideas? All have tasted great so far and with more still on the plants turning red, I know I can easily make more of what I have already listed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zf6WV_fFSE/Uk4uJjnsKkI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LCAZr-ecwLk/s1600/IMG_0259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9zf6WV_fFSE/Uk4uJjnsKkI/AAAAAAAACRQ/LCAZr-ecwLk/s320/IMG_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ekezRhNpBs/Uk4tti5OqqI/AAAAAAAACRA/FEll1yDgcdw/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ekezRhNpBs/Uk4tti5OqqI/AAAAAAAACRA/FEll1yDgcdw/s320/IMG_0260.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLEaWtyIMuc/Uk4uFgEqlHI/AAAAAAAACRI/rZgipomZCGU/s1600/IMG_0262.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLEaWtyIMuc/Uk4uFgEqlHI/AAAAAAAACRI/rZgipomZCGU/s320/IMG_0262.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
Thinking of maybe making my garden a little bigger next year - but have not yet decided what I want to add to it. This year was tomatoes and beets. I might add green beans and peppers. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-35540432629769744732013-10-09T22:45:00.000-04:002013-10-09T22:45:00.295-04:00Birthday Celebration and Artprize 2013Back on Sept 20th I celebrated my 30th birthday! <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Yes, I know I am a little behind on posting, but I am working on catching up so you will have to bear with me on my tardiness and pretend it didn't happen. :) </span>We didn't do anything extraordinary, but instead we picked up some dinner and headed downtown for a family night of fun. It was a beautiful evening and I couldn't have asked for a more enjoyable time together with my family. <br />
<br />
As usual, Grand Rapids has their annual Artprize event going on downtown and it is always a fun time walking around looking at all the different ideas people come up with. Here are a few of the fun things that we saw.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gb4lodovsk/Uk4rnvULLVI/AAAAAAAACQs/n-2A_BYkhYA/s1600/IMG_0246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Gb4lodovsk/Uk4rnvULLVI/AAAAAAAACQs/n-2A_BYkhYA/s320/IMG_0246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSRakQ3CJAE/Uk4rjt0fJQI/AAAAAAAACQk/aF8dKEcZ63M/s1600/IMG_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YSRakQ3CJAE/Uk4rjt0fJQI/AAAAAAAACQk/aF8dKEcZ63M/s320/IMG_0248.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbObs6tmxc/Uk4rq8tRm4I/AAAAAAAACQ0/mQtvWBoOVR0/s1600/IMG_0250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8WbObs6tmxc/Uk4rq8tRm4I/AAAAAAAACQ0/mQtvWBoOVR0/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-64575466993795732502013-10-07T15:21:00.000-04:002013-10-07T15:21:48.566-04:00lovin' my lil cousinMy sister and brother-in-law decided to move back to Michigan and we were so elated! First, because there was this super cute little boy of theirs that was born back in May who we had not even met! Second, now we can hang out and see them more often and the little cousins can play together! Avery loved her little cousin instantly. Can you tell?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz4pFkcbwQE/Uk4oM46ehrI/AAAAAAAACQY/MFiiT5saCpI/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz4pFkcbwQE/Uk4oM46ehrI/AAAAAAAACQY/MFiiT5saCpI/s400/IMG_0283.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-48896971610276483142013-10-04T17:00:00.000-04:002013-10-04T17:00:00.263-04:00Our Little Dutch GirlAvery was helping daddy out on our front porch and she found some wooden shoes. These wooden shoes I had brought back with me as a souvenir from the Netherlands when I was there about 8 years ago. They fit her perfectly don't ya think? <span style="font-size: x-small;">Just ignore the pj's, she was in the process of going to bed and was sidetracked - starting out young! ;)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4TLKoktMy0/Uk4lFlwYZFI/AAAAAAAACQM/n0AkivLH_vc/s1600/IMG_0376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4TLKoktMy0/Uk4lFlwYZFI/AAAAAAAACQM/n0AkivLH_vc/s400/IMG_0376.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-78056990712092330992013-10-01T22:10:00.000-04:002013-10-03T22:13:03.427-04:00Fun at Daddy's Work!Back in September, Andrew's work place had a family fun day out in the front lawn. They had food with lots of activities for kids to do. Unfortunately the activities were a bit too advanced for our little girl, so we did other things instead. We toured more areas that we had not seen before and took pictures on vehicles that are on display. :)<br />
<br />
Here is the oldest one of the two vehicles, owned by the company.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBPWYcjo8JU/Uk4hQDf_5pI/AAAAAAAACO8/BT1pci76kaE/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBPWYcjo8JU/Uk4hQDf_5pI/AAAAAAAACO8/BT1pci76kaE/s320/IMG_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clMTzzwfIKY/Uk4hfVZ3mYI/AAAAAAAACPM/krZ6LZ8rqKA/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-clMTzzwfIKY/Uk4hfVZ3mYI/AAAAAAAACPM/krZ6LZ8rqKA/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5zsufUWY2U/Uk4hY5vW6SI/AAAAAAAACPE/tkyjJBEmK34/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_5zsufUWY2U/Uk4hY5vW6SI/AAAAAAAACPE/tkyjJBEmK34/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvM4QbOUm1I/Uk4htm4s-GI/AAAAAAAACPc/xp_qjjpka7I/s1600/IMG_0231-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvM4QbOUm1I/Uk4htm4s-GI/AAAAAAAACPc/xp_qjjpka7I/s320/IMG_0231-001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4mfF8b0dCU/Uk4hpgHEROI/AAAAAAAACPU/GpXfMZ6869o/s1600/IMG_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l4mfF8b0dCU/Uk4hpgHEROI/AAAAAAAACPU/GpXfMZ6869o/s320/IMG_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is the next one that was fun to play on.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mREfA0P4GAk/Uk4ikcKlinI/AAAAAAAACP4/j8be9cWD-CI/s1600/IMG_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mREfA0P4GAk/Uk4ikcKlinI/AAAAAAAACP4/j8be9cWD-CI/s320/IMG_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsRgzK3xWFg/Uk4ietfnbnI/AAAAAAAACPw/ZUsIWzQ6hV8/s1600/IMG_0213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IsRgzK3xWFg/Uk4ietfnbnI/AAAAAAAACPw/ZUsIWzQ6hV8/s320/IMG_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXUg08Uxe9c/Uk4ibdCsziI/AAAAAAAACPo/WlS--KrUklY/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXUg08Uxe9c/Uk4ibdCsziI/AAAAAAAACPo/WlS--KrUklY/s320/IMG_0217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUYENibJZVk/Uk4iq7TxDlI/AAAAAAAACQA/yyz7xR4bxbc/s1600/IMG_0219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aUYENibJZVk/Uk4iq7TxDlI/AAAAAAAACQA/yyz7xR4bxbc/s320/IMG_0219.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-66081918419648764102013-08-02T10:03:00.000-04:002013-08-02T10:03:02.660-04:00This Summer So FarThis summer has flown by! It has been a crazy summer with lots of rain some really cold days and nights, while other days are super hot. Avery has been enjoying her time outside playing in the yard. We were given a water table, cozy coupe car, and I was able to get my hands on a slide and turtle sand box. All these things have kept her busy on the non-rainy days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9k5xNoasOx0/Ufqud0w1C-I/AAAAAAAACNQ/1OH2OW2VrvU/s1600/971394_10153033755300147_1116746637_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9k5xNoasOx0/Ufqud0w1C-I/AAAAAAAACNQ/1OH2OW2VrvU/s320/971394_10153033755300147_1116746637_n.jpg" width="238" /> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LvMpGib1eU/Ufqud2UAmTI/AAAAAAAACNM/bV0Si2ffYDk/s1600/1001386_10153033754625147_1228586403_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3LvMpGib1eU/Ufqud2UAmTI/AAAAAAAACNM/bV0Si2ffYDk/s320/1001386_10153033754625147_1228586403_n.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiIUs_m-3Uc/Ufquudz021I/AAAAAAAACNc/_MHQxg6Sun8/s1600/1013916_10152896185330147_2020573335_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AiIUs_m-3Uc/Ufquudz021I/AAAAAAAACNc/_MHQxg6Sun8/s400/1013916_10152896185330147_2020573335_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgT3o0DfJjo/Ufu7Vx86KOI/AAAAAAAACOU/JPL0Yl8Mx_I/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VgT3o0DfJjo/Ufu7Vx86KOI/AAAAAAAACOU/JPL0Yl8Mx_I/s400/photo+(1).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu3tqTjntJ0/Ufu7VRoABJI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7tb2VxCPy8s/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bu3tqTjntJ0/Ufu7VRoABJI/AAAAAAAACOQ/7tb2VxCPy8s/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGUFhrl4LYw/Ufu7a1Yz8YI/AAAAAAAACOg/BQKwWkIjdew/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGUFhrl4LYw/Ufu7a1Yz8YI/AAAAAAAACOg/BQKwWkIjdew/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVGdF-dP_iI/UfqrNnWrwpI/AAAAAAAACMs/B-W-urA-e1o/s1600/480030_10153026577700147_1785580810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NVGdF-dP_iI/UfqrNnWrwpI/AAAAAAAACMs/B-W-urA-e1o/s400/480030_10153026577700147_1785580810_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A few weeks ago was had a Victorian Party with a bunch of girls from our Book Study group. It was so much fun dressing up, playing croquet, and eating lots of delicious food! Here are a couple pics of the evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0hrL2ZjewU/UfqvPr9FtCI/AAAAAAAACNk/NBDcimmwA8g/s1600/1012763_10151735766294808_1291143960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A0hrL2ZjewU/UfqvPr9FtCI/AAAAAAAACNk/NBDcimmwA8g/s400/1012763_10151735766294808_1291143960_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQFazXqiUm0/UfqwDcqjOKI/AAAAAAAACN4/rxv82cbte0k/s1600/1011077_10151735767994808_1719453590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQFazXqiUm0/UfqwDcqjOKI/AAAAAAAACN4/rxv82cbte0k/s400/1011077_10151735767994808_1719453590_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even Avery participated!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1EzhRzXNZs/UfqwHaSnnqI/AAAAAAAACOA/ySkd88-qZFM/s1600/480208_10151735766084808_2011989490_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E1EzhRzXNZs/UfqwHaSnnqI/AAAAAAAACOA/ySkd88-qZFM/s400/480208_10151735766084808_2011989490_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Avery and I<br />
- I tried the hair loosely up in a clip thing, hoping to mimic the era,<br />
but not so sure about how it turned out. Oh well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQkHqWRF2TE/UfqvS4UQqfI/AAAAAAAACNs/2VllrKx3csY/s1600/480836_10151735765039808_1321798509_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IQkHqWRF2TE/UfqvS4UQqfI/AAAAAAAACNs/2VllrKx3csY/s320/480836_10151735765039808_1321798509_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Last week we were camping with some friends about half an hour north of Grand Rapids. It was an enjoyable relaxing time, especially for Andrew, as he needed a break from the 60 hours/week of work he had been doing the last 5 weeks. He is done with that now, so this was a great way to recuperate and head back to work this week more refreshed. We had some rain, but over all the weather was nice when we needed it to be nice. A friend brought along a Sea-Doo he owns and so there was plenty of rides going around the lake. This guys all had to test it out and see what kind of 'tricks' or how fast they could go. Even I managed to take it for a spin. I didn't end up taking any pictures, unfortunately, so here are a few that I borrowed from a friend.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Avery with her friend - the sun was a little bright :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6rna1yxw30/UfqrRxqzHMI/AAAAAAAACM4/I_WuH7k8H7I/s1600/1006041_10151734782993048_31322774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B6rna1yxw30/UfqrRxqzHMI/AAAAAAAACM4/I_WuH7k8H7I/s320/1006041_10151734782993048_31322774_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of our friend's kids on the Sea-Doo</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzb2eTw3Ot4/UfqrRvS2IPI/AAAAAAAACM0/_sxlIPYJfpY/s1600/1075816_10151734783643048_1626934547_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xzb2eTw3Ot4/UfqrRvS2IPI/AAAAAAAACM0/_sxlIPYJfpY/s320/1075816_10151734783643048_1626934547_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a couple weeks we will be camping again at our church family camp. Hopefully I will remember to take pictures of Avery at the beach and what ever else we end up doing there. It is always a fun time!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380976010709375060.post-49813910302266018592013-07-31T13:12:00.000-04:002013-07-31T16:31:18.666-04:003 Years of Marriage!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUUkVgW7U8w/UBrC9xRYB0I/AAAAAAAABng/76c_HPo63w0/s1600/59409_10150277656750147_3425901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUUkVgW7U8w/UBrC9xRYB0I/AAAAAAAABng/76c_HPo63w0/s320/59409_10150277656750147_3425901_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today we celebrate 3 years of marriage. 3 amazing years of seeing where God has lead us, 3 years of growing together through the hurdles of life, 3 years of seeing God's hand of grace and mercy. We have grown more in love with each other each and every day.<br />
<br />
God has even given us a little blessing to care for and with that has come the challenges of parenthood.<br />
<br />
I thought about writing some sappy post of wedded bliss, but in reality, life isn't that way. Marriage can be challenging and hard work. All married couples know this. Add in a child or two (or more) and some challenges at work adding stress to the husband's life, marriage life will have it's ups and downs! We are thankful, though, that through it all God has blessed us tremendously! Today we look back and see His hand in everything and don't know what we would without Him, who is in control of all things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8nnZdgYARg/UdHic7qwN1I/AAAAAAAACMA/A5Ya1bQX6bk/s1600/IMG_0218-004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8nnZdgYARg/UdHic7qwN1I/AAAAAAAACMA/A5Ya1bQX6bk/s320/IMG_0218-004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Andrew is a WONDERFUL husband and father! He does a great job in helping out around the house, spending time with his daughter, and being supportive to me. He is the spiritual leader in the home and I have enjoyed the many discussions we have had around our table. I look forward to more discussions even as Avery gets older and can join in a bit. I love his sense of adventure and love for the outdoors. Enjoying God's nature is how we spent many days while dating and what we still do now as a family!<br />
<br />
Avery is getting old enough to know when her daddy leaves for work and even gets excited when he comes home. I just LOVE watching her walk to him and want up in his arms. She soaks up his attention the rest of the evening while he plays with her. I have even tried to get her to come to me and she wouldn't! She LOVES her daddy time!<br />
<br />
I hope I am just as much what he looks for in a wife and pray that I will grow more each day. <br />
<br />
I Love you Andrew! I am thankful for the past 3 years and look forward to spending many more years together, growing closer and closer each day. Happy Anniversary!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0