Memorial Weekend

At the cottage for Memorial Weekend (btw, the car ride was better with having one parent able to focus on B). The weather cooperated, although the lake was still freezing, and we had a great time hunting mushrooms (only found two, the ground was dry), celebrating dad's birthday (with a special announcement) and just generally hanging out.


A walk behind the cottages


"Gock!" Bennett collects rocks everytime we are outside. I find pebbles and stones all over the house. These big gocks were very exciting.


Bennett and Addi


Baking a cake for Papa's birthday




The best part of baking




A kayak ride in the front


What fun to scoop some water, clap our hands and feel it splash on our face!!!


Dad's turn!


Loving the watermelon. Although lately he take a bite, sucks out all the juice and spits the rest out. Very selective this boy is.


Girl time - Addi and I painting our nails


It wouldn't be a proper trip without a walk in the woods. After a 20 minute search for mushrooms in which we walked randomly through the woods, we emerged on the road with Bennett wearing only one shoe. After a slight bickering ("we'll find it," "we'll never find!")
Mike went on the hunt and was successful!!! He found B's green and brown shoe in the middle of the woods!! Yeah Super Dad!


Good Family Times

May 2009 Trip to Marquette

I took Bennett up to Marquette May 13-17th, while Mike had to stay in town and work. It was a solo-trip that I'm hesitant to repeat. Thirty minutes into the drive, Bennett was crying despite the snacks, silly songs, books and videos he had to entertain him. This lasted until he finally fell asleep (for about 45 min) as we crossed into the Upper Peninsula. But it was all fussing and crying when he woke up. I think his car seat is uncomfortable. Or he was bored. Or hungry. Or tired. Or wet. Who knows. All I know is that I almost lost my temper a few times because SEVEN HOURS of crying and fussing will drive you mad!!! We made three stops for lunch/snacks and stretching our legs before we finally (and I mean finally) made it the Marquette. It was like a light-switch though because as soon as we were out of the car, he was so happy and giggly. We ended up having a great time and the return trip wasn't quite as trying because we took a 2-hr break a the cottage. (Any suggestions for super-comfy car seats???)

King's Castle at the Lower Harbor park

Bennett and Claire


Mr.Connor


Snack time


Pointing to the swings - his favorite ride


At Up Front and Company for Jeff's 30th Birthday dinner


Jeff and Margaret are in the process of building a cabin in the Pictured Rocks area. Margaret gave Jeff this "The Fierstines, Cabin on the Lake" sign. It is perfect.




A wagon ride with Papa


On the merry-go-round with Mimi


On the tall slide with mum (I have become leary of heights over the last few years and I pretty much have to tell my legs to go up the stairs. The merry-go-round is also out.)




His favorite part


Going for an evening walk


Claire received a guitar from Mimi and Papa when they returned from California - now she and her daddy can jam!




Bennett loves costume jewelry. I love this non-gender age.


Check out these stacking skills!! Our development book states that at 18months he will probably be able to stack four blocks....I count ten!




Playing with Papa's trains




We went to the Peter White Library for storytime -- the lady was a little off but we had fun playing with toys before and after.

Well Into Spring

I love it when the world is in bloom! This is what our yard looked like when we moved here June 2007 - the air was fragrant and sweet and the colors were vibrant -- our surroundings were the hook that landed us this home (that and the orange linoleum in the kitchen and shag carpet in the basement).





I don't know what type of tree this is but it is pink!!







Apple blossoms

Bennett appreciates the underdogs - dandelions

It's growing!!!!

Finally!!! Two days ago I saw the first sprouts of lettuce popping up! Yesterday I thinned them down to every six inches and gave them a good drink. Today I went to water the garden again and....the corn is growing!!! I think I even have the first squash sprouts but I'm not sure if they aren't just random weeds...oh, I am soooo excited!!!

Grand Rapids Lettuce (cool name, huh?)





Sweet Corn



Not very big but this happened in one day!!!


My first row of corn!


Summer Squash (I think)

It is in the area where I planted but this still looks like a maple tree....




...but then I found this little guy along the same circle that I planted so I am hopeful..we'll see!