Frankenmuth, MI

We took our first trip to Frankenmuth, MI on Saturday and visited Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store. I believe it really is the largest Christmas store (and maybe one of the only Christmas stores?)-they have Christmas everything. We each picked out an ornament: Aaron chose a trout, Tyler chose a pokemon something, Bret got a frog, and Tyler picked out a piano ornament for me. If you are still working on your Christmas shopping you can check out Bronner's on their website www.bronner's.com.

Picture with Santa

We went to our neighborhood tree lighting ceremony and Santa was there too! Bret fell asleep while we were waiting in line to see him but Tyler was wide awake and was able to tell Santa that he wants a Losi Mini Desert Truck for Christmas.

Trick or Treat!

We went trick-or-treating with the Evensen family and had a great time. Ben was Indiana Jones and Abby was Snow White.

Bret was a monkey.

Tyler was Bumblebee. He was a little disappointed that his costume did not really transform, but he got over it (candy will do that).

It was fun to watch the kids sort and count their candy. We only went down a couple of streets but it was plenty!

July, August, September

It's been a few months since I've posted anything so here are a few highlights from the Summer and Fall.In July Tyler turned 6! He had a dinosaur themed party with his friends. On July 4th I finally captured Punxsutawney Phil and had him relocated to a nearby state park.
He won't be eating my flowers anymore!

A picture from one of our many trips to the Detroit Zoo with friends.Another zoo picture. I couldn't get Bret away from the frogs.

Bret turned two!

And it looks like he bit off more than he can chew.

A picture from one of our many summer fishing trips. Bret actually caught a fish completely on his own.

We went to the Wiard's Country Fair with the Evensen family and some other resident families.

This was the "duck race".Bret's duckie was a doctor.

The kids feeding the goats whatever they found on the ground.Ben and Tyler being brave and going down the huge slide together!

Tyler got glasses and Bret nearly scraped his face off when he jumped off the patio (about 5 brick steps). He watched Tyler do it and well, monkey see, monkey do! Tyler holding his pet leopard gecko, Liz, and another nice shot of Bret's face.Tyler's first day of 1st grade. He was so proud to be the first one there and get to hold his class sign. I don't know how we got there early that day-it hasn't happened since.

Bret was disappointed when he couldn't go to school too. I don't think he cares about school, he just misses Tyler. A few times during the day Bret will say "Mom. I go school get Tyler." He loves his big brother.Bret braving the cold for another soccer season.

Action shot at the last game. It was freezing.

Tyler was super excited to get another medal. I think he would play soccer even if he didn't enjoy it, just so he could get the medal.

Lakes, Sand, Soccer, and Model T's

These first pictures are from our road trip to Lake Michigan. Since the lake was too cold for swimming we resorted to throwing, I mean skipping, rocks. First you find a nice smooth, flattish rock. And then . . .

You toss it!

Synchronized rock skipping.
Bret staring in awe as Aaron demonstrates his textbook form.

Bret enjoying the freedom to throw sand (and rocks) without getting in trouble.

The Dune Climb at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.This is about halfway up the dunes.Almost there! At the top you get a glimpse of Lake Michigan.

Lake Michigan

Fishing trip to a smaller lake.

Tyler's catch of the day. Possibly a bass?

Tyler, our little soccer star, with his hard-earned medal.

Taking a ride in a genuine Model T at Greenfield Village.

Tyler quizzing our patient driver.

The Harry Potter Club

It's official. I finally joined the Harry Potter Club. I read all seven books in two weeks (and loved them). I had to quit cleaning my house and caring for my children, but I did it! Now I will totally get all the Harry Potter jokes and when I watch the movies, I'll be able to say "That's not how it was in the book! The book is way better!" I'm so cool now.

So, what's next? Where do I go from here? Is there life after Harry Potter?

The Farm

Here are some pics from visiting Grandma and Grandpa.Bret tried for hours to catch a cat, but the cats knew better than to play with a one-year-old.

Bret's first tractor ride to feed the cows with Grandpa.

Tyler enjoying the trampoline with Uncle Matt.

Yeah, so no one looks good in this picture, but they had a great time on their fishing trips. Tyler caught trout and bass.

Bret and I meeting a horse.

Just hanging out with a bull.

The twins. They were terrified of Bret.

Bret watching the twins run around. Yes, that is cow poop on the gate.

The cows running from the creepy little people.