More Michigan Moments

Grandma and Aunt Sandra have collected some things for a dress-up box (actually a basket) for the girls. Here Ella is modeling the crown (backwards), the head scarf, and the cape. Notice Grace is in the background actually inside the basket :)


Ella and Mommy pose outside of one of our favorite places to eat when in N. Michigan . . . The Cherry Hut!!!

So Grandma and Grace aren't looking and Daddy got caught with his mouth full, but oh well! We recommend the cherry chicken salad and cherryade.

Ella recommends the hotdog and chips :)

This is a pic of Grace's toes on a little beach in Traverse City . . . this was taken 10 minutes before a torrent of rain began to fall. We made it to the van with seconds to spare!

This was taken at a park near the beach . . . Ella's first merry-go-round ride! You can see our picnic in the background.

One night, we visited cousin Joe and Kathy's family farm . . .

We saw bunnies . . .

And sheep and goats . . .

And chickens . . .

And Russian boars . . .

Michigan Pics of the Day

Tonight, we roasted hotdogs outside at Aunt Debbie's house. After hotdogs, we made s'mores! Here is one Kurt made . . . the perfect s'more :)


Here is Ella taking a bite of her first s'more . . .

Yummmmm!!!!!


Earlier today, we went to Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park. Here are Ella and Grace having a blast on the dune . . .

Kurt and Ella and I hiked up the big dune and then came back down. We played in the sand and had a little picnic afterward.

Happy Father's Day!

Kurt had a lovely (my word, not his) Father's Day this year. This picture actually ended the day. We went to the Solstice Festival in Frankfurt. There was live music and fireworks.

This was Grace all dressed up for church in the morning . . .

Ella played with Aunt Debbie's dollhouse toys in the afternoon . . .

She had a tea party . . .

Ella is now playing imaginary games with figures--so cute!

Grace's First Birthday

Now that Grace is almost 13 months old, I guess it's time to post pictures of her first birthday :) The party was at Aunt Nancy's house, and we had sandwiches, salads, and cake!

Here you can see Kurt and Bruce on the left and Greg and Colin on the right playing Baggo. Under the awning from left to right is Amy, Nancy, Karen, Heath, JoAnn, Dillon, Julie, Lori, and Sierra.

Sierra is painting the wooden letters that spell out "Grace." I will hang them over Grace's bed when they are finished.

Sister Ella takes a turn with the brushes . . .

A pose with Mommy and Daddy . . .

Dillon and Sierra demonstrate the mini parachuters found in their goodie bags.

Lynsie and Ella monkey around on the grass . . .

Things got crazy later in the day as a streaker was discovered in the house . . .

This is the cake I made . . . since Grace loves to eat books, I made her cake into one of her favorites . . . notice the chewed corners on the original.

"Happy birthday to you . . . happy birthday to you . . ." as Sierra and Julie watch Dillon try to put a hat on Grace.

I think Grace is telling Dillon to "lay off my cupcake!"

She ate the frosting off first . . .

Then she tackled the cake part . . .

It would not be a meal for Grace if she didn't put a little of it in her hair . . .

More games after cake . . .

Grace decided to finally answer her curiosity as to where the bean bags go . . .

I think she made a discovery!

A snuggle from Mommy . . .

The hostess with the mostess, Aunt Nancy, with Ella and Grandma.

Aunt Tracey and Nonna contribute to the painting as Ella decorates a plate.

Grace opened gifts when we got home. These adorable dresses were from Karen and Colin G. and the doll was from the Guys.

This pillow pet throw was also from the Guys . . .

Ella even got gifts from the Guys . . . an apron for making cookies with Grandma and a play phone . . .

Karen L. and Brooke gave Grace these clothes and cute little elephant . . .

Uncle Dick and Aunt Toni gave Grace these clothes and camera . . . say "cheese" Grace!

Heath and Amy gave Grace her own pink sock monkey . . .

The Garretts gave Grace this wonderful beach toy set!

Thank you to everyone for coming! We hope you had fun too!