Sleeping Bear Dunes

This past weekend we went to Sleeping Bear Dunes which is up north on the Lake Michigan. This is their off season which made for good deals, so we decided to take the 5 hour drive up.  It rained for most of the first day, but we were able to enjoy our lodge and got to walk along the lakeshore in the evening.  The colors were beautiful and the trees were in full color, a really pretty drive.  We stopped at Cherry Republic, got some yummy samples and had lunch (Michigan is known for their cherries and apples).  The next day we explored the national park a bit and did the Dune Climb which was really cool.  It was cold, but the boys loved it.  It was a great family weekend.

Jamie's Visit

My best friend since 5th grade came to visit us this past weekend.  We like to retell the story of how we met over and over and it never gets old.  So here it is:  It all started at Sierra Vista Elementary school and a game of dodgeball.  We were on the same team and as the game progressed we were the only ones left on our team.  A boy on the other team pegged me and I got out, next was Jamie.  After the game we walked over to the drinking fountain and talked about our epic loss :) And a friendship was born.  Jamie lives in Austin, TX now, so we don't get to see each other as much as we would like, but our friendship is one that lasts no matter the distance.  I love her to pieces and am so grateful for our friendship over the years.

Elijah drawing Auntie Jamie a picture

Jacob playing hide the toy

 
We went to the pumpkin patch and enjoyed some hot cider and donuts. The boys loved the ride out to the pumpkin patch.  We picked out some nice gourds and pumpkins to decorate our front porch (the squirrels or raccoons are enjoying them though!)  We had a fun visit going downtown, and to the farmers market, watching movies and eating at Crazy Jim's and the Arbor Brewery.  The time went by too fast!  Elijah and Jacob were so sad to see her go.

can't get enough daddy :)

Kevin had to pick the weird gourd out of
all the pumpkins...

enjoying some pumpkin bread

Elijah the Preschooler

Elijah started preschool!  He has been doing really great, and has been really excited to be at school.  I love hearing how his day as gone and all the things they have been learning in class.  Such a big boy, I'm a proud mama :-)