Sunday Fun-day

Today was an absolutely perfect summer day--80 degrees, sunny, light breeze, no humidity. I love Michigan! Suzanne invited Nathan and I to join her and her kids, Ellie and Gavin at the country club for a swim. It was so nice! We splashed in the big pool for awhile and then headed over to the kids pool to play with all the toys. Ellie is really amazing with Nathan. She played with him for quite awhile, which allowed Suz and I to catch up a little bit. After some fun in the sun, we had a picnic lunch (during which my son, in his current obsession with condiments, painted himself with ketchup!).

Back at home, and after Nathan's nap, Nancy and Dan stopped by to say hi and spend a little time with their favorite grandson. What a great, relaxing weekend of family and friends! I wish it didn't have to end...

All three kids playing at the kiddie pool.

Nathan was more interested in the dump truck than the water.

I love this sweet picture of Ellie and Suz.

It was an awesome surprise to find Grandma and Papa here when Nathan woke up from his nap!

Trying on Grandma's sandals.

Yellow Boots!

This morning Nathan got it into his head that he wanted to wear his yellow rain boots around the house. "Yellow boots on peas? Yellow boots? On? Peas? Yes!" I obliged his request, and he was having a ball marching around the house with nothing but his diaper and boots on. Soooo funny!

Sunny Summer Saturday

Yesterday was my first Saturday in Kalamazoo in four weeks. It was wonderful! Mom and Dad came down to spend the day with me and Nathan (Todd spent some time with friends in Detroit and at the Tigers game). We played at the house for awhile, had lunch at McGinnis Landing (I highly recommend the Chicken Pesto Sandwich) and then relaxed while Nathan took a nap. When he woke up, an amazing 3 hours later, we headed out to Leduc Blueberry Farm in the hopes of picking blueberries. Our plans changed, however, when we saw how much standing water was in the blueberry fields! We decided to buy some already-picked berries instead. This freed up some time to stop at Husted Farm Stand for some fresh peaches and to give Nathan a few glorious minutes in the driver's seat of a real tractor. He was in heaven, and NOT pleased at the prospect of leaving. He recovered quickly, however, up on realizing that our next stop was the playground at Oshtemo Township Park. Nathan and Grandpa had a TON of fun exploring every nook and cranny of the playground.

All in all it was an absolutely fantastic summer day! Of course, I took many pictures of all our activities!

Playing with his new dump truck from Great Grandma Joan.

Mmmm... plastic!

Seriously cute.

I love the look on Mom's face in this photo--she and Nathan get so much joy from each other!

On the hunt for blueberries!

Mama, quit taking my picture and go get some blueberries!

Nathan thought the kid-sized picnic table was awesome.

MMMMMMM!

Summer bounty

Nathan is in heaven. "TRACTOR!"

Exploring the playground.

Marching!

Relaxing at Bay-Flo Lodge

Sunday was a bit cloudy and rainy, so we just hung out and relaxed at the cottage for the day. When it cleared up a bit we headed outside for awhile, and I decided to snap some photos of the place, as well as the people. I love looking at pictures of the cottage from years ago to see how it's changed, so perhaps Nathan will get a kick out of these some day.

The cottage's welcome sign--appropriately, it is on an antique tire and mounted on the carport!

The cottage

Entrance to the driveway

The Bay!

Now for my usual photographic inspiration--my family!!

I love the smile on Grandpa's face in this one--Nathan has such an incredible love for and connection with these two.

Grandma and Nathan are always having fun together!

Todd and Grandpa solving the world's problems

Vacation is exhausting for sheepdogs.

Me and my boy!

Nathan loves all the toy cars (and the real ones too) at the cottage. I love his chubby, dimpled hands.

Fantastic picture of Grandma--I love this one!

Trying on Grandma's hat