Our Last Week in Michigan

With the days of residence in Michigan quickly passing we tried to squeeze the most time we could to spend with our friends and family.
On Monday we met Zuzana, Albert, and Greta at Silver Lake.  There is a small beach area that leads down the lake. We were the only ones there for about an hour and then a few people showed up but for the most part we were the only ones there.  It was great fun!  We munched on snacks for lunch!

Albert and the boys created a waterfall in the sand

On Tuesday we went to our favorite place to pick strawberries...Degroots!  Wow, was it packed.  Everyone was picking strawberries.  As soon as the tractor dropped us off at the field Landon needed to use the bathroom.  After making it to the outhouse, we got back to picking and then Carter needed to go.  I tell you what sometimes I feel like I am always in the bathroom. Picking strawberries is so much fun.  I love to watch the boys search for the ripe strawberries.  I can't get enough of the stained faces from strawberry juice!

Zuzana picking strawberries

Look at Greta...hat, boots, and a water can to put her strawberries in!

Waiting for the tractor to pick us up

Cutest strawberry face!

On Wednesday we made bird feeders from pipe cleaners and Cheerios.  Both Carter and Landon spent more time eating the Cherrios than putting then on the pipe cleaner.  We hung it outside and by the morning it was gone.  Carter said, "Mommy the birds ate everything even the pipes!"

Evidence of eating

Our finished project

On Thursday we met Kristin, Brett, Laura,Abby, Jackson, and Laura's parents at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor.  We played at the park while we waited for everyone to arrive. Next, we brought snacks to feed the ducks.  The boys grabbed the food to toss to the ducks and we were quickly surrounded by geese.  They were just the height of Landon and a greedy starving goose snatched the cracker from his hand.  The cries began as the fear was raging so we ran like crazy people from the hungry mob of birds.  While we were running like crazy loons we stumbled upon a mommy snapping turtle making a nest to lay eggs.

Checking at where we are on the map

Mommy snapping turtle

Feeding the birds

Thursday ended with the final "girl's night" at my house.  I got each lady a special necklace and wrote them a special message to let them how much their friendship meant to me.  These ladies have become life long friends for me and I hope our kids are the same too!

Cheers!

Us Girls

Friday was a trip to the trout farm in Dexter.  I had heard about this place from some others but we had not had a chance to get there yet.  Last week...let's do it.  The boys were very excited about going and even found hats to wear that they called their "fishing hats". When we arrived I noticed on the sign it says "no throwbacks". This was a shocker to me because I thought that we would fish, have a fun time catching them and without thought just throw them back in.  Oh no, you had to take home what you caught!  I was not mentally prepared for this because it meant getting the fish cleaned and then putting the stinky fish in my car.  After I quickly got over this we had a blast.

Thank goodness that Laura's parents were there because we couldn't have done it without them!

Carter waits patiently but when that fish snatched up his worm.  He was jumping for joy!  He looked like Mario when he jumps for coins on the video game! 

Landon was so proud of his fish!

Too cute

Check this out!

At the playground area, Carter put his arms around Abby to tell her something very important.  

Zuzana and Albert waiting for a fish

We then took our fish we caught home and Bob cooked them up into "fish nuggets." Both Carter and Landon were looking forward to eating the fish that they caught.  Landon gobbled them up but Carter hesitated until he watched Landon.  

On Friday night after dinner, Aunt Katie came over to take the boys to the movies.  They saw Monsters University.  The boys loved the movie and eating popcorn with Aunt Katie.

On Saturday we went to Bob's sister Julie's house to swim and get together.  The pool was so warm it was like bath water...my favorite!  I took my camera in the pool bag and didn't take one picture.  The ticks me off when I do that.

Sunday was a bounce zone birthday party for the boys and our last chance to get together with all our Michigan family and friends!  The kids all had a blast bouncing until they were completely exhausted.  

Can you believe he is four years old?

Greta watches the boys bounce

Jackson in a daze

Landon being ornery

Aunt Julie giving Nolan some love

Landon beats Bill in air hockey

One of Carter's friends from preschool...Clara

Lexi

Blowing out birthday candles

Fun for everyone!

What a great last week to share fun memories with such great friends and family!

A trademark of Chelsea is the town rock that is frequently painted by the community.  I painted it once for our anniversary when we first moved to Chelsea.  As a surprise to us our friends "the chelsea crew" took the time and painted for us.