Saturday, June 28, 2008

Day 12: 6.27

We are getting near the end of the trip. But that is not stopping us from having fun.
Robin, Mike, Bailey and Mom and Dad Bailey headed to the bakery for a little breakfast at the Luisa's Cafe (attached to the Bakery). We had a beautiful beach day that included much more swimming for Bailey and I. The highlight of the day was dinner with Dave, Katie and Rudy as they were on their way to Katie's parents lake house in Michigan.

Day 11: 6.26

Who could have more fun than yesterday. Well we tried. We got up early and, while it was cloudy, headed down to the outlet mall, The Lighthouse, for some shopping. Aunt Lonnie had to leave after shopping and Dad Bailey (Papa) arrived shortly after we got back. The day was turning into a nice one and we wasted no time getting to the beach for some of our favorite things:

Rock Throwing:



Swimming with Dad:


We finished off the day with dinner at the Red Arrow Roadhouse and icecream at Oink's. It was a perfect Birchwood day.



This last video is how Bailey eats icecream: a bite from mom - a bite from nana - a bite from mom:

Day 9 and 10: 6/24 and 6/25

Tuesday was a low key day at Birchwood. We pretty much hung out, went to the beach, did some reading and puzzles. Nice and relaxing.

Wednesday (6.26), however, kicked off three days of non-stop action and fun. Starting with a trip to Shedd Aquarium for Robin, Mike and Bailey. It was going to be a bit of a rainy day so we hit the road. Bailey slept on the way there but was ready to do and see the sea animals. We had so much fun seeing big fish, turtles, snacks, the bulga whales and the dolphin show.

Robin and Mike always love coming back to Chicago and talk about how much they miss it every time they are making that drive north on LSD. Sarah, Katherine, Nicole, Wes and Libby braved a dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe where we were able to eat with the elephants, gorillas and tropical birds. We were tired by the end of today!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Day 8: 6.23


Day 1 of week 2. Man do we feel lucky to be here for two weeks. The weather was a bit chilly today but from Bailey's perspectives the new guests were a big hit: Nana (Mom Bailey) and Grandma Lonnie arrived Monday morning. Bailey ran around the cottage for 30 minutes screaming when they got here.

We did make it to the beach but not for too long. It was a very typical Birchwood day: reading, puzzles, good food and a movie.

Days 5 thru 7: 6.20 - 6.22

We had quite the weekend down here in Birchwood. Sarah and Duke arrived Thursday night from Chicago. We had a relaxed evening and got up for some beach time in the morning. Katherine and Keely got there mid-morning on Friday and came right to the beach. My parents (Gami and Bumpa) stopped by and picked up Bails so the adults could play. Next to arrive was my friend Rachel from grad school and finally Wes and Spencer arrived just in time for dinner.

And play we did: poker (I was the big winner), golf at Pebblewood Country Club(I was the big loser) for the guys and the girls got into a game called Loaded Questions.

As tradition we grilled on Friday night and went to dinner on Saturday night, Brewster's in New Buffalo was the spot. It was really quite nice.

We had a bit of rain and a bit of aging, as a result we never made it down for a beach fire. Nonetheless, good times was had by all. A perfect end to the first week. Let's get going on week 2!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Day 4 - 6.19

What a perfect day! Sunny, mid 70's, not a breeze to be found. Bailey made a new friend today, LaLa. A very pretty golden retriever without a home for the day choose to hang out on our beach. Bailey loved playing with her, Robin and I found it a bit annoying when she would shake off the water and sand by our towels during lunch. Another example of my increase in crumgery, I found myself vocalizing my appreciation for the leash rules here at birchwood. Oh well, LaLa followed us home at the end of the day but we are pretty sure either Tonya or Laru came and found her at some point.



Sarah and Duke arrived this evening and we are expecting a few more friends tomorrow. It should be a real nice weekend. Bailey is going up to GR with Gami and Bumpa, he is looking forward to g-parent time, for sure.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Day 3 - 6.18

Robin was back today. The weather was supposed to be a bit chilly and rainy in the afternoon. It wasn't. It was sunny and nice all day. No pics today (I had some challenges with the camera charging). We went for a 2-hour bike ride through the country roads of Harbert and Sawyer. We saw some miniature ponies and Bailey loved them. We got some good beach time in the afternoon and went out to dinner. A nice day for all.

We are looking forward to friends coming in tomorrow and Friday for the weekend. The weather does not look like its going to be cooperating but we have our fingers crossed.

Quick thoughts:

- Our friends Jenny and John just started their blog... add it to your list these guys are awesome.

- My favorite line so far from the book I am reading, Earth: The Sequel. A proponent of capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and reuse it to produce biofuels was describing his thoughts on carbon capture and underground storage:
"We spend enormous amounts of money to dig holes to get carbon out of the ground, and the best fix we can come up with is to dig more holes and put it back in? That's something your dog might think to do."
- Ray Hobbs, APS Future Fuels Program

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Day 2 - 6.17

Today was a Bailey and Mike day at the cottage. Robin headed back to Ann Arbor to check in on work and give a presentation as part of the Dawn Farm Ed Series. She gave a great talk on eating disorders and recovery. This was her second presentation to the Ed Series in a month.

While we missed Robin, Bails and I tried our best to enjoy the cottage. We played a little basketball, had lunch down on the beach, Bailey slept, I read my book, all in all a good day. We are glad Robin is coming back tonight.

Cottage Day 1

It was a little windy today on the beach but that did not stop us from enjoying our private beach. Bailey quickly proved the generational truth: the creek is the most fun for kids.




Don't forget to check out Bailey's Corner for some of those Flashback updates. He has been up to some good stuff the past few months as well.


Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Flashback 1 (09.01.07) Minneapolis

The MHE's made a trip to Minneapolis to see Ryan and Becka. At the time it was labor day weekend '07. Mike and Becka where just beginning their third year of grad school. Since then we have both graduated, got jobs and now Becka is studying for the Bar. Ryan and Becka also just bought a house. We are looking forward to our next trip out to see them.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Back at the Blog and the Cottage

Well its been ten months since the last post but I thought I would get crackin again. We are currently on vacation at the lake house on Lake Michigan... "The Cottage". Yes, the same place from the last post. So while I am updating you on current events from this year's trip I am going to also post the happenings since the last cottage trip. I hope you enjoy.

Here are a couple intro shots of the Orchard Glen and the beach. Its great to be back here!



Here are pics from Day 0.5 - Sunday 6/15 - Father's Day. Happy Father's Day to all the dads. We packed up Jack (should have taken pics of that... he was tested) and made it to Orchard Glen by about 12:45. We did a bit of unpacking, had a quick visit with my grandparents and headed to the beach. That's where the fun was at!