The MHE's are in Orlando! Last vacation of the year and we headed down to Orlando for Bailey's third birthday (25th). We came with mom and dad Bailey (Nana and Papa) and our friends the Weavers are down here too - Chase turns three a few days after Bailey.
The Edison's and Bailey's are staying at the Monterey Lake apartments. This is a property across the street from Sea World, Orlando and owned by McKinley, a large property owner in the Ann Arbor area. McKinley donated a week at Monterey Lake as part of Dawn Farm's annual Jamboree silent auction last year (2008). Well, long story short: we bid, we won, we are in Orlando.
After an uneventful travel day on Saturday we got right to the fun stuff on Sunday. Day One was spent at Animal Kingdom (pics below). First thing, it is hot down here this week - low 90's (feels like over 100) and humid - but no rain (yet). It makes for some tough long days. Number two, Robin and Mike picked up a cold bug on the flight down here and spent the first half of the week battling a cold.
Number three, Disney is truly a magical place, they really know how to put on a show, put together an attraction and make you feel welcome. With respect to the heat, I swear I have yet to see a Disney employee sweat. The rest of us are messes, but the people in the shows are in full costumes, full make-up, all smiles and not a drop of sweat - if its not magic, I want to know why CVS doesn't sell it in a bottle.
So what did we do while we there? Here you go:
1) Showed up before park opening at 9am
2) Straight to Kilimanjaro Safaris - the boys loved the animals - and the trucks we were in
3) A nice walk through Pangani Forest Exploration Trails - more animals
4) Robin, Mike, Corey and Dad headed over to Expedition Everest - great first ride of the week, but the backward fall in the dark was a little tough to recover from.
5) We stopped for some lunch - the Weavers scored a meal plan with their package at the Wilderness Lodge grabbing something in the Asia area and MHE's brought lunches.
6) Robin and Mike shot over to Kali River Rapids - we were on the loosing end of that one, ended up soaked!
7) We needed to have some chill time so the boys played for awhile at DinoLand, the Boneyard was a fun spot for Bailey.
8) An instant highlight was Finding Nemo - The Musical. A short, but entertaining musical stage version of the movie... some of us cried, not going to name names, but there were tears.
9) After that we were pretty much wiped out and just walked around a bit.
We headed back to Monterey Lake and had a nice light dinner and all of us crashed pretty early. Day 2 starts before you know it. Here is the picture show:
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Mega Post Part 3
September 2009:
1) Early B-day party for Bailey. Got a big gift from Grandma Lonnie, Uncle Tom, Nana and Papa... its some wheels. Cha-kow!
2) First day back to school. Bailey is in the Zebra class this year. He was real excited about getting to school, so this is the best I could do, sorry.
So that was the summer. Back to school and work and life or is it...
1) Early B-day party for Bailey. Got a big gift from Grandma Lonnie, Uncle Tom, Nana and Papa... its some wheels. Cha-kow!
2) First day back to school. Bailey is in the Zebra class this year. He was real excited about getting to school, so this is the best I could do, sorry.
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| 09.09.14 First Day of Zebra Class |
So that was the summer. Back to school and work and life or is it...
Mega Post Part 2
August 2009:
1) We took Chase to the park for the afternoon while his parents did some work on their new house:
2) I caught this cool shot of the moon getting struck by lightning.
3) We celebrated Cira's 3rd birthday and Mia's first birthday... what a party
4) Robin and I went to Chicago and met the Cranley twins... cute
5) Bailey spent the weekend at the cottage and the beach had flooded
1) We took Chase to the park for the afternoon while his parents did some work on their new house:
2) I caught this cool shot of the moon getting struck by lightning.
3) We celebrated Cira's 3rd birthday and Mia's first birthday... what a party
4) Robin and I went to Chicago and met the Cranley twins... cute
5) Bailey spent the weekend at the cottage and the beach had flooded
THE MEGA POST...
Summer of 2009 in a single shot... from start to finish, okay not finish. We are actually on vacation in Orlando right now and I want to do some daily posts from the trip, but felt bad about not doing anything from the rest of the summer. So, here you go, the Edison's summer in a few photo albums, hope you enjoy:
June 2009:
1) We began the summer like last year, with a week at the cottage. Well Robin and Bailey were there for just about a week, I only got a long weekend.
July 2009:
1) 4th of July in EGR with all the Edison family. A park, a little parade, a little boat ride and some fireworks.
2) We took a week long trip to Destin, FL with the Bailey and Buda family. Both Mom and Dad Bailey and Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Tom celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2009 and to celebrate we spent a great week on the ocean. Its a long slide show, but totally worth it.
June 2009:
1) We began the summer like last year, with a week at the cottage. Well Robin and Bailey were there for just about a week, I only got a long weekend.
July 2009:
1) 4th of July in EGR with all the Edison family. A park, a little parade, a little boat ride and some fireworks.
2) We took a week long trip to Destin, FL with the Bailey and Buda family. Both Mom and Dad Bailey and Aunt Lonnie and Uncle Tom celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2009 and to celebrate we spent a great week on the ocean. Its a long slide show, but totally worth it.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Lil'Grams is up an running
My very good friend from undergrad, Ranvir Gujral, has spent the better part of the past two years working on a company with his partner Greg. They have officially launched their first product, a web based application for parents to store, record and share all the memories of their kids early life. Its a great site and great application. He has worked really hard. Check it out and if you are in need/want of a place to post, save and share pics and videos of your little ones sign up.
www.lilgrams.com
www.lilgrams.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
... and on the otherside of the fence we have...
Don Blankenship is the CEO of Massey Energy (a U.S. coal mining company) and an out-spoken opponent of Cap and Trade. Apparently, in his Op Ed for American Thinker, he is challenging climate change as a superstition by creating his own superstition. Hope you aren't looking for facts or an alternative approach to global growth while addressing our environmental challenges. But on the flip side he is passionate and loves America, just not the America I hope for.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/in_the_name_of_global_warming.html
To help you understand this type of debate, try reading this.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/07/in_the_name_of_global_warming.html
To help you understand this type of debate, try reading this.
Good Op-ed in the Post
John Doerr (Kleiner Perkins) and Jeff Immelt (GE) talk about what we need in the U.S. to stay competitive on the clean energy revolution. I thought it was well written and to the point.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/02/AR2009080201563.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/02/AR2009080201563.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
Its been awhile...
Sadly (or lazily) its been almost a year since my last post. The Edison's have had a bunch of changes since that post:
- Robin has taken the Program Coordinator role at Dawn Farm's Huron Street facility. She runs the residential treatment program for a 17 client facility. She has two full time therapists and a group of resident aids that all work together as a great team providing a great service to the Ann Arbor area. About 3 weeks ago Robin officially went to a 32-hour a week schedule and is getting geared up to spend some more time with her little guy - as soon as she stops working 40 hours a week :-)!
- Bailey has been, among other things, doing two half days at Ann Arbor Childhood Development Center. A pre-preschool program getting toddlers and pre-elementary kids ready for the riggers of school :-) He has friends, likes reading and doing art projects. When not in school he is with his Nana (Robin's mom) and they are always doing fun things - the zoo is a big hit. He is looking forward to a summer filled with visits from Ci-ci and Mia; hanging with his buddy Chase; and getting quality time with grandparents, aunts, aunties, uncles - hopefully sleeping enough for his parents to stay rested.
- As for me, I finally went back to work. I started at DTE Energy about a week after the last blog, in a MBA rotational program. From July 2009 through about Feb/March of 2010, I am spending ~6 months in three different groups within DTE. I am midway through my second rotation now. The first was with the DTE Coal Services group and I worked on a potential acquisition of a coal mining operation. The deal did not go through but it was a great experience (and a lot of hours - thanks to Robin and Bailey for their patience). Right now I am working with DTE Carbon, its a start-up group within DTE focused on developing a business based on the trading of carbon offset projects. We look to invest in project that reduce or avoid the emissions of greenhouse gases. Its very much in line with why I went back to grad school so I am really enjoying this rotation. Besides work, I am enjoying evenings with Robin and Bailey, I have started running, biking and swimming and am looking forward to a couple triathlons this summer. I knocked out the Dexter-Ann Arbor half marathon last weekend - so I am feeling ready for some more.
We have a bunch of fun stuff planned for this summer. I will do my best in being a better poster.
Happy early b-day to Robin (turning 31 tomorrow)!
- Robin has taken the Program Coordinator role at Dawn Farm's Huron Street facility. She runs the residential treatment program for a 17 client facility. She has two full time therapists and a group of resident aids that all work together as a great team providing a great service to the Ann Arbor area. About 3 weeks ago Robin officially went to a 32-hour a week schedule and is getting geared up to spend some more time with her little guy - as soon as she stops working 40 hours a week :-)!
- Bailey has been, among other things, doing two half days at Ann Arbor Childhood Development Center. A pre-preschool program getting toddlers and pre-elementary kids ready for the riggers of school :-) He has friends, likes reading and doing art projects. When not in school he is with his Nana (Robin's mom) and they are always doing fun things - the zoo is a big hit. He is looking forward to a summer filled with visits from Ci-ci and Mia; hanging with his buddy Chase; and getting quality time with grandparents, aunts, aunties, uncles - hopefully sleeping enough for his parents to stay rested.
- As for me, I finally went back to work. I started at DTE Energy about a week after the last blog, in a MBA rotational program. From July 2009 through about Feb/March of 2010, I am spending ~6 months in three different groups within DTE. I am midway through my second rotation now. The first was with the DTE Coal Services group and I worked on a potential acquisition of a coal mining operation. The deal did not go through but it was a great experience (and a lot of hours - thanks to Robin and Bailey for their patience). Right now I am working with DTE Carbon, its a start-up group within DTE focused on developing a business based on the trading of carbon offset projects. We look to invest in project that reduce or avoid the emissions of greenhouse gases. Its very much in line with why I went back to grad school so I am really enjoying this rotation. Besides work, I am enjoying evenings with Robin and Bailey, I have started running, biking and swimming and am looking forward to a couple triathlons this summer. I knocked out the Dexter-Ann Arbor half marathon last weekend - so I am feeling ready for some more.
We have a bunch of fun stuff planned for this summer. I will do my best in being a better poster.
Happy early b-day to Robin (turning 31 tomorrow)!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Diane Rehm is my Oprah
I have to admit that when she has authors on it makes me want to buy their books. Twice in the past month and a half I bought a book within minutes of listening to the Diane Rehm's Show. The first was Cokie Roberts' Ladies of Liberty the second James P. Carse's A Religious Case Against Belief. Both quite interesting (at least as much as I have read).
Saturday, July 5, 2008
End of Vacation
Well we just could not be more lucky. We had two beautiful, perfect weeks at the cottage (as you have seen). No more pics to post but I will just say that Saturday was another long, sunny, hot day on the beach and we just kept hoping it would never end. Sadly, it did and on Sunday we packed up, cleaned the cottage so my parents could move in and headed home.
Robin headed back to work for a short four day week and I had another few days of leisure. And by leisure I mean doing things around the condo that have not been done in 12 months and hanging with Bailey.
We stopped and saw Patty and Cira (or Kee-Kee)on Friday before they headed for Birchwood. We hadn't seen them in a bit so it was really nice. Patty looks great for being about 30 days from her due date. Cira, of course, is just about the most precious little lady out there.
We spent the 4th with Robin's parents and took Bailey to the annual Lake Orion fair. It was fun but Bailey is not much for rides yet and of course I had to over pay and under perform at the carnival basketball and pitching games. I did win Bailey a blow-up Superman bat and a pink ball (I think they gave me pink to send me a message). We got up this morning and rode into LO for breakfast. Bailey got a little impatient but it was a perfect morning for a ride. A note to all my friends who were so antsy to move out of Michigan following graduation: if you didn't spend a summer here you missed it, this state is beautiful.
I hope everyone had a nice 4th and has enjoyed the daily vacation entries. I will do my best to keep up with the rest of the summer and try to put up more pics from events over the past few months.
Robin headed back to work for a short four day week and I had another few days of leisure. And by leisure I mean doing things around the condo that have not been done in 12 months and hanging with Bailey.
We stopped and saw Patty and Cira (or Kee-Kee)on Friday before they headed for Birchwood. We hadn't seen them in a bit so it was really nice. Patty looks great for being about 30 days from her due date. Cira, of course, is just about the most precious little lady out there.
We spent the 4th with Robin's parents and took Bailey to the annual Lake Orion fair. It was fun but Bailey is not much for rides yet and of course I had to over pay and under perform at the carnival basketball and pitching games. I did win Bailey a blow-up Superman bat and a pink ball (I think they gave me pink to send me a message). We got up this morning and rode into LO for breakfast. Bailey got a little impatient but it was a perfect morning for a ride. A note to all my friends who were so antsy to move out of Michigan following graduation: if you didn't spend a summer here you missed it, this state is beautiful.
I hope everyone had a nice 4th and has enjoyed the daily vacation entries. I will do my best to keep up with the rest of the summer and try to put up more pics from events over the past few months.
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.
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:
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!
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!
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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