Beaker - the Biker

Beaker has learned a new trick....riding without training wheels. It's pretty awesome if I ignore the fact that she seems to think you can only ride at one speed - FAST! We've had a couple of spills that have produced a fair number of bumps, bruises, and band-aids. But, she always gets back on ready for her next hit of adrenaline. Needless to say, a helmet is a must for her.

Check her out:



In other news, we're getting ready to head back to school. The Chief is heading into second grade and Beaker will be starting preschool. Just the thought of a few child-free hours has my eyes glazing over at the endless possibilities of projects to finish! I'm sure I'll find my time used up quickly with volunteering at school and keeping the house in order, but I can't help but feel giddy at the chance to have some "me" time after 7+ years of "me+kids" time.

Any suggestions of how use your free time when the kids are gone?

The Annual Summer Camping Trip

This year's camping trip took us to Muskallonge Lake State Park in Deer Park, MI - which sits blissfully in between Muskallonge Lake and Lake Superior.

The campground was wonderful. There were lots of people, but it never felt overcrowded or noisy. (Nothing like my summers working at Holland State Park, where the park is always full to bursting during the summer) There was even a man who brought his wood lathe and was making yo-yos for the kids.

We spent a couple days swimming in the warmer water of Muskallonge Lake and rock hunting on the shore of Lake Superior. The other two days were spent adventuring to nearby Tahquamenon Falls and Pictured Rocks.

After camping, we spent a night in St. Ignace before taking a morning ferry over to Mackinac Island for the day.

Our trip ended, with an out of the way jaunt to Cross Village, MI for dinner at the one and only Leggs Inn. (If you've never been there...go.)

It was a great trip and as always we loved having Grandma and Grandpa with us. It's been about a week since we got back and the kids seem to be readjusting to city life just fine. Now, I can't speak for the Brain, but I would rather be back up north enjoying the peaceful shores of Lake Superior.