Getting back in the swing of things

I do not know the last time I went on a 2 week long vacation. Don't know that I ever have now that I think of it. I am trying to get back in the groove, but today I had no motivation. Funny how the bills still come, the grass still grows, and the dust still settles when you go away. Right back where I left off.

Lillian woke up at 6am pretty much every morning in Michigan, and that combined with staying up late chatting and parenting 2 toddlers solo made for a tired momma. Oh, and did I mention we had a 7 hour delay at the airport coming home that about did me in? 

The laundry is all put away, I have done a major Trader Joe's run, cleaned the house and yard, and still I am missing the ease of life on vacation. It was nice to have so many fun activities to do with family. It was great to hear, "oh, let me give them a bath tonight". I could walk outside and go for nature walks with the kids or play with GiGi next door. More than anything, I enjoyed the quality time I had with my kids. I did not have bills to pay or chores to do or play dates to arrange. We read books, cuddled, explored and laughed more than we had all summer. Staying home is hard work because you never really get a break from "home." We all needed a change of scenery (me more than all). 

Harrison and I shared a room (not a bed thankfully) and I would wake up some nights listening to the crickets through the screen and Harrison's sweet sleeping sounds and it made my heart so happy to watch him. We went on short trips with both sets of grandparents that were a lot of fun. I saw parts of Michigan I had never seen before. Lake Michigan is no joke, that thing is HUGE. Lillian would wind the clocks with Grandpa and now says, "ti, tock" every time she sees a clock. We made memories that will last a lifetime with cousins and aunts and uncles and friends. I feel closer to all my in-laws and really appreciated that we had more time than we usually do during our holiday visits. I hope that we can make this a yearly trip. Maybe next year Joe can come along for more than a weekend. 

The only downside is vacation detox. Harrison and Lillian were way off schedule and got so much attention that they were having meltdowns left and right it felt like. Harrison challenged me more than he ever has, and it is tough to parent sometimes when you are in a different environment. I just downloaded all 941 pictures, and hopefully will blog a little bit each night so that I can share our wonderful Michigan summer adventure. Good night-wish I could sleep with my windows open here, but it is about 98 degrees and muggy! Missing Michigan!

Big Lake

Lillian and Gram putting Barbie to "bed"

Lillian checking out the cottage

Time for a boat ride

Harrison was very excited to be allowed to drive the "fast boat"

Hmmm, wonder if I can touch the water?

Big Lake

Harrison found this swim lifejacket outfit. I could barely keep a straight face when he put it on

Building forts

Playing Old Maid

Bingo Time

Lillian and Gramps

Gram and Gramps with the kids

Harrison's fierce boat driving face

Isn't this so sweet. I looked over and Harrison had his arm around Gramps

Lillian peeking through the steps

This pic makes me smile. I wish I had it on video. Harrison was instructing Jim on how to get the tractor un-stuck. He was like the project manager. Quite bossy that one, wonder where he could have gotten that gene!?!

Cool dudes mowing the yard

My little fishies

Jet Ski time

Gramps got Harrison his very own fishing pole

Just her size

Where is everybody?

Aunt Jamie giving Lillian a bath

Harrison and Gramps out fishing on the pier

Look mom, a worm!

Look at Jim's face, ha! Whoa! Watch where you are swinging that thing kid!

Time for smores

Harrison kayaked all by himself. He even got the hang of the paddles.

He is happiest outside. My little outdoors man

Gram pushing the kids around the pool

When we got back, we went to Great Grandma Wolfe's house for some pool fun

Joe's dad and Lisa have a beautiful cabin in Gaylord, Michigan. We drove up for the weekend, and had such a great visit. It was even cool enough for a sweatshirt at night. The kids were in heaven; board games, riding lawn movers, boats, jet skis, ice cream, floats, forts, bugs, worms, fishing, smores, air hockey, ping pong, movies, need I say more?? It was great to be somewhere so relaxing and kid friendly. I read several magazines and even took a nap! Lisa cooked a delicious family dinner on Saturday night. Thank you so much for the hospitality. We can't wait to come up again next summer.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ParkeFamily/UpNorthParke?authkey=Gv1sRgCOfVs4PW07vQxQE#
here is a link to the complete album from our Big Lake trip

Feelin' Stripey

What was that Russel Crowe movie, "A Beautiful Mind?", that is what my hallway looked like when Brad was working on his masterpiece. Major method to the madness. He used a ruler, calculator, and a level x1000

Brad painted until 5am while we slept. I snapped this pic as we were rushing out the door for the airport. So glad I got to see them before we left. Great job!

I am feeling like these pictures do not do justice to how well the stripes turned out. The color is a tad more gray blue than it looks here. I am glad I took a chance and painted the door to match. It added a little spunk to the boring old hallway. I love it. Now, I am flirting with the idea of painting the banister and railing a glossy black. My dining room table is black and lots of the frames up the stairs have black in them.
Hmmmm

I got this in Grand Haven, MI at this really fabulous home decor store. I shipped it home and it looks great in my living room. I have a bird/nest theme in there and it is a memento from a fun trip.

Ta-Da!

I have wanted stripes somewhere in our house since we moved in over 5 years ago. Our hallway was a little blah and I wanted some pizazz, so I bit the bullet. Picked a color from the rugs and jumped in feet first. It turned out great. I love the way it looks with the front door open at night too. I try to remind myself that it is "just paint" but still was a bit nervous to mess up the door. The "sea salt"blue is a perfect light subtle shade.

Missing in Action

The kids and I are in Michigan for the next two weeks. Joe flew up with us on Friday, and left last night. I forgot my camera chord so I am unable to download my fabulous pictures from the last few days. So, stay tuned.
We are having a such a fun time. Here are a few words that describe our trip thus far:
parties at the farm, go-carts, kites, sprinklers, popsicles, fireworks, family, laughter, cousins, birthday cake, tractors, old friends, family dinners, sleeping with the windows open

It has been great to watch the kids play with their cousins and to hang out with our nephews on their turf. Harrison is spending the night out tonight, and it feels way too quiet. We are headed to the beach tomorrow for two days and then will go to the lake this weekend. I hope that every summer we can come play in Michigan and enjoy all the family here. Both kids have adjusted quickly and are going with the flow. Lillian walked Joe's moms dog, Violet, tonight all around the yard holding her leash. It was just too cute. Harrison will be an expert golf cart driver by the time our trip is over. It just feels like summer...Raleigh is going to seem so boring when we get back home :)

Hello Lexington

The sprints were downtown Saturday night

Joe and his fan club

Harrison stylin' his hair at the hotel after his shower

The kids and Marci

Don't blink you'll miss it, Harrison is actually smiling and having fun! He was a bit of a stinker in the trip. 3 has proven to be a challenging age, that's for sure

Joe in line for the road race on Sunday (can you tell it was crazy hot outside?)

Here comes the peleton

Passing the time

And, he wins third place! Good job, Joe!

Marci and I loaded up the kids, and went to Lexington for the night. We watched the sprints Saturday and the road race on Sunday. Joe did great and we had a nice time. Hopefully we will get to eat BBQ again next time. Lexington is "the BBQ capital."