Union Pier, MI

We got back from vacation this week, and I'm kind of sad that it's over.  We absolutely loved the house that we stayed in, and our parents came to stay with us for the first 2 nights.  Katie and Greg also had a hotel close by, so we all had a nice time going to the beach, going out to dinner, and playing at the casino!  Katie was a trooper being 8 months pregnant and hiking back up the hill from the beach, and stayed out pretty late at the casino.The Grandmas took a turn each night staying home with Kenley so we could all go out and play blackjack!  I am not usually much of a gambler, but actually played for a long time and had fun.

After everyone else left on Monday, Ray, Kenley, and I went to the beach again, spent a little bit of time at the pool, went to the outlet mall, and went to this huge outdoor flea market.  We bought a few fun things, and I especially was very interested in all the Amish culture out there.  We ate dinner out each night, even though a few times it was a little tough with a kid who doesn't want to sit in her highchair, and we really enjoyed our family time.  The only downsides to our vacation were that we had a little scare that Katie might have been in labor (she wasn't, but did end up in the hospital for a few days for another issue, but that's another story), and I threw my back out at the beach and was having a hard time getting around the last few days.  Luckily, both things are fine- we didn't miss the birth of my niece, and my back is getting much better and I can walk pretty normal again.

It was our first "real" family vacation with the 3 of us.  I can't wait for many more each year. Kenley loved playing in the sand at the beach.  She was a really good sleeper every night, probably because she was so worn out every day, and she was really good when we went on 2 long shopping trips.  Like mother, like daughter?

                                       If you didn't notice, we are wearing matching dresses in the picture below.  I  know it won't be long until something like this would be completely embarassing :)

Union Pier on Dwellable

2 Birthdays and a Wedding

 

This weekend was Ray's 31st Birthday!  We started celebrating on Thursday with Kenley and I baking cookies and brownies for him.  Friday we took him to one of his favorite hibachi resturaunts, and gave him his presents then.  I worked with Kenley for several days on, "Happy Birthday Daddy!" which was even cuter when it came out, "Happy Day Da-da!"  On Ray's actual birthday, we were at my cousin, Carri's wedding.  It was a really nice ceremony, and it was so much fun at the reception.  We had a great time catching up with my cousins and dancing.

Then, on Sunday we went to Caden's 2nd birthday party.  It was fun seeing 5 kids under 2 and half play together. They were in and out of the pool, bouncy house, and playing with all their fun toys. I even managed to sneak my time and snuggle their 3 week old, Landry for a few minutes. It has been so fun to see Caden and Kenley getting older together, and it made me think that it won't be too long until she is having another birhday.

 It was a really fun weekend, and I felt so bad for Ray waking up so early for work this morning. I had a hard time getting up myself almost 2 hours later.  But, we are so excited because next week we will be on vacation!  We can't wait to spend an entire week together.  I know it will be really relaxing, and I am so excited to take Kenley to the beach!

July so far

We have been keeping busy around here, and with having the 4th of July in the middle of the week, I have kind of lost track of what day it is!  We spontaneously took Kenley to the zoo last weekend, and luckily we went early because after we were able to see a few animals, go to the butterfly & stingray exhibit, and see the dolphin show, a HUGE storm came in.  We were running through the zoo trying to find shelter and decided to head for the car. We were a little too far and ended up getting drenched and then standing under the little viaduct that is the entrace to the zoo until that started flooding.  We were ankle deep in water when we decided it would be best for Ray to run and get the car and Kenley and I waited under a little hut and then made a run for it.  I felt bad that she was getting pelted in the face by the rain, but there wasn't much we could do.  We were glad we made it out of there, but we didn't get our picture with the Kangaroo this time.    

                                                                                                

On the 4th, we were at my brother-in-laws parent's house.  They have a party every year, and it was especially nice to be in thier beautiful pool since it was 90+ degrees outside.  We spent the whole day swimming, playing volleyball, and eating.  I was so surprised Kenley stayed up so late, and was able to watch the fireworks.  I was completely prepared to have to take her inside their house because I thought she would be afraid of the noise.  The first one or two she whimpered for a second and crunched up to me, but then looked at me and said, "again?"  I should have known she would be fearless!  She was also brave in the water and even stood on the diving board and "jumped in" with the help of Uncle Greg!  Next year, we're signing up for swimming lessons! 

The rest of the week was spent doing lots of water activities since it stayed super hot.  We went to a splash pad, Orland Pool, and played in the sprinkler in the back yard.  I re-opened the Garage Sale for a little bit on Friday, but it was SO hot I closed around 12:00.  My mom was there to help me and we were both exhausted after a few hours of being in the heat. This week I need to clean everything up and donate a lot of items.  I am so happy that we were able to get rid of a lot of stuff and make a decent amount of money. 

Last night Ray and I went to my co-worker's wedding.  It was a lot of fun to see all of my friends from work, and I know they all enjoyed hanging out with Ray too.  I just don't understand why I can't party it up the way I could a few years ago because I was feeling the effects of it last night and today.  I guess that's what happens when your almost 30 (noooo.....!!!)  Today has been a lazy morning/afternoon of, eating taco bell, and watchin tv.  Just because I'm getting older doesn't mean the cure for a hangover will ever change!