The birthday tree...

As you all know, the sunroom tree is a permanent year-round fixture in our house.  A family tradition has been to decorate it for approaching holidays (and some made-up holidays) as well as birthday party themes. To honor Emma's request for a more sophisticated feminine birthday party,  I dug through my stash of silk flowers, tulle and vintage paper lanterns.

It's been given the "official" Emma stamp-of-approval.  I'm not done with party decorations.  I've got a few more ideas swirling around in my busy head. 

Soo much fun...

On Friday, we traveled over the Mackinac bridge and into the upper peninsula to Lake Superior State University in Sault St. Marie, MI.

Not a short journey (at times it felt ALL of the 5 hours) but the girls entertained themselves. 

While I was teaching Friday night, Chris took the girls downtown to explore. 

Don't you just love this motel sign?

After my work obligations were done on Saturday, we took the girls to the Soo Locks to watch the freighters pass through.

Watching the locks in action is truly amazing.

We were able to watch a Canadian freighter go through from an upper viewing deck.  Yes.  I did climb stairs to get to the upper deck.  I behaved the rest of the weekend though.


 We were so close, we could hear their "salty"conversations. 

We then ventured back over the Mackinac bridge towards Traverse city.

We spent Saturday evening on Traverse bay enjoying our first official beach experience of the season.




We live in such a beautiful state.

It was a lovely mother's day weekend.  A little bit of work.  A little bit of play. This upcoming week is going to be crazy with my work, attempting to get to Emma's three soccer games, and preparing for Emma's birthday sleep-over with 12 teenagers.  Home sweet home!

In memory of Nana...Cross in the Woods

On our way to Sault St. Marie yesterday, we stopped in Indian River to visit Cross in the Woods.

This was a favorite destination for my former mother-in-law who vacationed many years on Houghton Lake.

It was a beautiful day.  We couldn't have asked for better weather.



We lit a candle in memory of Chris's mom. 

There were tears and smiles.

We miss you, Nana. 

Déjà vu

My University is sending me to Sault St. Marie
to teach this weekend.  

Last August when we took a family vacation to
Mackinac Island and the Upper Peninsula,
I had this exact same walking cast.

This is feeling a bit Déjà vu.

 I promised my surgeon, no big hiking adventures
when I'm done with my classroom obligations.

I'm really going to behave, this time.

Pinky swear I won't be climbing
any sand dunes or waterfalls, Mom.

P.S. Happy Mothers Day weekend, ladies!

Celebrating!

 I've graduated to a walking cast.  Yippee! 
This should look familiar. 
It's the same cast I had last summer.  

The doctor still doesn't want me doing lots of standing or walking.
I go back in 3 weeks and then we will see if I can
transition to real shoes.
Goodbye crutches!
Goodbye knee scooter!!
Freedom!!