It's that time of the year again. As summer draws to a close Heather and I take off for our annual Girls Weekend. Last year we had a fantastic time in Traverse City, Michigan. We visited a lot of wineries, did a lot of shopping and ate some great smoked salmon.
As much as I would like to repeat our trip there, we have some time restraints on us this year. We opted for a mere 2.5 hour drive to the South Haven and Saugatuck, Michigan area. The region has a lot wineries, a must, as well as shopping, dinning and new this year, camping. Sorta camping....we decided to try a small cabin at a South Haven campground. It has plenty of beds, electricity and AC!!! It is supposed to be very hot this weekend. The AC better work...or I'll be getting my travel on to somewhere else!
I should have a wrap up next week. I'm really looking forward to shopping, drinking lots of wine and sitting around a campfire with my best girl friend eating 'smores and cheetos.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Japanese Beetles Stink!
For the first time in my life I am experiencing the Japanese Beetle (JB). Apparently I have either been oblivious the past couple of years or the little leaches hadn't found our property. Let there be no doubt that the JB's have landed...and brought all their buddies with them. Damn things.
(See here is a picture of the little leaf eating monster)
They have been munching on my very large Birch Tree probably for a while before I figured out why the leaves were falling off. I caught them fairly early on one of my small new ornamental trees in the back yard. So, last week Chris and I set off to Lowe's to find the much talked about Bug Bag and some pesticide to kill the little shits! I value my expensive trees too much to just let them be a bug salad bar.
I wasn't too convinced that the Bug Bag would help...other than attract more of their little buddies into our yard, boy was I proven wrong. I assembled the thing in the house and then carried it across the backyard to its chosen location. I was being swarmed by the nasty things before I even got the thing in the ground. The two bags in the yard were easily filled in 48 hours. This still may mean that we are just drawing in all the local JB's, but combined with the pesticide on the trees they liked, they are no longer eating my trees.
Apparently, and this is what I found amusing, the JB is a very sexual bug and is drawn into the bug bug and be with its buddies. In all practicality there is a big bug orgy going on in my yard. YUCK!!!
I'm sure you are ready for the yuckiest part. The bags filled quickly and I had to change them. The smell coming out of that thing was worse than a porta potty at 3:00 on a 95 degree tailgating day! Needless to say the double bagged bag is in the garbage can outside our garage. You can even smell it from across the street at the mailboxes. Sorry neighbors. At least tomorrow is garbage day.
So, wherever you live...I hope you don't have Japanese Beatles and if you do...step on one for me! The only good Japanese Beetle is a dead one!
(See here is a picture of the little leaf eating monster)
They have been munching on my very large Birch Tree probably for a while before I figured out why the leaves were falling off. I caught them fairly early on one of my small new ornamental trees in the back yard. So, last week Chris and I set off to Lowe's to find the much talked about Bug Bag and some pesticide to kill the little shits! I value my expensive trees too much to just let them be a bug salad bar.
I wasn't too convinced that the Bug Bag would help...other than attract more of their little buddies into our yard, boy was I proven wrong. I assembled the thing in the house and then carried it across the backyard to its chosen location. I was being swarmed by the nasty things before I even got the thing in the ground. The two bags in the yard were easily filled in 48 hours. This still may mean that we are just drawing in all the local JB's, but combined with the pesticide on the trees they liked, they are no longer eating my trees.
Apparently, and this is what I found amusing, the JB is a very sexual bug and is drawn into the bug bug and be with its buddies. In all practicality there is a big bug orgy going on in my yard. YUCK!!!
I'm sure you are ready for the yuckiest part. The bags filled quickly and I had to change them. The smell coming out of that thing was worse than a porta potty at 3:00 on a 95 degree tailgating day! Needless to say the double bagged bag is in the garbage can outside our garage. You can even smell it from across the street at the mailboxes. Sorry neighbors. At least tomorrow is garbage day.
So, wherever you live...I hope you don't have Japanese Beatles and if you do...step on one for me! The only good Japanese Beetle is a dead one!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Fun Week
Chris and I had a great week to ourselves. I was able to spend a day at the lake with Heather. After Chris was off we ate out at all our favorite places, went golfing (I just drive the cart), saw Get Smart and Batman, slept in and relaxed in each others company. It was a great vacation. As always, going back to work after time off is never easy!
The boys also seemed to enjoy their week at G & G's house. It was a good learning experience for Connor in preparation for preschool. He hasn't been out much on his own because it always seems like Wes is somewhere with him. Connor went into his own age group at VBS and never complained. It makes me a bit more comfortable with preschool just around the corner.
I have to say that I really liked both movies we were able to see. I used to watch the Get Smart shows and found them funny, so I was stoked to see the new one with funny man Steve! It didn't let me down. Chris and I were the only one in the theater and I had lots of comments. He wasn't familiar with Max Smart, so I had to explain a few sayings. There was one scene that I was laughing so hard I had tears! So, if you are looking for a comedy, I would suggest Get Smart!
The other movie we went to see was Batman. I was a bit hesitant to go see it because I'm not the biggest follower of the series and didn't want to be clueless. However, it was fantastic. I told Chris when we sat down that I just didn't know how there could be a second Joker and that I would only think of Jack as the Joker. Boy was I wrong. This Joker stole the show! I never once thought of a past Joker. It was a great movie and I now understand what all the hype is about!
The boys and I are trying to get back into our summer routine this week. So far I'm catching up on laundry, dishes and cleaning up the house. I was a slacker last week.
I have to post again on two topics....Japanese Beatles and Wes loosing his front teeth. Those to come...after swim lessons and working out.
The boys also seemed to enjoy their week at G & G's house. It was a good learning experience for Connor in preparation for preschool. He hasn't been out much on his own because it always seems like Wes is somewhere with him. Connor went into his own age group at VBS and never complained. It makes me a bit more comfortable with preschool just around the corner.
I have to say that I really liked both movies we were able to see. I used to watch the Get Smart shows and found them funny, so I was stoked to see the new one with funny man Steve! It didn't let me down. Chris and I were the only one in the theater and I had lots of comments. He wasn't familiar with Max Smart, so I had to explain a few sayings. There was one scene that I was laughing so hard I had tears! So, if you are looking for a comedy, I would suggest Get Smart!
The other movie we went to see was Batman. I was a bit hesitant to go see it because I'm not the biggest follower of the series and didn't want to be clueless. However, it was fantastic. I told Chris when we sat down that I just didn't know how there could be a second Joker and that I would only think of Jack as the Joker. Boy was I wrong. This Joker stole the show! I never once thought of a past Joker. It was a great movie and I now understand what all the hype is about!
The boys and I are trying to get back into our summer routine this week. So far I'm catching up on laundry, dishes and cleaning up the house. I was a slacker last week.
I have to post again on two topics....Japanese Beatles and Wes loosing his front teeth. Those to come...after swim lessons and working out.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Vacation or Stay-cation
Life has been busy around here lately. Hence, my lack of updating. Wes had a week of zoo camp and I was back and forth across town two times a day. Throw in swim lessons, baseball twice last week and some other summer functions, and we have been busy.
This week, however, Chris and I are on vacation...or as Chris likes to call it, Stay-cation. For some strange reason, Chris' parents decided they wanted to keep the boys for the entire week to attend VBS at their church. That's Vacation Bible School for those like me that up until this week had no idea what that stood for. I'm feeling guilty and a bit lost without my boys around, but I think I can tough it out! :)
Chris and I are going to enjoy ourselves just hanging out and spending time together, at home. We got the yard work done with morning and the rest of the day to play. I think we are going to go and see a movie this afternoon, followed by dinner with Heather and listening to Mike play!
I may have my doubts about the VBS thing, but I'm sucking it up and enjoying Stay-cation! Rock on! I feel like a guest in my own home!
This week, however, Chris and I are on vacation...or as Chris likes to call it, Stay-cation. For some strange reason, Chris' parents decided they wanted to keep the boys for the entire week to attend VBS at their church. That's Vacation Bible School for those like me that up until this week had no idea what that stood for. I'm feeling guilty and a bit lost without my boys around, but I think I can tough it out! :)
Chris and I are going to enjoy ourselves just hanging out and spending time together, at home. We got the yard work done with morning and the rest of the day to play. I think we are going to go and see a movie this afternoon, followed by dinner with Heather and listening to Mike play!
I may have my doubts about the VBS thing, but I'm sucking it up and enjoying Stay-cation! Rock on! I feel like a guest in my own home!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Connor's Birthday
"Guess what happened? I turned 4!"
Connor had a great day yesterday. He had lots of fun with his friends and family. It was a gorgeous day and we were outside for most of it playing. Tami, Jim and their girls came over for a lunch time cookout. Then later on in the day Chris' parents came over for pizza and cake. Thank you to everyone for his cool gifts. It appears that his top 5 picks would be:
1. Water guns
2. Bubble gun
3. Bubble mower
4. Hotwheel cars
5. Sponge Bob jammies and sheets
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Happy Birthday, Connor
Happy 4th Birthday wishes to Connor today! We are having our neighbor friends over for a lunch cookout and a "party". I try not to do kid parties, so I'm attempting to fool him into thinking he is having a real party. He is getting to spend the day with his friends and family, and that seems to be what makes him happy. Plus, he has a cool Sponge Bob cake, Sponge Bob decorations and is ready to party!
Later we are having his grandparents over for pizza...so out of all of that I'm sure I'll get some good pictures.
I just had to say that I can't believe he is turning 4 years old today. It seems like just yesterday that he was a tiny baby. I think he will always be my "baby" even though he has changed so much recently. He will be starting pre-school in less than two months! Another huge milestone!
Have a great day Connor and "Happy Birthday!"
Later we are having his grandparents over for pizza...so out of all of that I'm sure I'll get some good pictures.
I just had to say that I can't believe he is turning 4 years old today. It seems like just yesterday that he was a tiny baby. I think he will always be my "baby" even though he has changed so much recently. He will be starting pre-school in less than two months! Another huge milestone!
Have a great day Connor and "Happy Birthday!"
Monday, July 07, 2008
Happy 4th of July Weekend
Happy 4th of July to everyone. Our family enjoyed the weekend immensely. My parents came down on their annual 4th of July weekend over night trip. They spent an extra night with us this year, Friday through Sunday, and the boys loved every minute of it.
Once they get Grandpa in the house the fun never ends. If it wasn't fishing on the pond, swinging on the swing set, playing cars, riding bikes then they were after him to play more...poor Dad! I know he was tired out when he went home. They love being catered to like that. It breaks my heart to watch Wes get sad when they have to leave. I wish they could spend more time with my parents.
On Friday Chris treated us all to pulled pork done on his smoker. It was fantastic. Even my mother, picky patty eater that she is, liked it! I made home made potato salad and chocolate cake. Between all of that I felt like I ate constantly this weekend. Mom brought in a cheese cake to add to my desert frenzy. The worst part is she left more than half of the thing here! So I'm struggling to stay on the healthy eating wagon.
We all sat on our deck and watched the neighborhood firework celebration. You can usually count on several homes shooting fireworks over the pond or within view of the deck. There were fewer families home this year, but we still had a great view of some great fireworks. The boys also got to play with sparklers. We watched just as many, if not more, fireworks Saturday night!
Saturday we celebrated Connor's 4th birthday while my parents were here. His actual birthday is this Sunday, the 13th, but they won't be back again that soon. He had fun opening his gifts and decorating Sponge Bob Square Pants cupcakes. (more desert in the house) My parents got him a new shirt, a book, gardening gloves, a bean bag toss game and the biggest hit of all, a bug box complete with a net. I happened to be with her when she bought that $5 gift and wouldn't you know that out of all that other stuff he went nuts over that. You can pretty much still find him walking around with that net in his hand looking for bugs. I actually saw Chris help him catch a fly in the house yesterday!
I spent the week leading up to the 4th going crazy cleaning the house and doing odd jobs we had been putting off, like staining the deck, painting the trim around the front door and edging the sidewalk..but I'm happy to say that it was all worth it. The house and outside looked great and I think it may have even impressed my mom, although you will never hear her say it! WE had a great weekend and I hope that all of you enjoyed your 4th of July traditions as well.
Once they get Grandpa in the house the fun never ends. If it wasn't fishing on the pond, swinging on the swing set, playing cars, riding bikes then they were after him to play more...poor Dad! I know he was tired out when he went home. They love being catered to like that. It breaks my heart to watch Wes get sad when they have to leave. I wish they could spend more time with my parents.
On Friday Chris treated us all to pulled pork done on his smoker. It was fantastic. Even my mother, picky patty eater that she is, liked it! I made home made potato salad and chocolate cake. Between all of that I felt like I ate constantly this weekend. Mom brought in a cheese cake to add to my desert frenzy. The worst part is she left more than half of the thing here! So I'm struggling to stay on the healthy eating wagon.
We all sat on our deck and watched the neighborhood firework celebration. You can usually count on several homes shooting fireworks over the pond or within view of the deck. There were fewer families home this year, but we still had a great view of some great fireworks. The boys also got to play with sparklers. We watched just as many, if not more, fireworks Saturday night!
Saturday we celebrated Connor's 4th birthday while my parents were here. His actual birthday is this Sunday, the 13th, but they won't be back again that soon. He had fun opening his gifts and decorating Sponge Bob Square Pants cupcakes. (more desert in the house) My parents got him a new shirt, a book, gardening gloves, a bean bag toss game and the biggest hit of all, a bug box complete with a net. I happened to be with her when she bought that $5 gift and wouldn't you know that out of all that other stuff he went nuts over that. You can pretty much still find him walking around with that net in his hand looking for bugs. I actually saw Chris help him catch a fly in the house yesterday!
I spent the week leading up to the 4th going crazy cleaning the house and doing odd jobs we had been putting off, like staining the deck, painting the trim around the front door and edging the sidewalk..but I'm happy to say that it was all worth it. The house and outside looked great and I think it may have even impressed my mom, although you will never hear her say it! WE had a great weekend and I hope that all of you enjoyed your 4th of July traditions as well.
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