Michigan Trip - Summer 2019

Michigan

Summer 2019

Seeing family in Michigan is alway a treat.  We started off watching Charlie play a baseball game at the local field.  Katherine's brother Charles is the coach, and we just sat back and enjoyed the game with beautiful weather.  Charlie is going into the 4th grade, and the little monster below, Johnathan is going into the first grade.  

Katherine and Johnathan enjoying the game!

Katherine and I stepped out for a bit to enjoy a peaceful lunch at the Yacht Club.  It's a close walk from Charles' house. 

Katherine's sister Dawn needed a few backyard trees taken care of, so Charles and I went to work.

Back at the Charles Gaden household.  Meat!

One thing I really wanted to do was go to a summer baseball game.  The Tigers were in town, so K bought some tickets right up front at the field.  The tradeoff was that we were in the sun the entire time, which was hot, but we could see everything nicely.  It's the Tigers... so, they didn't win, but came close at the end. 

Katherine and me upon entering the stadium.

Up front and personal!

When we flew into the Detroit airport I saw the Ford Rouge Factory out the window.  I was quite amazed at the size of the complex, and upon further research, it was a place I wanted to visit.  The Ford F-150's have their finally assembly at the plant, and we could walk around the assembly line and check it all out.  The nephews went with us and everyone was amazed.  What an operation!

Johnathan, Charlie, and Katherine in front of a sweet Ford Raptor.

After seeing a few things in the Detroit area, we headed north to Lake Huron.  Katherine's parents rented a house on the lake, which was close to the Vanston condo.  It was spectacular, and to spend a week like this was enjoyed by all. 

Rich and Shiela getting some back porch time. 

Morning coffee at the water's edge.

This is quite the back porch!

And did I say campfire? Here you go! (We had one almost every night)

We went on walks almost every day.  One day we even walked all the way to the Vanston condo and wanted a picture next to this cool mailbox.

This was the night of the dance party.  I was the DJ with the tunes while the little dudes danced through the house.  

The summer is not complete without a local 4th of July parade.  The little town of Oscoda puts on a nice little parade for sure.   Many turn out, and this year we even had stunt airplanes flying overhead.

The 4th of July getting kicked off the right way!

Looking north along the main street. 

Back at the Vanston condo. Nothing screams 'Merica like the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Challenge.  We all gathered around and cheered the eaters on.  Of course, Joey Chestnut buried the competition.

Johnathan and me in front of Uncle Gary's "Fun" shed.  I have no idea how he can get this much fun into a single car garage, but he does. 

More lake time.  This time s'mores are on the menu.

The Vanstons put a tasteful sign on the beach.  People from the condo community love it and were taking pictures with it the entire time we were there.  Nice work guys!

The night of the 4th, the campfire was nicely crowded.  Oscoda put on yet another phenomenal performance.  Small town with BIG fireworks. 

Our trip was complete with some evening thunderstorms.  I love the bad weather up at the lake.  It was brief, but a treat to watch the storm come in.

Cousins dinner in the village of Tawas.  

This puzzle is the state of Michigan built of the rocks from Michigan.  How cool. 

Looking at the lake from the main room of the house. 

 Charles brought up the Vegas Golden Knights corn hole boards.  Every day we had games going on and the shenanigans ensued. 

Johnathan munching down the s'mores.  I think he ended up wearing half of it!

We had a little fun trying to see how many people it took to blow up the raft.  There were plenty of degrees and expertise involved.  No rafts were damaged during the process. 

We picked up a Ford Mustang puzzle at the Rouge plant. 

Back in Livonia (close to Detroit) we killed some time by geocaching.  It's like Pokemon Go, but you find real items.

Chilling in Charles' backyard.  We had a great time seeing everyone and moving really slow and comfortable.  What a relaxing time..... and the USA women won the World Cup.  Yeah!

South Carolina Visit - Summer 2019

MIDSUMMER

We had a wonderful time visiting the folks in South Carolina.  That would be, my parents and family.  But, you never know who might show up in the area when we are there.  We were lucky to have my 3 nieces, Grant and Jess.  And, then it got worse, Brittany from Atlanta showed up and it went downhill from there. There were projects to do around the house and fun to be had by all.  The Summer Solstice was coming up and we had to prepare for the festivities. 

We made head wreaths for the event from store bought flowers and plants from the backyard.

They took a little longer to make than expected, but look how great they are!

Everyone joined in the fun knowing there would be some fire jumping that night.

The weather was cooperating and we hoped to even see some stars.

First order of business:  Get the meat cooked!  Mr. Gibbs was there to help.

Not only was there Midsummer's events planned, but we had to get the backyard ham radio antenna set up as well.  In the above picture, you can see the antenna work going on in the background.  My dad wanted to raise the antenna 12' or so and strongly secure it.  Later, we made a trench to cover the feed line.

Brittany came over from Atlanta for 2 nights and we had a LOT of fun.  We were friends in high school in Florida, but became even better friends and dive trip buddies over the years. 

Alexis and me getting a little crazy as the night progressed. 

Katherine, Brit, and Hailey

Me, Jess, Hailey, Grant, Lindsey, Kath, Brit, and my mom running away!

Let the fire jumping begin!

(Mind you, it was already hot outside and no fire was needed.)

Alexis making it happen.

Haley with a little help.

Lindsey in the moment!

Two beauties at Midsummers!

Most likely watching American Ninja Warrior.

Rocca living the life. 

We had some time to step out for a bit.  One of our excursions took us to the local Cabela's store.  I needed some warm coveralls for the upcoming elk hunt in November.  Yes, it was hot and humid outside, but I was planning for the fall and found something that fit nicely and would be plenty warm.  And, obviously, I look great!  I just need my banjo.

Katherine and I would go out for walks at all times of day.  We never saw a snake on our walking paths, but when we took Brittany's car out for a ride, we came across this snake crossing the road.  I took a few pics, then we continued down the road.  When we came back, he was gone. 

South Carolina was a blast for sure.  We plan on visiting again over the winter holidays and creating more hysteria!  I have some plans to build an outdoor table for the backyard which my dad and I brainstormed a bit.  We'll see what happens.