Pictured Rocks

Tonight we cruised out of Munising along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The sights were beautiful.

Into the U.P.

We crossed the Mackinac Bridge into Michigan's Upper Peninsula at noon today. We were headed for Munising on the Lake Superior shore.

Dinnertime

We have happy dinners here at the cabin.

Splashin' Around

Abby and Sarah enjoy the warm water and sunshine.

Kate's Chickens

After going to the farmers market in Traverse City we went to Sarah's friend Kate's house to see her chickens. Abby thought they were pretty neat.

Sunset on Grand Traverse Bay 2.0

Getting Braver

Nate is letting us hold him more and more. It's pretty exciting for everyone.

Hold on Tight, Abby!

We had a beautiful day today ... it was fun to be in the water.

Sunset on Grand Traverse Bay

We had a great day today. Looks like tomorrow will be sunny and warm.

Goodnight Abby

Peek-a-boo!

Abby's Beach Garden

Abby has a mobile garden on the beach.

Catching Up

Jane, Sarah, and Nate on the beach before bed. Nate is working on a few new teeth.

Boys on the Beach

We arrived in Traverse City today. Jamie and Nate were happy to see us!

Walter at the Duck Pond

We stopped by the duck pond near Dan's office. Walter liked the ducks and the fish.

Walter's Chair

We arrived in State College this afternoon. Walter likes to sit in his chair that was handed down through the generations.

Abby's Squash 7/19/11

We took this photo just a few minutes before leaving on our trip east. The zucchini is growing fast! We'll post an update when we're home.

Abby's Squash 7/16/11

We added a couple of marigolds for color beside Abby's zucchini plants. Everything should thrive in the coming week of 90 degree days.

Twin Cities History Tour

We spent today on a history tour of the Twin Cities led by our friends Mel and Kathy Aanerud. We stopped at Minnehaha Falls for lunch. After more than five inches of rain in the past 36 hours, the falls were spectacular. It was a great day of learning, with many interesting stops.

Abby's Squash 7/12/11

Abby's zucchini is growing fast. Tonight we may put up the hoops to protect the young plants from the deer.

4th of July Weekend Visit

Abby and Nate cool off on a HOT July afternoon, after arriving in Minnesota from Silver Spring for a short but welcome holiday visit.

Early the next morning (though this group had been up for hours).

Abby plants zucchini seeds ...

... and gives them a drink.

The strawberries look thirsty, too.

Popsicles with some good friends.

Skyping with Dee Dee and Pop Pop in Oregon.

Supper on the porch after a busy day.

Nate admires his mama's bubble-blowing ability.

We beat the crowds to Lake Josephine (a short walk from our house) on the 4th.

Abby really loved this digger, and patiently took turns with a little boy.

Grandma looks forward to the day when Nate will smile when he's with her, too. He's still firmly in the "stranger anxiety" stage ...

... but he couldn't be cuter. This was a short nap before heading home. We miss them all!

And finally, below is the bluebird couple who nested in our bluebird house. They fed a lot of bugs to their babies, who have recently fledged. We'll miss them, too.

Abby's Squash 7/9/11

The zucchini seeds that Abby planted are already up. Let's watch them grow.

Pileated Woodpecker

We think this bird has a nest near our raspberries!

Big Helper

Abby watering the pansies.

4th of July Fun

Nate is happy to be making his first visit to Minnesota!