Howell Nature Center

Earlier this summer, the boys and I met some friends at the Dexter Library to see and learn about some animals from the Howell Nature Center. Brett enjoyed it so much, we decided we needed to go there and see all the animals! 

Our first stop was the gift store to make a donation to the park, and then we walked through an indoor exhibit that had a little pond (with turtles!) and other cool things to look at.

Then we walked out the door to this beautiful natural wonderland and followed the path to find all the animals!

We got a kick out of watching this porcupine eat his corn on the cob!

A couple of the workers came over to feed the two Wood Chucks, and they placed this little guys food bowl on top of his enclosure while they fed the other one first. Well, he couldn't wait so here is trying to dig through the wire to get to it. He was cracking us all up with his determination!

This Cougar was a favorite for all of us!

Camden liked seeing the animals too!

Me and my little loves :-)

After seeing all the animals, we walked over to the Naturescape play area to explore. There were so many different things to do, including a little watering hole at the bottom of a waterfall for the kids to play in (which I didn't get any pics of...so we just have to go back - ha!)

We had a great afternoon and I definitely recommend checking it out if you haven't been there before!

9 months old!!

I'm starting to freak out because these months are just going by too fast! It's such a different feeling when you know this is your last baby, and I just want time to slow down a bit so I can savor each and every moment! In less than 3 months now, my baby...the one we tried for over 3 years for...is going to be one year old! Where did all that time go? Life is just so much busier with two boys, and while some days are long, the weeks and months go by in the blink of an eye. As much as I enjoy watching my boys grow, sometimes I wish I could push a pause button and start time back up when I am ready! 

Okay, enough of the sappy stuff...now on to the new fetes of our 9 month old baby boy! He had his 9 month well visit today and is now 21 pounds (73th percentile) and 30 inches long (97th percentile)! He is clearly thriving and growing bigger by the day! Over the past few weeks he has advanced his skills in moving and is officially crawling everywhere! And the speed on this kid is incredible! It's hard to believe he's only been crawling for a few short weeks because he is such a pro already! And the cutest part of all? He is crawling just like his big brother did, with one foot that pushes off the ground :-)  Often times when I get on the floor with him, he will crawl over to me as fast as he can and then climb into my lap and start giving me open mouthed "kisses".  Really, I don't think there could possibly be any better greeting than that! :-) He enjoys peek-a-boo, being sung too (he sings along too!), exploring everything, books (opening and closing the pages is a new favorite), and trying to do everything his big brother does (I can't believe how early that started!). There is no doubt that Brett is his idol already and he lights up every time he is around. And Brett is such a protective big brother! That's one of the nice things about the age difference...I can really trust Brett to help me monitor the things Camden is getting into. He knows what to look out for and rushes to Cam's aid when he's about to do something unsafe (like...say...pull a lamp over. Yep, it already almost happened until Brett saved the day!). Camden's top two teeth are coming in so sleep has been a little more challenging lately, but that's okay because I know I'll sleep again someday :-) He has pulled up to a standing position a few times but hasn't starting cruising along the furniture just yet (that'll probably be next month!). Oh, and one last thing...he loves to go swimming and has greatly enjoyed our many trips to the lake this summer! He is our little water baby :-)

Can you tell from the pictures what a happy little guy he is?! Our hearts are so full and we love him to pieces!

Up North Part 4: Frankfort!

In between all the other activities, we had fun just hanging out in Frankfort where we were staying! It is another cute town that we always visited on our trips to Crystal Lake when I was a child, and I was so happy to be back!

Brett was so happy to find a toy store downtown....and the icing on the cake? It was filled with Legos!

When we walked into this clothes store, the owner spotted Kyle with his Packer's shirt on immediately and insisted on taking his picture with her cheese head and had him sign the guest book! Apparently, she is a cheese head too! As Kyle says, "Packer fans are everywhere!".

Eating outside on the patio with the harbor in the background was the best!

Unfortunately, Camden was forced to take naps on the go...but he was a trooper!

There was a big playground right in town that we visited regularly...Brett and Camden got to play while Kyle and I enjoyed the scenic views of the lake and Harbor!

We even dressed up all nice for dinner one night! I wish we had gotten a family pic!

After dinner ICE CREAM!! Brett had a nice polo shirt on too, but got cold. He wanted to wear his new sweatshirt any chance he got!

Camden loved the swings at the playground!

And here is a close up of all the boats we saw! I wish we had a rich friend to take us out on one..ha!

These pics of Camden were taken on our last night out on the town in Frankfort.

He sure loved his new ball!

On Sunday (our last day), we spent a few hours on the beach, then packed up the car and headed to my VERY favorite restaurant up there...The Cherry Hut! They have the absolute BEST hot turkey sandwich in the whole world....my mouth waters just thinking about it! Oh, and the Cherry pie is good too :-) 

After lunch, we stopped for a game of Putt Putt and then were on our way home.

We had such a great time and already plan on going back next year! Anyone want to join us? :-)

Up North Part 3: Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes!

Growing up, my family always took a day to visit Glen Arbor while we were up north. It's a quaint little town with fun restaurants, cute shops, and my favorite souvenir shop of all time, The Totem Poll :-) Kyle and I have visited a couple times together and the last time was when I was pregnant with Brett! My how time flies!!

Our first stop was to Boondocks Bar and Grill for lunch! We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine,  ate yummy food, and just had a good time as a family. The day had started out cloudy and rainy but by lunchtime, it was perfect :-)

Loved that I was able to capture this moment on film :-) One of my favorites for sure!

Then it was time to take the boys to the Totem Poll Souvenir shop! Brett picked out a little motorized train set and Camden was content to just look at and touch everything in site!

Next, Kyle walked the boys down to check out the lake while I did some shopping by myself! It was pure bliss :-) Then, before heading on to the sand dunes, we stopped back at Boondocks for a drink and dessert. Such a fun afternoon!

And I couldn't resist taking these shots of Camden on Kyle's lap...his blue eyes were popping and he was so cute I could barely stand it!

Camden fell asleep on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes, so I took one for the team and stayed in the car with him while Kyle and Brett climbed the big climb! It was Brett's first time and he loved it!!

Hopefully next year we can coordinate Camden's nap better so him and I can join in the fun!