St. Joseph Lighthouse Pier

Addie went with me to quick check out the St. Joseph Lighthouse Pier to get ready for a photo shoot I was doing later on that day.  She let me get this test shot.  She makes me smile.  I think this is my new favorite pic.

Grand Mere Dunes

For the first time in the 10+ years we have lived here we decided to hike some local dune trails.  It was a lot of fun and we'll definitely be going more.

This is the first really big dune that they decided to climb.  The funniest part was that they then decided to all come down.  Addie ran the whole way down and I have no idea how she didn't wind up eating sand.

Then we found the trail that led us to Lake Michigan.  It was awesome to climb up the dune and see this view from the top.

We found a log and put the camera on it.  We are getting to be pros with this self family portrait thing.

Then we watched the sun set.  We really need to watch a lot more sunsets.

The kids absolutely loved the adventure hike.  On the way to the truck Ben asked why we hadn't hiked the dunes before with the kids.  I replied, "Because we would have had to carry them the whole way."  He agreed.  We now have kids big enough to not carry everywhere.  That is both exciting and sad all at the same time.  But here's to new future family adventures.

2013 Fall School Pictures

They are both in Ms. Barbara's class at Great Lakes Montessori.

Indian Summer Swim

The kids wanted to get in another swim on a warm September 26th night.  They played in it for about 20 minutes before they were ready to get warmed up in towels.

September Beach Night

I really wanted to get a family picture on the beach this year and I knew that our window was getting shorter so when we had a really great late September night we grabbed the kids, camera and tripod and took off to the beach.  We only had a quick stop at Jimmy John's for some dinner, because I'm a smart mom and knew that I would get the best cooperation with full bellies.  Voila!  After quite a few attempts, picture accomplished.  I think this might even make our Christmas card.  :)

And bonus, I was able to get in a pic with my babies.

First Family Golf Tournament at OHCC

First Day of Preschool

Wesley is starting his second year of preschool and Addie is starting her first year at Great Lakes Montessori with Miss Barbara.  They are going two days a week and then Wes is also going to Grace Lutheran Preschool with Mrs. Lockman for three mornings a week.  For the 2013/2014 school year Wesley is sporting a Transformer backpack and Addie has a lovely Hello Kitty one.  Mommy and Daddy hope you two have a wonderful school year.

Sitting with Grandma Jean