Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Back to the Beach - 2012

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We made our third trip back to Lake Michigan a few weeks ago.  We have (obviously) really fallen in love with this little spot in the world.  And it worked out perfectly for Allison and Noah to fly out and join us (I'm always amazed when they are willing to use vacation time on us!!!)


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The weather was cooler than it's been in the past so we took the chance to see more of the city and get in two trips to the blueberry patch.  Oh...those blueberries.  We actually stopped the last time on our way out of town, still sandy and wet from the beach, to pick another dozen pounds for the ride home.

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(berry picking pics courtesy of allison's instagram--i need to get on board with that!)


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(the rileys showing off noah's pie pick from the farmer's market)

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 We had to reload on s'more supplies halfway through the week.  I don't think more than a night or two went by without a roast.

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Once a week the town has street performers in the evening.  Two sweet teenagers were out on a side road with jump ropes, helping little ones learn to double dutch.  Abbey got some cheers when she figured it out and started doing twists when the jumping became too boring :)

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Abbey jumped off the pier a few times (into frigid water!) Hayden would go into some zen state in the sand.  I got to run the half marathon route I'll be doing with some girlfriends in September.  Bennett got out of the funk he'd been in for a few weeks (I was eating my words when I told Al and Noah earlier in the week that he just wasn't that enjoyable right now :) )  And J is at his happiest whenever we avoid hanging around the house.


At the end of their stay, Al, Noah and I were able to go do a tour of the Big House (U of M's amazing football stadium).  Here is our team...minus Hayden...plus some random kid having a meltdown in the corner.  Where was my moody kid, you ask?

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This is Hayden.  Yeah...go ahead.  Impress her.

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7 comments:

val said...

Lovely pics. Lovely people. I adore the photo of your family in the street w all the people around. Christmas card worthy. Looks like such fun. Can we come next year?

val said...

Ps yes jump on the instagram wagon. It's so easy and fun. Can't wait to follow you.

melissa said...

So much love for you and your family and your beautiful pictures. That one of Abbey and Hayden linking arms is too sweet!

Allison and Noah Riley said...

Ahh... these pictures make my heart so happy. Let's do it again soon. Thanks for your wonderful hospitality - sure love you five!

Jennie said...

I love this post. I love that Abbey learned to double dutch jump rope. That is seriously impressive! I love that you picked pounds and pounds of blueberries....they have been my obsession this summer! I love that Abbey jumped off the pier! Again, impressive! I love that Bennett looks like a toddler now...so handsome! I love Hayden's pouty face while at the "BIG HOUSE" tour. And I love how stinkin' gorgeous you look in your striped dress. Seriously...it isn't quite fair that you look that good with 3 small children around you. And good luck on the half marathon you're doing next month! How exciting. Josh is flying out to Illinois to do one with me the beginning of October. Should be fun...and hard! Love you!

allyn said...

you guys definitely do fun stuff and somehow you make sure that your kids are always looking picture perfect. this looks like an awesome get-a-way, especially with the riley's on for the ride.

what is it about dr.'s not being able to be at home for more than 12 hours at a time? aron goes crazy if he is home for much longer. youknow, enough time to sleep and eat something. he's all go go go.

glad you got back to your lovely spot.

allyn said...

you guys definitely do fun stuff and somehow you make sure that your kids are always looking picture perfect. this looks like an awesome get-a-way, especially with the riley's on for the ride.

what is it about dr.'s not being able to be at home for more than 12 hours at a time? aron goes crazy if he is home for much longer. youknow, enough time to sleep and eat something. he's all go go go.

glad you got back to your lovely spot.