tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48175662437596351902024-03-13T07:08:49.763-04:00The Brogger's BlogThe Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-37627770699885439902011-11-03T14:50:00.003-04:002011-11-03T14:57:33.875-04:00I'm addictedIn my spare time you will find me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/">http://www.pinterest.com/</a>. My latest craft involved my hubby. He was thrilled....not. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670844842210825586" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nobP30WBd8Y/TrLjVqxVFXI/AAAAAAAABj8/rhretYEj43o/s400/IMG_3772.JPG" /><br />I did have enough material to make a couple extra, painted or not, if anyone would be interested. And no, I will not be joining the craft show circuit.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-73576528375288641702011-11-02T19:46:00.000-04:002011-11-13T20:07:22.745-05:00Cake Overload<div><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><div align="center">IT'S ABBY'S BIRTHDAY!!! </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>4 years old today, in school learning so many new things. Where has the time gone?? <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674647322994893602" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z9Qv2PIcu2I/TsBlrLi7YyI/AAAAAAAABk4/UiNyCLDU5IM/s400/IMG_3774.JPG" /></div></div><br /><br /><br /><p>Abby brought in cupcakes for her school treat today (thanks Dick's Market), then after school we picked her up as a family and headed out for lunch. Eric had to leave later that afternoon for work and I had picked up a small red velvet cake (thanks Dick's Market) so we enjoyed that, along with gifts, to celebrate. </p><br /><br /><p>Saturday night we were invited for a wonderful dinner at my SIL and more cake with Eric's side of the family. </p><br /><br /><p>On Sunday after church we had a friends party, we combined Abby's birthday and my niece Audra's birthday, at Pizza Hut in Caledonia...more cake. </p><br /><br /><p>My parents have been in FL enjoying the sunshine and now they're home so we can plan another party....more cake ;) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674648944473514578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1bf097xGQfI/TsBnJkBjolI/AAAAAAAABlQ/GB3mXhrpgWs/s320/IMG_3782.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674648626521029074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1PiixXsT8I/TsBm3DjxudI/AAAAAAAABlE/7hF6QJjXnGc/s320/IMG_3781.JPG" /></p></div><br /><br />The Gang<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674649179378654802" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vX7tP2FT2rM/TsBnXPHTnlI/AAAAAAAABlc/r-qulYK6USw/s320/IMG_3785.JPG" />The birthday girls!The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-84654940258476773172011-10-31T19:25:00.006-04:002011-11-13T19:46:38.349-05:00Halloween<div align="left">Between school parties, church parties, and walking the neighborhood on Halloween....we will all have rotten teeth. I can't believe how much candy we have this year. </div><br /><div align="left"><br /></div><br /><div align="left">The Saturday before, our church hosted a huge festival. It included indoor inflatables, snacks, games and prizes. After the indoor party, we headed outside for trunk -n- treat. It was so much fun. That night we attended an open house/grand opening for our friends new business. It involved more snacks/candy and animals!! We had so much fun. Anything that involves animals my kids will enjoy. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />Monday morning I was able to help in Abby's class at school for her Halloween party, it was so much fun seeing all the little kids play games and make crafts. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />Monday night we had a few friends over to walk around Moline for some candy. We just went down a couple streets, and the kids came home with more that enough treats. I couldn't wait for their bedtime so I could pick out the good stuff! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674643579923572402" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V8b5WtNBOpA/TsBiRThLprI/AAAAAAAABkI/f5F4Eywpf4c/s320/IMG_3761.JPG" /><br />Abigail and Addison at the church trunk-n-treat<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674643898708086962" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dtgclaBEfPg/TsBij3FVULI/AAAAAAAABkU/a7cqqLdbiHY/s320/IMG_3762.JPG" /> Abigail and friend Brian (and Jixer) at the Bella Kane opening<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674644639353028594" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HxjiLjrZjBE/TsBjO-M2P_I/AAAAAAAABkg/gmN4cTfCJEM/s320/IMG_3766.JPG" />All the kids (and Jenn) getting ready to head out Monday night<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674645152292972786" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLR87z2JyVI/TsBjs1DQqPI/AAAAAAAABks/pRV5gxu1Fz4/s320/IMG_3770.JPG" /> <br /><p align="left">Super Grady!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-45865073261008609382011-10-20T13:33:00.002-04:002011-10-20T13:39:24.856-04:00Pumpkins<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CeD4Jj_gFE/TqBcGw8sYnI/AAAAAAAABjw/mwnrkl0N6uE/s1600/IMG_3711.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665629602520523378" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CeD4Jj_gFE/TqBcGw8sYnI/AAAAAAAABjw/mwnrkl0N6uE/s400/IMG_3711.JPG" /></a> I'm not sure why we didn't pick out pumpkins those two weeks of 'Indian Summer'?!?!?! Instead it was <em>windy, cold and W.E.T. </em>We go to the same place every year, nothing special but the kids love it.<br /><br /><div>'</div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-64588553459436751112011-10-12T13:51:00.008-04:002011-10-12T14:07:09.879-04:00FMG<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6ZGXgRdutU/TpXWzAjPCMI/AAAAAAAABjk/gilN7RejzRQ/s1600/IMG_3742.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662668278297725122" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6ZGXgRdutU/TpXWzAjPCMI/AAAAAAAABjk/gilN7RejzRQ/s320/IMG_3742.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxPOJl3d6oI/TpXWfSifzwI/AAAAAAAABjY/d6nbiNmv7v4/s1600/IMG_3736.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662667939529084674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FxPOJl3d6oI/TpXWfSifzwI/AAAAAAAABjY/d6nbiNmv7v4/s320/IMG_3736.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3_TkOzoLDg/TpXWHylf7YI/AAAAAAAABjM/ucE0iVXl9NI/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662667535814749570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u3_TkOzoLDg/TpXWHylf7YI/AAAAAAAABjM/ucE0iVXl9NI/s320/IMG_3733.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fz8ME8Uxww/TpXVwAlmt3I/AAAAAAAABjA/MBvga81V5kY/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662667127256430450" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fz8ME8Uxww/TpXVwAlmt3I/AAAAAAAABjA/MBvga81V5kY/s320/IMG_3724.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtKHBFUkfRc/TpXVbJcdmBI/AAAAAAAABi0/YpwbNcSi098/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662666768856750098" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtKHBFUkfRc/TpXVbJcdmBI/AAAAAAAABi0/YpwbNcSi098/s320/IMG_3722.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZrHjeZ1lrU/TpXVDrtyR7I/AAAAAAAABio/Rs2zZZNF3VQ/s1600/IMG_3714.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662666365739354034" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZrHjeZ1lrU/TpXVDrtyR7I/AAAAAAAABio/Rs2zZZNF3VQ/s320/IMG_3714.JPG" /></a> With these last few weeks of AWESOME weather, we had to make sure and take full advantage. We spent these last nice days at parks, in the yard, on our bikes and walking the neighborhood!<br /><br /><br /><div>Last Thursday I took a trip to FMG (Frederick Meijer Gardens) with my sisters and the kids to checkout the Art Prize exhibits located at FMG. The only thing was, we never even seen any of them. We were too busy walking the trails looking at the sculptures, waterfalls, treehouse and making sure to hit all the things the kids wanted to see. It was a perfect day to be outside. </div></div></div></div></div></div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-83554248228894286262011-10-08T14:03:00.004-04:002011-10-08T14:09:01.957-04:00Payne Lake<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWseON1m2e8/TpCRk0HOEAI/AAAAAAAABig/ME4Li8PTS2c/s1600/IMG_3689.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661184793254957058" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MWseON1m2e8/TpCRk0HOEAI/AAAAAAAABig/ME4Li8PTS2c/s320/IMG_3689.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z4Da1tT7vM/TpCRP8b3xTI/AAAAAAAABiY/DEmOZzCQDLE/s1600/IMG_3692.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661184434711807282" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6z4Da1tT7vM/TpCRP8b3xTI/AAAAAAAABiY/DEmOZzCQDLE/s320/IMG_3692.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPW9lDA5qXQ/TpCQ93PLVOI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FsczWYf7tP8/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661184124078740706" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tPW9lDA5qXQ/TpCQ93PLVOI/AAAAAAAABiQ/FsczWYf7tP8/s320/IMG_3687.JPG" /></a> We are blessed to live so close to an endless supply of great lakes. </div></div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-36443520787928951892011-09-29T14:14:00.009-04:002011-09-29T14:50:38.818-04:00Nashville<div align="left">Our road trip to the south started VERY early Friday morning...up and out the door by 6AM!! We had a long car ride ahead of us with our destination being Nashville, TN. 6 of us in one vehicle. Myself and Eric, Mike and Jackie. My cousin, Jeremy (who works with Eric) and his wife Laura. We had a GREAT time...I cant wait for next years trip back. </div><br /><div align="left"><br />Friday we made very few stops on the way down, a quick snack/potty break at a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">McD's</span> in Ft. Wayne, then a last stop in Louisville, KY for lunch at the Chick-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fil</span>-A for lunch. Once in our hotel on Music Row, we cleaned up and hit the town!! There was a bus stop (free rides) a block from our hotel, so that took us to dinner at BB Kings. After dinner, well....we had some fun! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657849329083311618" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ADsQvmpYnZM/ToS3_PyxZgI/AAAAAAAABhY/xtLEVexym74/s320/IMG_0755.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Getting on the bus, the first time for some of us! Thanks to a local for helping us get to where we needed to go.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657849613507429794" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-It_fUtsH2rE/ToS4PzWxBaI/AAAAAAAABhg/dsCK6GXyt6g/s320/IMG_0757.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Jeremy and Laura...cute couple!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657849850498794242" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pClOPlQPGwE/ToS4dmN6QwI/AAAAAAAABho/bPe-8vGBTZg/s320/IMG_0758.JPG" /><br />Enjoying all the crazy people in Nashville<br /></p><br /><p align="left">Saturday we ate breakfast at the hotel, then loaded in the car and headed 25 minutes south of Nashville to the beautiful hill of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Arrington</span>. Destination <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Arrington</span> Vineyards owned by the county star <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kix</span> Brooks.<br /></p><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657851019475388338" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7510Y5hDzo/ToS5ho_ph7I/AAAAAAAABhw/8E4xYxSa51Y/s400/IMG_0771.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657851566902265618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kH3-PPTFiRw/ToS6BgUYxxI/AAAAAAAABh4/0o1aKAQAGU8/s400/IMG_3697.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Awwww</span><br /><br /></p><br /><p align="left">After our morning at the winery, back in the car, we headed to the town of Franklin. Destination...Puckett's. Time for lunch and then shopping in the historical district. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657852404416667234" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8A3T4t_KvEQ/ToS6yQTYXmI/AAAAAAAABiA/yxQLQSHWiv4/s400/IMG_3704.JPG" /><br />Jackie waiting patiently for her lunch. Every trip I make to Nashville, a stop at Puckett's is a MUST. </p><br /><p align="left">After lunch we headed back to downtown Nashville for some shopping before we headed out to dinner and more night life.<br /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657853659950335442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7KHWzgfu6EI/ToS77Vh7xdI/AAAAAAAABiI/6-oil8P0XGo/s320/IMG_3708.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Laura, the only brave sole to ride the bull at Cadillac Ranch.</p><br />Sunday morning, we ate breakfast at the hotel and then hit the road for the long ride home. Only one pit/gas station stop and then stopping in Indianapolis for lunch at the wonderful P.F. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Changs</span><br /><br />I l.o.v.e. Nashville. The vibe, the people, food, weather....Its a great place to visit.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-43152684269277875092011-09-14T13:25:00.002-04:002011-09-14T13:29:44.733-04:00Message Received<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Abb14QVVU/TnDkXb398CI/AAAAAAAABhQ/D_V9YdalKj8/s1600/IMG_3628.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652268623620599842" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4Abb14QVVU/TnDkXb398CI/AAAAAAAABhQ/D_V9YdalKj8/s400/IMG_3628.JPG" /></a> Are my children trying to tell me something about my housekeeping??<br /><br /></div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-70002942331404253382011-09-12T14:46:00.007-04:002011-09-12T15:04:48.644-04:009/11<div>To remember the attacks of 9-11, John Ball Zoo offers free admission for both adults and children for one day only. What better place for 9 adults and 12 kids to enjoy a beautiful day for a b-day party for Addison than a free day at the zoo!!</div><br /><div><br />This was our first visit to the zoo in 2 years, and my girls had a BLAST!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651548233284279682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvwVikDRIH8/Tm5VLMvlXYI/AAAAAAAABgo/4uPqtacubzA/s400/IMG_3673.JPG" /></div>All 12 kids standing nice for the pictures<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651548546266277426" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noKHub0ReD4/Tm5VdasTpjI/AAAAAAAABgw/x5OJD1R14nY/s400/IMG_3678.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Megan and the goat. She still LOVES all the animals. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550406612939442" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YOzEBAa_uuI/Tm5XJtBg8rI/AAAAAAAABhI/I_CZKrtx7fE/s400/IMG_3682.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651550064739813266" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-37701FjCxww/Tm5W1zcnB5I/AAAAAAAABhA/Hk-MFmw8540/s400/IMG_3683.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651549436223585458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NpZ0Ax6VYXE/Tm5WROCqfLI/AAAAAAAABg4/SZXGhwpPv0o/s400/IMG_3685.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><div align="center">Abby and Megan trying to take home the turkey</div><br /><div align="left"></div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-71442982234108358342011-09-12T14:32:00.006-04:002011-09-12T14:46:07.900-04:00Fishing<div align="left">It's sad to say and hard to believe it's the end of summer. Time to do all those end of the year activities before the snow flies!! My cousin and her hubby have a boat in Grand Haven so a few of us headed there again this past Saturday for dinner and some fishing. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651543526967757442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQwYHqahPm4/Tm5Q5QWSSoI/AAAAAAAABgI/RPcIkW0aWjA/s320/IMG_3659.JPG" /> <br /><div>Eric and Jenn playing it safe driving the boat as we head to dinner. We docked the boat and ate at Snug Harbor. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651544227853463554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9LbCMRUxTJY/Tm5RiDWdcAI/AAAAAAAABgQ/fp9FAZmpYEg/s320/IMG_3661.JPG" /></div>Brent always having a good time as Jake and Eric fish in the channel<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651544756718321570" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rO0I6zM8T2w/Tm5SA1hqv6I/AAAAAAAABgY/TCXdAfdzVuo/s400/IMG_3665.JPG" /><br />Eric vs Fish<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651545135326062002" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQ1N0AD2698/Tm5SW38yZbI/AAAAAAAABgg/nL1-V6EU0eo/s400/IMG_3668.JPG" /></div><br /><p align="center">18 lbs of Salmon!! </p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-60843856530604937562011-09-08T13:19:00.006-04:002011-09-08T13:46:32.490-04:00Her First Day!<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDioi52hLrc/Tmj9Lk-WEzI/AAAAAAAABfw/FKSsR6dwE1M/s1600/IMG_3624.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650044107881845554" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HDioi52hLrc/Tmj9Lk-WEzI/AAAAAAAABfw/FKSsR6dwE1M/s400/IMG_3624.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>One of our favorite book starts out...</div><br /><br /><div>Congratulation!</div><br /><br /><div>Today is your day.</div><br /><br /><div>You're off to Great Places!</div><br /><br /><div>You're off and away! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">Abby started Pre-School at Dorr Elementary this week!! She could not have been more excited to go, and even more excited when I picked her up that afternoon. There we NO tears<span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00"> for</span> Abby or myself, but by Megan when she realized she was not staying at school with her big sister. </div><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">The girls and I attended the meet and great with the teacher at the local park a week prior, went to the school open house to see her classroom this past Monday, so when we dropped Abby off on Wednesday, she had already met both teachers twice before. </div><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650044488971726706" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIR2UMZ1tHg/Tmj9hwpQL3I/AAAAAAAABf4/cA6oNFGrkx4/s400/IMG_3629.JPG" /><br />One for Abby's teachers, Mr. Wierckz<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="left">I look forward to all the new things Abby with learn, and all the new friends she will make! This is the start to her school career!</div><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5650045150349833298" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TX9FiEHWOUg/Tmj-IQeFNFI/AAAAAAAABgA/fDstJ33s1o8/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" />Leaving school on her first day, all SMILES!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>So.....</div><br /><br /><div>be you name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray</div><br /><br /><div>or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,</div><br /><br /><div>you're off to Great Places!</div><br /><br /><div>Today is your day!</div><br /><br /><div>Your mountain is waiting.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So.... <em>get on your way!</em></div><br /><br /><div><em>By</em></div><br /><br /><div><em>Dr. Seuss</em></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-18901092640123939452011-09-04T14:31:00.004-04:002011-09-04T14:39:39.516-04:00First of many<div>Both of the girls had their FIRST professional haircut this weekend. I wanted to have it done before Abby starts school next week. So who better to call than my good friend, Jenn! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648574885910389730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7WvXhQc_szU/TmPE7mnho-I/AAAAAAAABfg/Pur5ZH_zTJ4/s400/IMG_3593.JPG" /></div>
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<br /><div align="center">Megan went first and was all smiles! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5648575306414992034" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3IHZX5hWnxU/TmPFUFHoqqI/AAAAAAAABfo/NluWC0hGcSY/s400/IMG_3601.JPG" />Abby loved getting her hair cut. She can't wait for school to start so she can show her new teachers! The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-58116025663696715742011-08-28T21:00:00.007-04:002011-08-28T21:22:16.293-04:00Lake Mitchell August 2011<div>The second week of my camping adventures took us north to Lake Mitchell State campground. This trip included my parents, Mike and Jackie, Eric, myself and the 4 kids!! Another great week to camp with AWESOME weather!!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646077695570271794" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L-Hb96rOuns/Tlrlv_q43jI/AAAAAAAABes/7uD-Xy9uRX0/s320/IMG_3505.JPG" />
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<br /><div>Abby was so happy to catch the smallest fish! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646078204377340034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aoISDJnq-a4/TlrmNnH8mII/AAAAAAAABe0/S_hDBlMwF2A/s320/IMG_3509.JPG" /></div></div></div>
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<br /><p>Audra was so excited in her casting she tossed her pole overboard. Lucky for her my dad has his boat along to rescue it from the deep waters, that and nice uncle Eric that jumped in after it! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646078962160792322" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfLqLVxyB7U/Tlrm5uFmcwI/AAAAAAAABe8/uU9_6DrX7PA/s320/IMG_3483.JPG" />The "babies" and their bath time<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646079265029237682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lGf2m3zbSsA/TlrnLWXEK7I/AAAAAAAABfE/vFDtDjSAjyQ/s320/IMG_3478.JPG" />At Lake Cadillac, Grandma and the girls searching for shells and smelly snails<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646079598489171890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljj2uxvtA_Q/TlrnewmG97I/AAAAAAAABfM/-mjT89GRxIc/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646079598489171890" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljj2uxvtA_Q/TlrnewmG97I/AAAAAAAABfM/-mjT89GRxIc/s320/IMG_3490.JPG" />We all took a road trip to visit my G & G Bos one evening. They live in McBain about 30 minutes from Cadillac. It was funny to watch the kids play ball with them...surprisingly they did great! (sorry for the duplicate picture) </p>
<br /><p></p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-1258913228036293922011-07-27T14:27:00.007-04:002011-08-28T21:00:06.377-04:00Tri Ponds 2011<div>
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<br /><div>4 Families + HOT weather = a great time camping!!
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<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646072145933249442" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WmiaLitV87Q/Tlrgs9qUK6I/AAAAAAAABeE/49h90DuEVfQ/s320/IMG_3449.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646073626630824626" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iYKGJpufw5U/TlriDJsIIrI/AAAAAAAABek/lCcbw_YfAYs/s320/IMG_3438.JPG" />We camped close to the petting zoo....the kids LOVED all the animals!! they got to pet and feed them everyday.
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<br />Jenn and Holli on craft duty with the girls.
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<br />Paul playing playdough with Caleb and the girls on a rainy afternoon<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646072982961550530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L_iEdnxT5mM/Tlrhdr1adMI/AAAAAAAABeU/zK8lwHeVR00/s320/IMG_3456.JPG" />the cheering section for the dads playing a friendly game of horseshoes.
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<br /><div>Tri Ponds is a great campground!! They have clean, grassy lots. Clean bathrooms. A pool and swimming pond to keep cool, and tons of activities to keep the kids entertained!
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<br />The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-70776793291841770632011-07-17T21:17:00.009-04:002011-07-27T15:02:55.203-04:00The Visitors<div align="left">We were so excited to find out that Eric's brother, Dan and his family were coming to visit earlier this month. We were even more excited to find out that were able to stay with us!! </div><br /><div align="center"><br /><br /></div><br /><div align="left">Dan and his wonderful wife <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Adry</span> and their 4 boys ages 5-11 drove from Stockton, CA and stayed in Michigan for about 2 weeks. There were so many highlights while they were here. Just to name a few... extended family picnics, catching frogs/bugs, Michigan Adventure, ball games and pizza parties, and pool time! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634102769756028274" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D-R3jIuXdl8/TjBanktaPXI/AAAAAAAABdM/aC_Ip1xQIpI/s320/IMG_3390.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center">Aaliyah and Abby.... I have this same picture of these 2 for the last 2 years</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634103210915313298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9U-0GssJNY/TjBbBQJ-tpI/AAAAAAAABdU/ZMxbJ2PG_Eg/s320/IMG_3396.JPG" />Dan and Sam in front, Eric and Adrianna in back. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634104470847192066" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jZq6h6JFyjs/TjBcKlxJfAI/AAAAAAAABdc/L2Bz5p-lwNI/s320/IMG_3410.JPG" /> <br /><div align="center">Peter checking out the camp fire</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634104867431619938" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1huakxnAzKs/TjBchrKPnWI/AAAAAAAABdk/q29Yb5-aOHw/s320/IMG_3406.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Eric and Brandon </p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634106041133090962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76HjnYoanCo/TjBdl_ieyJI/AAAAAAAABds/xrfN7xNlo7U/s320/IMG_3421.JPG" />Eric and I took the kids on a walk at the local park. All 4 boys are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOO</span> well behaved and did great with the girls. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634106453536229746" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ME0ltQtx8ns/TjBd9_3DSXI/AAAAAAAABd0/aPAwwajeKzU/s320/IMG_3416.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634106822901727794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1fDKUiGxhcU/TjBeTf2pgjI/AAAAAAAABd8/SdRBvqfsQJA/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Taking a closer look at the fish</p><br /><p align="left">The time they spent here seemed to go way to fast. I know we look forward to their next trip to Michigan! There were so many highlights, I know we enjoyed every minute or their time here. </p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-18832696811819557152011-07-17T20:52:00.007-04:002011-07-17T21:17:02.665-04:002nd annualWe just had our 2nd annual trip to Hess Lake!! The guest list included myself, Jackie, Mom and kids joined by my younger sister, Lori and her kids this year. That totals 4 adults and 6 kids, ages 5 and under. This cottage is a 5 bedroom 3 bathroom FULLY FURNISHED house, so there is PLENTY of room for us all. <br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><div>This years weather did not want to cooperate, rainy and cold the first half of the week. The second half was nice and sunny so we were able to get in our beach days and play outside. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630490456108301538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJqnBkPTEaM/TiOFPPuP_OI/AAAAAAAABck/T2BKp0Dr-Fw/s320/IMG_3338.JPG" /></div></div>Grandma reading to all 6 grand kids, passing the time while it rained outside. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630491008893914850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i1DuSD88SkI/TiOFvbAnDuI/AAAAAAAABcs/-FRluVTQHW8/s320/IMG_3349.JPG" /></div>Getting a little warmer/dryer. Able to be outside but still in sweatshirts<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630492176907897906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IpKLfkv3lLM/TiOGzaM2DDI/AAAAAAAABc0/YXpAQVVsPDw/s320/IMG_3334.JPG" /></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630493247802076306" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvgwjjq0lFo/TiOHxvl6bJI/AAAAAAAABdE/sSov871mipc/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630492586886357602" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Nub_G9fY7U/TiOHLRfU4mI/AAAAAAAABc8/wbc9FzXWo1g/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" /><br />Despite the weather we found things to keep everyone busy and happy most of the time. I look forward to next year with everyone.... and maybe some additions to the group.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-73598389048340893102011-06-28T14:56:00.004-04:002011-06-28T15:09:35.134-04:00Fireworks<div><br /><div>A few weeks back a group of us got together to have pizza at Whistle Stop park followed by a trip for ice cream and then headed over to watch fireworks in Cutlerville for Cutlerville days. My kids have never seen fireworks before. Megan hated it and Abby loved them and still talks about them all the time. I can't wait for her to see them again next weekend! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623348628358453186" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jzf8MAfpn_I/TgolyKF8V8I/AAAAAAAABcU/XkKnWu3YY_0/s400/IMG_3323.JPG" /></div></div><br /><p align="center">This is a happy group of people! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623349220796882738" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tgZYlYDh3kg/TgomUpGRXzI/AAAAAAAABcc/e7D8IM71zsc/s400/IMG_3324.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><p align="center">Audra and Abby enjoying their front row seats at the fireworks. </p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-3871363764841114552011-06-05T21:55:00.008-04:002011-06-06T18:28:11.725-04:00Sunday Sun<div><br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yggmLyshiEQ/Tew0hBqP0jI/AAAAAAAABb0/GRWZDd_sR0U/s1600/IMG_3298.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614920577410126386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yggmLyshiEQ/Tew0hBqP0jI/AAAAAAAABb0/GRWZDd_sR0U/s400/IMG_3298.JPG" /></a> Jackie and Chase keeping an eye on the kids</div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Today was such a nice day so after church and naps, a group of us decided on a trip to the lake. </div><br /><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><br /><div align="left">Gun Lake was the destination, so with snacks and suits packed we headed south. Megan decided sand and lake water was not her thing and wanted to sit on my lap for the first hour of our trip. Thank goodness she got over that or it will be a long summer for her and me. The lake was already bath temperature, the kids loved it. The guys then headed out to pickup pizza for supper while the kids finished swimming. After dinner one of the dads bartered a deal so all the kids could take a trip down the HUGE blow-up slide they had set-up. Most of the kids thought it was great. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614921371582214978" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WMkbgF2Nj1Q/Tew1PQLoM0I/AAAAAAAABb8/JcChphDaFTg/s400/IMG_3300.JPG" /></div></div>Some of the adults having pizza. Note the big water slide we are about to takeover! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614921902122580466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-41TzZm4RnKc/Tew1uImTufI/AAAAAAAABcE/CCRFi6C9cY0/s400/IMG_3302.JPG" /><br />Abby was #2 down and loved it! She would have gone again and again. Addie waiting patiently for her turn. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614922447640472914" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sir9jO5iBmA/Tew2N4z6LVI/AAAAAAAABcM/OhYq-iPKr3M/s400/IMG_3310.JPG" /><br />Megan was the last to go, thanks to Brent for looking like the bad guy making the uncertain 2yr old go down...she really did like it once it was all over.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-44405805575242776282011-06-05T21:29:00.007-04:002011-06-05T21:54:18.891-04:00Memorial WeekendThe weather was a little wet to start the weekend, but by Monday the sun was out and it was HOT!! It was so nice that Eric had the whole weekend off to spend some time with the family. We started the weekend with a 2.5hr drive North to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Houghton</span> Lake with about 10 others for a day trip to the cabin on Saturday. The day was filled with a lot of relaxation and outdoor fun with friends. Sunday we spent the whole day with just our family, haven't done that in a while, and then Monday we met Mike and Jackie and kids at the Wayland park to play and then watch the Wayland parade. Did I mention I LOVE long weekends when Eric is home!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614915742077599058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kyo2qjCD9k/TewwHkpIvVI/AAAAAAAABbM/lz9ma_4wWJc/s400/IMG_3274.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">Megan pretending her truck is a rocket ship to the moon while relaxing at the cabin</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614916205768088418" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C58pAHPs7Hg/TewwikBkG2I/AAAAAAAABbU/taMy4C06PGA/s400/IMG_3276.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Eric and Abby talking a jog down the trail at the cabin. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614916958056714834" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTdZYzd-oE/TewxOWhJklI/AAAAAAAABbc/iFVZF3lRuYw/s400/IMG_3278.JPG" /></p><br /><br /><div align="center">Triple trouble at the Wayland park Monday morning before the parade</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614917532238068354" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSWDg1sh2vk/TewxvxgpuoI/AAAAAAAABbk/KgtlJi6tRl0/s400/IMG_3283.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Waiting patiently in the HOT HOT HOT sun</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614918146842153874" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OP5Z5VaPzfw/TewyTjFr05I/AAAAAAAABbs/CeR2PoeX498/s400/IMG_3287.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Megan showing her excitement with her classic smile</p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-60609776583960344982011-05-18T13:53:00.005-04:002011-05-18T14:06:45.185-04:00Happy Girls<div><br /><div><br /><div>This past Friday morning we had coffee at our good friend Jenn's house. Jenn, husband and kids live on a dairy farm just down the street. </div><br /><div>The kids were so excited when they found out that they were going to get a pony ride, seems I've passed along my love of horses. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608116931654417298" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-97eTsDnJ644/TdQIouIde5I/AAAAAAAABaw/HjgOtWc6IUQ/s400/IMG_3258.JPG" /></div></div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608117263535134226" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byP0PXf5Wu8/TdQI8Ce_VhI/AAAAAAAABa4/HnkzP17YeMc/s400/IMG_3262.JPG" /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 404px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 316px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608117678135690018" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CnQgvt1pD3A/TdQJUK_dwyI/AAAAAAAABbA/eFyO9-GIh08/s400/IMG_3263.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">This was Megan's first time on a pony....I think she liked it! </p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-4790917406131286692011-05-12T13:54:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:37:33.973-04:00You go girl<div><br /><div>My niece, Aayilah, started playing soccer this year. The girls and I picked a nice Saturday morning to head out to Marquette Park to watch her play. She, and her team, did a great job! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605890046317421362" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRUztWEM2bk/TcwfS7yl4zI/AAAAAAAABag/-fBRozT7d6A/s400/IMG_3253.JPG" /></div></div>Giving the ball a good kick, back in play. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605890614811015202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cSL3yzEbXu4/Tcwf0BmBuCI/AAAAAAAABao/0eVC_pkjd84/s400/IMG_3252.JPG" /><br /><br /><p align="center">Megan helping Aayilah celebrate a win! </p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-7760014211489251042011-05-12T13:50:00.000-04:002011-05-13T16:37:33.932-04:00itsacomin!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q7S9UVjA9U/TcweN3aCt8I/AAAAAAAABaY/5COH_RYLvxo/s1600/IMG_3254.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5605888859729737666" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Q7S9UVjA9U/TcweN3aCt8I/AAAAAAAABaY/5COH_RYLvxo/s400/IMG_3254.JPG" /></a>A big thanks to Mother Nature for taking her happy pills this week and giving us a taste of some hot, sunny weather. We were able to get outside and enjoy the nice weather, kiddie pool and all!The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-54688871342184119372011-04-28T16:17:00.006-04:002011-04-28T16:32:41.437-04:00FMG<div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK6JB3ONmiw/TbnMi2y2o0I/AAAAAAAABaA/EHSdsLt-390/s1600/IMG_3240.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600732510808351554" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dK6JB3ONmiw/TbnMi2y2o0I/AAAAAAAABaA/EHSdsLt-390/s400/IMG_3240.JPG" /></a> My sister, Jackie purchased yearly passes this year to the Frederick <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Meijer</span> Gardens (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">FMG</span>), which included guest passes. So what better reason to go and check out the butterfly exhibit on a rainy say such as this, it was FREE!<br /><br /><br /><div>I'm so glad I remembered it was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">soooo</span> hot and muggy in the exhibit, I would hate to have a repeat of last years sweat fest. I loved the tropical atmosphere, makes me want to take a little vacation to somewhere hot!! </div><br /><br /><br /><div>The kids had a great time, despite it must have been class trip day for all the surrounding schools. Both girls loves seeing the butterflies almost land on them. They also went nuts for these little birds that were the pretty colors of yellow, orange and blue! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600733784851669074" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JJ1EPhhj2U/TbnNtA-c4FI/AAAAAAAABaI/Nu8XmEE4UQ4/s400/IMG_3243.JPG" /></div></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Couldn't pass up another classic smile! </div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600734235722901954" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkdXkzvHELc/TbnOHQmh6cI/AAAAAAAABaQ/5RvwVkifl-k/s400/IMG_3241.JPG" />We spent a lot of time watching the little birds here, and there were a ton of butterflies in this particular spot.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-47849357238734784312011-04-28T16:05:00.005-04:002011-04-28T16:17:13.691-04:00B-day Party #1<div>This year we combined Megan's birthday, which was 2 weeks ago, Easter and Chases B-day which is Friday...making it a 3 for 1 party! My mom provided the classic honey ham and potatoes and Jackie and I filled in the menu with sides and of course Costco Cake!! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600729065652726290" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kqd_WAQyMdg/TbnJaUlvqhI/AAAAAAAABZw/RTlHObMbitI/s400/IMG_3230.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="center">Megan's classic smile! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600729462499569282" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9SAjjIwTuE/TbnJxa9Z7oI/AAAAAAAABZ4/kP0QZ9-47oY/s400/IMG_3231.JPG" /></p><br /><p>An attempt to get a picture of these two.... both kids up to their wrist in cake...and a foot covered in frosting, and we still didn't get a good picture of the two together. </p><br /><p>Between all the birthday presents for these two, and the Easter baskets filled with goodies plus new chairs for all the kids from my parents, it felt more like Christmas than Easter. </p><br /><p>We still have one party left for Megan, I'm glad she is still young enough not to realize that it will be a month past her birthday :-(</p>The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4817566243759635190.post-83954649975909849112011-04-28T15:50:00.005-04:002011-04-28T16:04:53.567-04:00Egg Hunt<div>We hosted our first Easter egg hunt this past Saturday. We invited a few friends, combined it with excited kids in search of Easter eggs filled with candy and a potluck to follow making it a great time. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The weather on Saturday started out a little cloudy and rainy, but by 4pm it had cleared to be a wonderful day. I cant wait till next year to do it all again. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600725675654908978" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCJu9kbIqeg/TbnGU_3SDDI/AAAAAAAABZY/e6WPIo8pXpk/s400/IMG_3215.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Most of the kids (including Brent) waiting patiently for instructions</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600726192918914066" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEkYfBOKq-I/TbnGzG0oZBI/AAAAAAAABZg/up8NQPfWWhg/s400/IMG_3218.JPG" /> <br /><p align="center">Megan filling her bucket</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600726608705650466" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dms_U9rsPJE/TbnHLTv6fyI/AAAAAAAABZo/oH42qolQhAI/s400/IMG_3221.JPG" />Trying to make sure the kids ate dinner before they tore into their candy buckets.The Brogger'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05466321419485943148noreply@blogger.com1