Saturday, August 29, 2015

Down on the Farm

Our good friends just bought an amazing farm.
It's 40 acres tucked away from anything and anyone else.
It's a 40 minute drive, and a little slice of paradise.
There's a lot of work to be done, so we're out there playing and helping as much as we can.
But I just LOVE being there.

The 1800s barn- needs to be restored, but just lovely.

We took a wonderful stroll down to the pond.
You could just get lost in the corn.

Sophia was so excited to be somewhere she was allowed to pick as many flowers as she wanted.


Miles of nature. 
Love it.


Be ware- you will see us here a lot!

Thursday, August 27, 2015

happy birthday?

So Sophia likes to plan these elaborate party ideas (I have NO idea where she gets that from ;)
So the latest bee in her bonnet was a birthday party for her toy cat- whose name is Kitty. 
Why not?!
So we whipped up some brownies, colored some decorations, and did it right.

Of course, this was a surprise birthday party, so we texted Daddy to bring Kitty in from the car and act surprised.
Look at her- doesn't she look so happy?!
(I mean the cat.)
Happy birthday Kitty!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

hammock.

So I got some birthday money, and was told to spend it on something fun I wouldn't buy otherwise.
done.
Hello Smith Family Hiking Hammock!

Can't wait to take it out!

Hoya Saxa!

Two girls who Ace'd their midterms- calls for celebrations!

Love this girl of mine!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

little monkey

This "little" girl was ecstatic to get all the way across the monkey bars!
Can't believe how big she's getting.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Happy Birthday to Me!

It's my birthday!
Wahoo!
I had to work the actual day, but got a lovely surprise from Rick while at work.

And I got this cool gift from my mom- one of my grandpa's old harmonica's.
Playing was a trademark of his, and I have very fond memories of it.

For my birthday celebratory weekend we went up North to Port Austin.

We got to kayak and camp along Lake Huron, and it was just beautiful!



Loved Turnip Rock- what a cool place!



Made a stop at the historic Grindstone General Store for their "kiddie" size ice cream.
It was insane! And it is all handmade there, and SOOOO good.

We spent so much time basking in the beautiful water.
Sophia was so happy.

We camped right along the lake in Port Crescent State Park, and it was just a perfect summer sunset.


happy girl










What is it about sunsets that quiets us from the inside out?

I love this photo of the kid running into the water at sunset.
It's just so summer.


I love the grasslands around the lakes up here.
It feels like being on the East Coast.

Another fun day in the lake- the water was so crystal clear and warm.



Going up North was just perfect and restorative! 
We also stopped at an amazing farm-to-table for dinner on the way home.
It was truly the perfect birthday weekend!

I am so lucky that I even got to celebrate again the next week with some of the best ladies I know.
I think this is where #blessed is used ;)

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

New Bike!

We got this great trailer to bike ride with Sophia.
She LOVES it!

She was so excited to get on, that she demanded to go on a ride in her pajamas.
Happy little girl.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Family Day: Belle Isle

We had a beautiful morning on Belle Isle.
Sophia did great practicing her balance bike- she's getting closer to doing it on her own!

And we biked out to the point of the island to see the lighthouse.
Perfect kite flying weather!

Saturday, August 8, 2015

waiting for the fun to start...

She set up this whole tea party with her doll, then she looked so bored.
Great expectations, Big let down- haha