Happy Halloween

October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween to my favorite monkey!

Liam was the cutest little monkey. We had quite a few parties to go to this year but ended up at Carter's house across the street for the actual trick or treating. Surprisingly Liam really "got" the idea of going to stranger's houses and getting candy!

We went house to house and did both sides of our whole block! He walked the whole way. Unfortunately the weather was pretty bad with freezing rain at one point but we persevered and made it through!

What a blast! In case you couldn't figure it out Mike was "Liam's plastic crap". I wasn't too happy with it but it was a big hit! Also the guy in the neon green jumpsuit is a total crack up, he is our neighbor across the street (Carter's Dad). I can't believe he wore that out in public either...what a good sport.

Day 5 California

October 21, 2009

Today I departed, leaving Mike behind in San Francisco for his meeting. I was glad to be heading home to my little man. I missed him so much but also truly treasured this time away with Mike.

It was great to be on our schedule, which meant no schedule, and also to be husband and wife first. I can't thank my parents enough for taking care of Liam and those crazy hounds so that we could do this, it was awesome!

Day 4: Biking to Hell and Back!

October 20, 2009

Today we went on our rescheduled bike tour of the vineyards. This was something that I truly did for Mike and had many doubts in my head whether I was fit enough to do it. It was a planned 25 mile trip, yes 25 miles!

There was another couple on the trip that we did not know, she was a serious triathlon girl and he turned out to be a real wuss. This worked to my advantage because I was definitely not the weakest link.

The day actually turned out to be fabulous! It was a great way to see the vineyards and enjoy the great weather we had. We stopped at 5 different wineries throughout the day, had a great picnic lunch and just had a great time.

Don't get me wrong by about mile 20 my ass had had it! I broke my tail bone last winter and it can still be a little sensitive and it definitely did not appreciate 25 miles on a skinny bike seat but I made it. I also would like to add without a lot of whining either! I was really proud of myself and I think Mike was too.

Day 3: Rain, Rain Go Away

October 19, 2009

We woke up to a super rainy day today which was very disappointing. We were supposed to do our bike tour today but it was canceled. Instead we went bumming and ended up at one of the Redwood National Forests. We went for a hike in the rain.

The ranger at the post sent us on a "leisurely hike" that ended up to be mostly uphill and slightly like "I think I might die!". We made it through, saw some beautiful scenery, and spent some quality time together even if Mike told me he might kill me if I didn't stop whining soon!

On the way back to the B and B we stopped at Korbel Champagne. We learned quite a bit about champagne and surprisingly bought a few bottles. The rain made for a really pretty picture.

Day 2: California

October 18, 2009

After a much needed night of rest we were refreshed and ready to head out for some serious tasting! We had the best breakfast at our B and B, grabbed a map and headed out. The morning met us with a slight drizzle and lots of fog but we soon discovered how beautiful it was in the vineyards.

Our first stop of many was beautiful and tasty! We enjoyed the wine, the views, and some time together as husband and wife! (yikes, I sound like we are newlyweds or something!)

The fall colors were unbelievable! Most of the grapes were off the vines already due to a lot of rain the week before we got there but we did find a few that were as tasty as they were beautiful.

We spent our morning exploring the area and hitting vineyards that were recommended to us. We had a great lunch at a funny little shop that seemed like it was from a different century but had the best food.

Our afternoon included a tour of a vineyard that had us hiking up into the fields,

tasting grapes,

and watching a "punch down" of wine to be.

Our day finished with an amazing drive to the Napa area (we stayed in Sonoma) to go to the restaurant Bottega. We went with our friend's the Vicinanzo's from Alabama. Needless to say it was a night filled with laughter and the best food of our lives!

Wine Country Here We Come!

October 17, 2009

So our long awaited trip was finally here. My parents came to take care of Liam and Mike and I were off to California, me for 5 days, and Mike for 7 days for a conference. We headed off Saturday morning for a 6:45am trip, it was great because we got into San Francisco around lunch time and still had the entire day ahead of us.

We took a leisurely drive up the coast to Bodega Bay where we enjoyed out first flight of California wine.

We stopped at Gourmet Au Bay and had some wine and cheese and enjoyed the view and a seal or two!

We then headed up to the point to see the ocean and spend some time together soaking in the view. That "time" was not as long as we thought...that wind was cold. Brr!!!

A Visit To Klackles

October 2009

A new tradition is to head to Klackles every year. Klackles is a great place that has an assortment of things to do, such as apple picking, pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, an elephant ride, a camel ride, and a ton of crazy rides for the kiddos.

The day we headed out there was a little colder than expected but we still had a great time. Liam and daddy fed the goats at the petting zoo...(this picture is from the country basket instead of Klackles but I like it so here it is!)

We picked apples, Liam especially liked to pick them AND eat them!

Liam went on a bunch of rides! He is so funny, he will go on whatever you put him on but I don't think he always enjoys it! Ha, ha, I love his face in this picture...."oh boy here we go again!"

I think he liked this ride better, you should of seen them cruising around the track!

We didn't let him go on the camel or elephant ride but we did check it out.

We had such a great day despite the cold! Liam gnawed on that apple until he passed out in the backseat from exhaustion!

Meijer Gardens...again

October 3, 2009

We have discovered that here in Michigan when the sun peeks out you better get out and enjoy it because it won't be here for long. So this am when we looked out the window and saw some sunshine we headed to Meijer garden.

Last year we went there and got some great pics of Liam in their giant pumpkin patch, this year not so lucky. Liam is so opinionated now and we could not get him to pose for a picture for nothing!

Although here he seems to be enjoying the small statue of the giant stallion. I would also like to note that the sign encouraged you to touch the small statue but I am not sure if they meant that it was ok to ride it! Classy!

The Country Basket

October 3, 2009

Today we went to The Country Basket, which is an apple farm that has fun activities for the kids. Liam did a variety of activities such as going down the slide, feeding the crazy goats, and crawling through the hay tunnel, but his favorite activity was to play in the corn box. It is really quite a simple idea...fill a box with corn feed, place a couple of trucks in there and you have hours of fun.

He was so happy in there digging with his shovel and playing with Daddy. It was a great fall day minus the few raindrops. I love fall!

First two word combo!

October 14, 2009

So this posting will show how behind I am in my blogging but I wanted to share some great news! Liam said his first 2 word combination today. We were walking out of Target and they have big red cement balls outside the store. He always points to them and says ball so today when he did that I told him "red ball" and don't you know it, clear as day, he repeated me, "red ball". I was so excited, he repeated it a bunch of times. As I put him in the car a young guy was walking past...I said "Yes Liam, red ball. I think I am going to cry!" This nice young man gave me a funny look and picked up his speed. One day when he has kids the lightbulb will go off and he will get that moment today. It gave me a good chuckle.

Our Favorite Park

September 13, 2009

My mom and dad came for the weekend of my birthday but they didn't truly come to see me! They came to spend some quality time with Liam. So we took my mom to the Beltline Park to show her what Liam's favorite park looks like.

We had a blast going down slides....

Climbing through tunnels...

And swinging on some swings...

The Circus is in Town!

September 2009

So I saw that the circus was coming to town and I was so excited. I love the circus...the clowns, the acrobats, the animals, and of course the cotton candy!

I wanted to go as a family so I got the best tickets available, the celebrity circus seats. Now when I bought them I did not know exactly what that meant, I did not care I just wanted the best seat available. Boy did we get the best seat...we were front and center and guaranteed to be in on the action. I was not sure how this would work out with Liam, after all he is only 18 months old. Some adults don't like all the noise, lights, and clowns.

Luckily we have the most flexible and amazing kid ever. We got there a little early to allow him to get used to the environment. We went down to the circus floor where he "rode" a horse

and sat on Daddy's shoulders to get a better view of the elephant.

He seemed to like it but sitting in a chair for 2 hours could be a different story.

We took our seats and the show began. He was mesmerized by all the action. The clowns came over and played with him and the ring master tickled his belly. He loved it! He waved to all the animals and clapped like a big boy.

The big moment came when we became part of the show. We were escorted onto a small tram that rode around the floor of the circus while the act was still going! It was amazing. Liam was too cute... he leaned forward and held onto the bar of the tram like it was a roller coaster. What a blast, I only wish that he was old enough to remember how great it was.

Girlfriends Galore

September 2009

Our play group here has really become a close knit group of friends that depend on each other for all kinds of things. The other day I caught these great pics of the kids playing together. Liam is far outnumbered by girls and I think he likes it that way :)

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

September 12, 2009

So today was my birthday...how was it turning 33? It was perfect.

Although I might have turned one year older (and yes my eggs are rotting and I am quite aware of that) my life is just perfect. I have a loving husband who makes me laugh until I cry. I have a beautiful son who is healthy and mostly a happy guy.

I have friends that truly care about me. I have parents that love me endlessly (and bring me my favorite cake and the best candy, flying saucers, on my birthday). I have two dogs that are quietly persistent about daily walks and continual petting.

What more can I ask for? I am thankful for all of the above and more....Happy birthday to me!