I have another blog where I post crafty things I make. It’s my way of motivating myself (I can’t let down my public!) and organizing tutorials and links to things I would like to create.

So when I actually do create these things, sometimes I need someone to model them for me. I usually make things as gifts for other people that I don’t see that often, so I need some help from those around me to show off my projects.

Logan (sometimes with a little coersion) has been very helpful. I made this bag for my sister and I wanted to see it hanging from the shoulder. I’ve modeled things before and had him take photos of me, but that usually comes with a lot of yelling about staying on task.

The only way to get him to model this was to slip it on his shoulder while he was checking out his sunflower plants. I think my distraction worked.

This isn’t the first time my little boys have modeled the traditionally more girly item.

And it won’t be the last.

On the way to the resort, we stopped to see a Thomas the Tank Engine exhibit in North Creek, NY.  Even though the event drew in what seemed like half a million kids, it was outside so it didn’t get overcrowded like other kids’ events do.

Logan complained a little about how slow the train was moving (and the fact that we traveled in one direction for half of the 25 minute ride and then simply reversed to get back to the station), but the temperature was great and a slight breeze helped make the day all the more pleasant. 

All the boys did well on the train.

Our record of Thomas . . .

After the exciting train ride, we decided to take a trip to the top of Gore Mountain, which was right down the road, in a gondala.  I’m not sure how high we went (maybe because I refused to look down), but it was a good 15 minute ride to the top.

The temperature wasn’t too bad at the top, but the bugs were not only plentiful and annoying but apparently very hungry.  My sister took the bulk of the bites with at least five while the rest of us got away with just two or three.  Lucky Trenton, however, got away unscathed (thank goodness).

When we finally got the resort, we swam the energy out of the boys.  Logan was able to swim mostly by himself, aided only by a swim vest attached to his chest and a noodle that may as well have been sewn to his armpits.

Trent wouldn’t go in the water unless I was with him which didn’t happen the first day because I forgot my swimsuit.  But a quick trip to the local Target solved that problem and but once we went in the water, he nearly fell asleep and expressed his displeasure when it was time to get out.

A little miniature golfing . . .

some lost balls . . .

and gorgeous views of unending hills and trees . . .

made this a very memorable (and exhausting) vacation.

If you want to see more photos of our trip, click here.

I hope I will do this little blog justice.  Please bare with me as I make some changes to help this blog more closely match our (my) style.

I received an invite to go skiing with a friend “up north”.  Now, being a Michigander when someone says “up north” I think of……you know of Cadillac, where it is a little hilly, but no mountains.  I soon found out that New York’s “up north” is actually the Adirondack Mountains.  Skiing was awesome, and I rode in my first ever Gondola, which is better that a chair lift, because you don’t have worry about falling on your rear as you get out.  The gondola ride was good 15 minutes to the peak, and skiing down the mountain took a good 20-30 minutes.  That is very different for me, being used to Timber  Ridge where you fly down the hill in like 5 minutes. My muscles were burning by the time I got to the bottom of the mountain.   Here are a couple pictures of the mountain, mind you it was with  my cell phone and not very good quality, but it still shows the beauty.  I did not know New York could look like that, and it was very relaxing being in those surroundings.

If anyone has interest in visiting this area, I strongly recommend it.  It is in the Adirondack Mountains, and called Gore Mountain.

Thanksgiving also brings that wonderful tradition of Lions football, as I know all of you Michiganders keep near and dear to your heart.  I have read numerous articles lately about how the Lions shouldn’t get to play on Thanksgiving anymore because of their recent history.  I say NO WAY, how can you take something away that has been a Thanksgiving tradition for so long.  I know they haven’t been the best team in recent years, or decades, but they are always our team…..Detroit’s team, Michigan’s Team.  It is our one time a year to show the nation…..Detroit, and hopefully soon, the Lions will be back on top, and all of those doubters will be eating their words.  I will be a Lions fan through thick and tin, and I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Go Lions!!!

Lastly Thanksgiving brings us that lovely white fluffy stuff called snow.  Not sure I am ready for it, but it is in the forecast for the weekend.  I guess it is time to prepare for it.  I still vow to move south someday, but will take what I get for now.  HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!!!

Here is what is new!  Trenton has learned to crawl!  He loves being mobile, and follows big brother Logan around everywhere.  We had to dust off the old gates to block the stairs, and make sure all small toys were off the floor.  Logan has a little difficulty getting used to someone else getting attention too, but he loves being a big brother.  Soon enough Trenton will be walking and then it will be a whole different battle. 

This summer has been filled with lots of activities to keep me busy too.   I kept myself busy with softball and soccer.  I also enjoyed a couple camping trips.  The first being with all the guys back home in Michigan.  There were a total of  8 of us, and it was a lot of fun reminiscing on old times, while drinking cold ones around the camp fire.  I then got my first taste of the Adirondack mountains on a camping trip with a couple friends here.  There is nothing like the great outdoors!  No phone, TV, computer, or other luxuries we enjoy daily.

I also enjoyed my 6th anniversary with my beautiful wife Michelle.  I can’t believe it has been 6 years.  Time sure does fly by the older you get.  She surprised me by taking me to see One Sweet World, a Dave Mathews Tribute Band.  We don’t get out much without the kids, as we have a very hard time finding sitters.  So, it was very much enjoyed by the both of us.

Here are a few new pictures of the boys.  I hope your summers are going as well as ours!  Till next time……

http://www.lakeorionreview.com/Articles-i-2009-05-27-229382.113121_A_soaring_tribute_for_a_fallen_hero.html

A very cool tradition.  Please say a prayer for all of the fallen hero’s past and present.  They are the ones who have paved the way for us to live the way we do.  Happy (belated) Memorial Day!