Our little getaway

After dropping one very excited Hollis off at her grandparents in Grand Blanc, Jason, Wrigley and I headed for Petoskey for a little R&R. It rained the entire ( and I mean entire except for 5 hours) time we were there but boy did we have a nice time.Browsing bookstores, taking Wrigley for a nice long walk in the woods, napping, shopping downtown Petoskey, eating scrumptous dinners out (ok, so two of the three were pizza) and lingering over conversation, visiting with Chris, reading by a nice cozy fire and having a little wine(once even with lunch!) just felt so good and long overdue. I feel so very lucky to be married to my best friend.

A Walk in the Park

Hollis and I took advantage of this beautiful day today and packed a picnic and headed to Arbuckle Park. I just love spending time with Hollis at Arbuckle, probably because I have been taking her there since she was 9 months old and consider it "our" special place.

We had the best time just eating our PB&J's, hiking, playing at the playground and "leaf chasing" for 4 hours. It was one of those days I wish would never end.

Hollis' Ballet Class

Jason took Hollis to ballet today(I was at the Dr. about a headcold) for Parent Observation Day. I was so bummed that I missed it considering I am not allowed in the dance studio but once a semester! There are usually 3 sweet little girls in Hollis' class, but courtesy of the H1N1(which we just recovered from as well), Hollis had her own ballet solo! I am thankful that my very thoughtful husband took these pics and video too!

Hope everyone is having a HEALTHY week!

Interview with Hollis{ Age Four and a Half}

1.What is something Mom always says to you? "I love you."
2.What makes Mom happy? "Giving a smile to her."
3.What makes Mom sad? "When I'm sick." (We've been home 3 days with flu)
4. How does your Mom make you laugh? "Tickle me and make silly faces."
5. What was your Mom like as a child? "Telling jokes and going on the teeter-toter."
6. How old is your Mom? "16" (Hey, that expensive face cream IS paying off!!)
7. How tall is she? "80 feet"
8.What is her favorite thing to do? "Go to Turkey Run and eat pizza." (Pretty much true.)
9. What does your Mom do when you're not around? "Vacuum." (Ahh it's a glamorous life I lead.)
10.If your Mom becomes famous, what will it be for? "I don't know what famous is."
11.What is your Mom really good at? "Taking care of sick people."(Notice the recurring sick theme here.)
12. What is your Mom not very good at? "Driving." (This might explain why she is always shouting directions at me from the back seat.)
13.What does your Mom do for her job?"Nothing. Just spank and cook. Let's skip this question." (This one needs no comment.I think I hear Child Protective Services at the door right now.)
14.What is your Moms favorite food?"Spaghetti." (I think she has me confused with someone else.)
15.If your Mom were a cartoon character, who would she be? "Snow White."
16.What makes you proud of your Mom? "Her face."
17. What do you and your Mom like to do together? "Go to the library."
18.How are you and your Mom the same?"Our smiles."
19.How are you and your Mom different?"Our legs." (What's she trying to say????)
20.How do you know your Mom loves you?"By the way she takes care of me."
21.What does your Mom like most about your Dad?"He's handsome."(Notice she didn't say anything about deep pockets!)
22.Where does your Mom like to go?"To the grocery store to buy stuff."

Spring Mill State Park

We have been tinkering with the idea of visiting Spring Mill for awhile now, and Monday we decided to hop in the car for a 2 hour ride to southern Indiana and explore! We couldn't have had a more perfect day for our adventure and Spring Mill didn't disappoint. Besides a beautiful State Park Inn, they have great hiking trails -some around the lake, a massive playground, a nature center and our favorite, a pioneer village, tucked into woods. We spent most of the time in the pioneer village "pretending" to be settlers. Hollis loved playing the "Mom" and sending Jason and I off to the schoolhouse. She also loved standing at the front of the church and singing "Jesus Loves Me."

We capped off the day driving to Nashville, IN and eating pizza. On our way home, there was the most beautiful, breathtaking harvest moon hanging in the sky. My camera just couldn't do it justice. A perfect ending to the most perfect day.

Our Newest Addition

Our newest member of the family arrived a couple weeks ago and has blended into our family perfectly. Introducing "Ice cream Popcorn" LePage (hmmm, I wonder who had the naming rights?). She brings a smile to all our faces whenever we enter the kitchen.

I will have to say, she is the lowest maintenance member of our little family, by far. :)

In Search of the Perfect Pumpkin

Hollis and I visited Stuckey Farm for the 3rd time this season. This time, however, we were searching for the perfect pumpkin. We were out in the patch so long that a sweet little old farmer came to check on us to make sure we were ok.

I just love Stuckey Farm. The apples, the pumpkins, the hayrides,the wide open spaces, the beehive, the cider press and cider slushies-it all just helps kick off the beginning of Fall. I also love to watch Hollis pick 14 lbs of apples each visit(and no, I am NOT kidding about the 14 lbs). When she looks back on her childhood, I hope her memories of this little place are just as sweet I hope they'll be.

As for now, just call us the "Bubba Gumps of apples"- apple pie, apple crisp, apple bread, apple muffins, applesauce.....