Port Sanilac

Sunday morning began with a sweet treat prior to leaving for church. Caleb insisted on taking his green birthday balloon which would ultimately get away from him after church. Papa chased the balloon only to have it pop when he caught it. We then get on the road and discover Caleb did not have his giraffe, so back to church we went in search of our long necked friend. Once located, we headed home for a quiet afternoon.  That evening we took a drive through the thumb to see the wind turbines on our way to Port Sanilac. The journey took us past both of my childhood homes, including the home my parents recently sold. With that came an overwhelming rush of emotions and memories. After seeing the turbines, we headed toward Lake Huron where we made our way along the shore to Port Sanilac. We walked the docks of the marina and looked at all the beautiful sailboats. On the way to the docks, Caleb spotted the pirate ship play structure so the walk along the water was short lived. At the playground, he played fireman with Grandma and Papa. He made many trips down the emergency slides to rescue Papa. With Papa's help he conquered the monkey bars, zip line and fireman pole. After Fireman Caleb's shift was over, we left for home where we enjoyed pizza and cinna sticks for dinner.

Papa giving Caleb first pick of the Sunday morning doughnuts

Papa and Caleb lounging after church

Wind Turbine

Port Sanilac Marina

Posing for a pic on the treasure chest inside the pirate ship 

Swinging with Grandma

Going for a trip down the zip line

Taking a peek from the lookout tower

Two happy guys

Please Papa, just one more time?

Taking a spin on the merry-go-round

Conquering the monkey bars

Caleb and Grandma making their way to the top 

Gotcha! 

Fireman Caleb to the rescue!

Caleb's Birthday Celebration

The day had finally come! After eight months, almost to the day, I would get to hug my Mom and Dad. The morning was bittersweet because being reunited with Mom and Dad also meant our time with Bob and Ann was coming to an end. It was a quiet, emotional filled drive, to the thumb. I enjoyed taking in the beauty of the fields as we made our way to Papa Dave and Grandma Sandy's new home in Sandusky. After being greeted in the drive and receiving the much awaited hugs, we made our way inside to see family and begin the celebration of Caleb's birthday! Caleb opened his cards and gifts and went on a search to find all the toys and balloons Grandma had placed around the house. Everyone enjoyed a picnic lunch. We ended our celebration with ice cream and sprinkles and some of Grandma's amazing chocolate chip cookies. After many hugs, everyone headed for home. I enjoyed a visit with my brother as I marveled at his handiwork throughout the house he had remolded for Mom and Dad. We then made our way outside where Papa was inflating the bouncy house! Caleb spent the remainder of the day playing outside and with birthday gifts. It was like we had never been away.

Caleb's birthday lunch

You can't go wrong with Grandma's chocolate chip cookies and ice cream with sprinkles!

Ready to bounce, but Mommy has to come along

Taking a quick break from bouncing to pose for a pic

Not my most graceful moment.
Getting out was not nearly as easy as getting in!

Me and my handsome baby brother

Trying out his new tools in the  backyard

Grandma and Caleb searching for the next piece to the puzzle, a birthday present from Gram and Papa Bob

That's one BIG firetruck!

Every color and just my size

Giving Grandma a hand with watering

Hard at work with his tools

Building with Grandma

Howell Lake

Two trips were made to Howell Lake during our visit. Both days were filled with abundant sunshine and beautiful blue sky. There were small fish along the shore, plenty of sand and a play ground overlooking the lake. It was the perfect destination for all. Papa and Uncle Mark joined us on our first trip to the lake. Papa and Caleb fed Goldfish Crackers to the fish and Uncle Mark raced Caleb on the slides. Gram pushed Caleb on the swing, while we all soaked in the sweet sound of his laughter, as he tried to knock Uncle Mark's hat off his head! Gram, Caleb and I returned to the lake on Friday, our last full day in Howell. The highlight, of all things, was the drinking fountain! The memories from our time together will be cherished forever. Thank you Gram and Papa; we love you! We're counting the days until our next big adventure.

All things BOY

While hanging out around Gram and Papa's house, Caleb enjoyed all things BOY! All things BOY comes natural in a home that raised three! Caleb would rather be outside than anywhere else! Grass, water, dirt and sticks made for one happy BOY!

Fishing in the backyard

Digging in the dirt

Searching for his football....again

Collecting sticks for the campfire

Testing his squirt gun out on Papa

Fireman Caleb in action

At work in the garden