Labor Day with the Lucius Family

Our friends, Ralph and Kristine, threw an end of the summer bbq on Sunday. It was originally planned as a pool party - but the weather didn't cooperate. Instead, they had lots of other fun activities planned for the kids. Ralph (below in the background) designed and led the kids through an obstacle couse. He even timed them! The kids had a great time - despite having to wait AND take turns. Romy just edged out Dorian to be the first through the hay tunnel.

Joshua and Sydney in action during the hippity hop portion of the course.

Emma Grace won the dirtiest child award. She had so much fun painting and it showed. As a result, she had a spur of the moment bath in the middle of the barbecue to wash off her masterpiece. Romy, Sydney, and Sasha also had a great time in the paint.

Go figure - Thomas is riding in Joshua's tractor. He and Max had fun tooling around the yard. We tried to overlook the fact that they were drinking (capri sun's thank goodness) and driving.

Savannah found some eggs! Ralph and Kristine live on a farm and have lots of animals. They have chickens, goats, horses, and LOTS of kittens. Almost like a petting zoo - just cleaner, more humane, and more fun!

A great day, with great friends.

Family Photo Shoot

My family humored me and participated in family pictures this morning. The humoring me part comes in because we had to be at the beach at 7am. Pretty early for a Sunday morning. It was cold (48 degrees), windy and early. Quite the trifecta. We did get a few good shots though... (I'll edit them later for cropping)

Clothing Optional

Seriously. I just couldn't resist. Thomas and I are spending some time on the deck this morning. He has been swimming in his pool and playing in his water table. We are enjoying the cool weather, shade, and chirping birds. One of us is wearing clothing, one of us is not.

Let the Harvesting Begin

With the break in the weather, I got the bug to spend a little time in the garden this evening. Thomas and I went out to dig up our potatoes. This year was the first time for potatoes at the Asiala house. It was kind of exciting. Thomas found a wiggly little friend as soon as we started digging.

Dig, dig, dig...

Okay, apparently the Asiala's aren't potato farmers. This was our bounty. I'll cook them up in a couple of days as a side dish. Well worth the effort. We'll plant more next year and try again. If nothing else - the anticipation of potatoes is fun. Bonus- they required no maintenance or effort on my part after they were planted.

We have had good luck with our cucumbers and tomatoes this year. I was feeling especially domestic this evening and stewed up these tomatoes (cherry and roma) for the freezer. They will be really yummy in soup or chili this winter.

Roughing It

As much as I love my computer, tv, radio, and cell phone – getting off the grid for a while is one of my favorite things. We just returned from a camping trip with our good friends, Rob and Kathy. Not having a schedule, appointments, or anything to do for that matter was good for all of us. We lazed around a bit, napped, cooked over the campfire, swam, and rode bikes. Ahhh.

Now, we were off the grid – but not totally. My idea of roughing it is a campground with a pool. Kathy’s idea is electricity to run the a/c in her camper.

Alan and Rob did some fishing (and catching), Kathy and I did lots of chatting, and Thomas did everything in his power to be completely covered in dirt or swimming in the pool.

Alan was really impressed with himself for creating fire ;)

Rob making the Bennett specialty - hobo dinners. They were delish.

Roastin'

mmmm, gooey camping goodness.

Alan and Rob took Thomas to the sand dudes (dunes to the rest of us) yesterday. Kathy and I stayed behind. I took a great nap in a reclining lounge chair under the shade of the trees on our campsite. So good for the soul.

Kathy makes some of the cutest bibs in the world. She brought some along to work on while relaxing around the campsite. Alan thought it was hilarious to put a 40 on the arm of her chair.

Blueberry Pickin'

We live in the blueberry capital of the world. A few blueberry facts for you. Van Buren County has about 7700 acres of blueberry plants. That is more than New Jersey (the nations second largest blueberry producer) boasts as a whole state. Blueberries are the #1 antioxidant fruit.

This week will kick off the 47th annual Blueberry Festival in our lovely town, South Haven, Michigan. Since we eat so many of these little gems and live a stones throw from a mulititude of U-picks, Thomas and I went a pickin' this morning.

Caught in the act. I'm actually surprised he didn't eat more than he did. He did a nice job picking only the ripe ones.

Thomas with his bounty. We didn't pick very many because the mosquitos were HORRIBLE. But, we'll be back to get some more. Next time I'll remember the bug spray.

Wild Things

Thomas and I went to the zoo this week. We met up with our friends Kris and Sam. Thomas and Sam had a great time running and playing. In fact, this was a common sight.We went on a train ride- much to the delight of the boys

I think these drinking fountains are adorable. Last year, Thomas got eaten by a hippo. This year a lion got ahold of him :)

Thomas was afraid of the giraffes last year. He liked to stand near them but was really nervous about actually feeding them. It's amazing the difference a year can make. This time he fed the giraffe some lettuce and had so much fun I had to buy some more.

Sammy gets in on the action.

Up close and personal. Two giraffe babies were born at the zoo last year. This was our first chance to see them. They are SUPER cute! They are about half the size of the adults - but, with really knobby knees.