Michigan Trip

This week was our long awaited trip to Traverse City to see Grammy, Grandpa and Peter as well as Mark, Molly and Elizabeth's second cousin, Catherine. Elizabeth and Catherine are only six weeks apart in age and are going to be great friends. Molly and I hatched the plan for this get together months ago and had been looking forward to it since then.

Elizabeth and I flew into Grand Rapids and met up with my best high school friends Kristen, Katie and Sarah and all of their kids. To add to the fun, our moms joined us for a group lunch. It was great to have everyone together in one place, even if for a short time.

After lunch, we drove up to TC and celebrated Grandpa's birthday. Elizabeth was happy to help with gift opening and enjoyed our dinner at the Bluebird.

Molly, Mark, Catherine and Peter arrived on Friday afternoon. Elizabeth and Catherine hadn't seen each other since they were about four/five months old and had a great time playing together. Favorite activities included playing piano and trying to steal each other's favorite stuffed animals.

We wish we lived closer to all of our friends and family in Michigan and always enjoy our trips Up North.

Opening gifts with Grandpa:


The little train in Traverse City:


Waiting to ride the train:


On the train with Grandpa and Grammy:


Playing outside:


Chillin' in the cooler on the boat:


Playing with Catherine:


Piano time:







More piano with Uncle Peter:


Suttons Bay Marina:


Bedtime stories with Molly:

Calm Before the Storm

How can it already be the end of August? This summer went by so quickly. This weekend was our last quiet weekend at home for quite a while. We are either out of town or have guests in town every weekend between now and the end of September. I think the Fall will be just as busy and fun as this summer has been.

On Saturday morning, we headed up to the North Georgia Outlets for some back-to-school (or, as Uncle Peter noted, really just "to-school") shopping for Elizabeth, who starts preschool after Labor Day. After nap time, we spent the rest of the afternoon playing in the backyard.

John and I learned a good lesson this weekend. If you let your 22 month-old play with the cable box remote unattended, you might find yourself on the phone with Comcast nicely asking them to remove the $45 charge for "WWE Summer Slam" from your bill. Funny, and true.

Here are a few photos from our laid back weekend at home.

Elizabeth's trademark "grrrr" face, finally captured on film:


Thirsty:


I love to pour water on my head!


Sweet girl:


Tee ball set - current favorite toy:


Future tee ball coach?


Now, time for golf:


Feet reach the pedals!

Nashville Jaunt

When John's firm sent him to Nashville to interview Vanderbilt law students for summer jobs, Elizabeth and I decided to tag along. You don't have to ask me twice to go to Nashville!

What is typically a very easy three and a half hour drive took a little longer on the way up once we saw numerous signs warning us of "ALL LANES BLOCKED AHEAD" on I-24. We got out the map and found a side road to take up into the mountains, which turned out to be a very pretty drive.

Elizabeth conked out for her nap just as we were pulling into Nashville, so we killed some time by driving past Vanderbilt and the places we lived in law school. When she woke up, we parked at the law school and walked all over campus.

Because it was such a beautiful night in Nashville, there really was no choice but to head to SATCO for queso and tacos on the deck. Honestly, I would have headed to SATCO even in the pouring rain - the queso is that good!

This morning, Elizabeth and I got on the road bright and early so John could get ready for his interviews. It was a quick trip, but a fun overnight getaway.

A note about the photos: I forgot to pack my camera for this trip, which was maddening since there were so many great photo ops, particularly on campus. We have to make do with these iPhone photos.

Elizabeth offered to drive:


Too young for a tour of the law school?


Mmm... dinner at SATCO!


I think she likes the queso:

Visit with G. Jill and P.C.

This weekend we had very special visitors. G. Jill and Papa Charlie drove all the way from Arkansas to spend the weekend with us. When they pulled into the driveway, Elizabeth immediately recognized G. Jill from their weekly Skype sessions. Although it had been awhile since they had been together, the three of them quickly became best buds. They spent the weekend playing, having picnics in the living room, and singing songs. On Saturday, the girls had an outing to get school shoes for Elizabeth.

We all enjoyed G. Jill and P.C.'s visit and are looking forward to seeing them, and the rest of the Brown/Spack family, in Dallas in just a few weeks. (Geaux Tigers. Beat Oregon!)

Playing with G. Jill:




Modeling school shoes (right, left... who cares?)


After John's parents left Sunday morning, we headed out to the park.














Later in the day, Elizabeth donned her apron and oven mitts and helped Dad whip up a batch of jambalaya.









Have a great week!

BFFs

Today we met up with Miss Whitney at the Piedmont fountains. Whitney was Elizabeth's beloved daycare teacher and best friend until I left my job back in March. We have seen Whitney one other time since then but Elizabeth acted funny around her and kept her distance. Whitney was heartbroken! We planned another outing for today and it went fabulously. Elizabeth was able to visit with both Whitney and another of her former teachers, Miss Pelar. They both said they couldn't believe how tall and grown up Elizabeth is.

We are going to be sure to plan more get-togethers for Elizabeth and Whitney so they can remain BFFs!