Sugar Camp Days 2016

I'm not sure how this didn't get posted a month ago, but here it goes.

We really enjoyed going to the Sugar Camp Days last year, and when I won a free pass from the local radio station, we needed to go again!

We always love seeing what sculptures they make out of ice.

And of course D wanted to take a ride on the horse drawn wagon, she even got the top spot up by the driver.

The guys opted to walk along side the wagon.

Got to check out how the pioneers gathered the maple sap to turn into maple syrup.

My intrepid tree climbers.

L was super nervous to do this again, but braved it anyway and got higher this year than last.

D stopped halfway up to have a good swing before climbing all the rest of the way up.

We then headed in for crafts and some maple cotton candy, the best!

Beach Day

We hadn't gotten to the beach yet this season, and decided one weekend in August to head out. We opted for an evening get-away, packed dinner, and tried a new to us beach off of Lake Michigan. Adam had the thought to try Warren Dunes in Michigan, so off we went. With an arrival of 5:30, the beach was still pretty packed, but we luckily found a parking spot in the first row. The majority of people started to pack up and leave, which allowed us to find a great little spot to spread out. The kids had instantly spotted the giant dunes that people were climbing and rolling down, so Adam took them to try it out. They were in sandy heaven and came back with sand in their ears. I enjoyed sitting in a chair reading my book while they explored the beach. Unfortunately the temps dropped and I was freezing, so I didn't even get into the water and sat wrapped up in a towel.

But Adam and the kids could not stay out of the water and sand!

The sunset was amazing and you could just barely see Chicago way off in the distance.

And of course we had to get a beach selfie!

We eventually packed up and headed out. As we were leaving we noticed a great little ice cream and fudge shop directly across from the entrance, so we headed on over. Since I was the only one that was not soaking wet and had shoes on, I headed in and picked up cones for all. The places was small and quaint, but had everything you would want in a shop like that. On top of that the ice cream was fantastic and a great price.

It was now 3 hours past bedtime, and these kids couldn't help but pass out in the car on the way back home. It was the best time, and we can't wait to go back next year!

Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek Michigan

If you hadn't been able to figure out yet, we LOVE going to zoos, especially ones that are new to us. I had heard about this park years ago, and finally decided it was time to try it. We called up our best friends and loaded up in their van for an adventure! This time we were headed for Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek Michigan. We had to postpone our trip a day due to weather but we happily piled into the car first thing in the morning. The friends we went with have been our best friends/adventure buddies now for about 7 years, so travel is always easy. (other than fighting about who sits where in the van and which movie to watch)  Like we normally do as well, we pack a bunch of snacks, water, and a lunch to have mid day.

 We had made sure to pack sunscreen and ended up not needing it. The entire zoo is fully shaded by tons of wonderful trees. What we DID need and neither brought was bug spray. (next time!) Right away there were a bunch of fun things to have pictures with like a dodo bird or a giant ant!

 We decided to start by taking the tram to the Wild Africa section. We were thrilled at the set-up! It was as if we had really taken a tram to the Savannah. There was a customs hut, amazingly decorated areas, a fun walk path where you stumbled across elephant bones poachers left behind, a ranger station and training grounds, and the equipment building. I think that all the kids learned a few new things along the way, and the moms got a kick out of all the details.

 Had to feed the giraffes again!

Once we were done and had taken the tram back from Africa, it was lunch time. Luckily there were a few picnic tables right across where we had parked. So we grabbed our lunches and had a lovely little picnic. Afterwards, we headed into a little nature center. The kids got to explore different animal sounds, small reptiles, hang out in the roots of a large "tree", and run away from a giant life size elephant!

Then it was off to the domestic type animals. Again, things to sit on and get pictures with. There was also a goat petting zoo, where L got a kick out of the fact one tried to eat his shirt.

The only thing that I didn't exactly get was they had giant dinos in the domestic section. Odd, but very neat!

 (they actually fought over who got to sit on the nose of this non-moving not real dino)

Overall it was a great day, and the 1 3/4 hours flew by! I don't think we will go back multiple times a year or even every year, but we will go back.

Paddlefest 2015

Adam had heard about a local Paddlefest taking place at a county park. We were interested in going, and noticed they had a kid's race. For $10, both kids were signed up! They both got a great t-shirt, and raced in a pond around a buoy and back in a kayak. Both did a great job and actually with their times, both came in 1st for their age groups. We all really enjoyed watching the other races taking place there as well, and Adam is really excited to take place in one next year himself. 

 On our way home, we drove past a British car show. Of course we had to stop (my dad would be proud of me). The kids even got a kick out of all the different types of cars, and one even let them get inside. It was so tiny, that D fit in it perfectly!

And as we were leaving we were greeted by the wonderful sounds from this guy!