Happy Thanksgiving 2023

 A new version of Thankgiving this year - Dinner at Buca di Beppo then back to Nana and Papa's for drinks and desserts. Lots of desserts! 

JoBros Show

It was an early Christmas present for Sydney. Bill and I surprised her with tickets to the Jonas Brothers 5 Albums, One Night concert. She was very surprised!

Great seats for her to see the stage and bonus stage closer to us. 

Halloween 2023

 Working on the spooky season jack o'lanterns. I don't think the kids have any ideas what to dress up as this year. Going to be a last minute scramble as it will also be in the low 30s. Very opposite of last year. 

So much chaos trying to get costumes ready (Colin started his after he got home from school), and meeting up with friends, that we forgot to feed the dog! I had Syd wear my outfit, the pineapple, knowing that she would be much warmer. Turns out Onesies were very popular costumes this year. 

 

Homecoming 2023

Colin and I were several mother son duos shopping the days before Homecoming for  a dress shirt and slacks. Where were the dads? ;) 

He went with Eric and Alec and met up with several other friends at the dance. From what he did share with us, he seemed to have a good time. 

First Day of School 2023

 Syd was out of her mind waiting for the first day of school! She came home shot out of a cannon sharing all the great new things about middle school. Colin came home and declared he accomplished what was needed and he could be done for the year. 

Sixth and ninth graders started on Tuesday after Labor Day and had the schools to themselves. Colin had one more day to sleep in.

Cedar Point

Bill booked a 3 day trip to stay at Cedar Point at the end of Lake Week. We had not been in 15+ years and this was the kids' first visit. We are always telling the kids that Valley Fair is a mini version of Cedar Point. 

We had great weather for 2 days at the park and 1 day at the water park. The cabin we stayed in was convenient with early access. 

Sydney took on the roller coasters after we started with Iron Dragon and moved up from there. Her favorite may be Maverick. 

Colin and Bill loved the speed of the Millennium Force and the thrill of Steel Vengeance. 

Zonked out on their sofa beds.

Hot dogs in a stick with CP fries - Yum!

The kids enjoyed the Racing Derby Carousel as much as we did.

In line for the Gemini with Cousin Zoe and Sam (with a photo bomb).

They were there for the day. 

Valravn coaster

At the Lighthouse resort pier. 

We took advantage of the hot tub and pool at the end of the first night. 

On the Sky Ride

Everything "CP"

Saying a prayer? 

Syd preferred the Valley Fair North Star swings to these fixed swings. 

Lake Week 2023

Colin and Sydney are always so excited for Lake Week. 

It felt like we doubled the number of people with so many little cousins running amok. 

Colin and Liam (10 months)

King of the swim platform

S'mores!

ZuZu time

Annual trip to the Dairy Bar

Otis and Sydney

Colin wrestling Brodie and Otis

Aunt Jen, Nana Mary, Syd and I checked out the new tree top walk at MSU's Hidden Gardens